Residential Housing,
Sheffield
The Client
The 1950s and 60s was the era of “Brutalist Architecture.” These imposing concrete structures were part of the post-war reconstruction of Britain, hailed as the future of urban living. Unfortunately, as the years passed, many of these beautifully designed structures fell out of favour and were either razed to the ground or left in a dilapidated state.
One such iconic housing estate is Park Hill in Sheffield, redeveloped by award-winning housing regeneration and development company Urban Splash. Now in its 60th year, a transformed Park Hill has won 17 awards and has been recognised as a showcase for urban redevelopment.
The Project
Starfish Construction worked with Urban Splash on the previous phase of the redevelopment. As part of phase 2, we were contracted to undertake the waterproofing of the building designated for residential housing.
Our initial visual survey and core sampling identified the roof had a concrete deck with a nominal amount of saturated fibreboard, screed to falls and then mastic asphalt. In addition, the core sampling identified the original waterproofing was unsuitable for an overlay and had to be stripped back to the concrete deck.
- 35 years plus life expectancy with a 25 year warranty
- Starfish Construction part of multiple phases of this regeneration project
- Creating a sustainable community by providing well-designed solutions
- A supply chain capable of delivering integrated solutions
- 150 tonnes of mastic asphalt and screed removed and disposed of safely from the roof
- Minimised water ingress during the works to allow work to continue internally
£500,000
Value
20 Weeks
Duration
3,300 m2
Area
Challenges and Solutions
When deciding on the best solutions for a project, we consider multiple factors. These consisted of; the minimal detailing required on this roofing project, the time of year and possible weather conditions, and the client’s request for a robust trafficable solution. A built-up high performance felt system was the most suitable solution when evaluated with the drawings supplied.
After a product supply chain review, we selected the Radmat Eshaflex system, which met all performance criteria and provided a 25-year warranty. We had specified Radmat products on the previous phase, the street waterproofing, which meant continuity of supplier and warranty. In readiness, over 150 tonnes of mastic asphalt and screed were removed from the roof in preparation for the new system.
Outcome
Radmat worked with Starfish Construction, carrying out a condensation risk analysis and designing a cut-to-fall system that was fit for purpose, meeting the necessary U-values to comply with building regulations.
Upon completion, we introduced a walkway to assist with the longevity of the system. A free-standing handrail was also specified and installed. The building now benefits from a high-performance waterproofing system with a 25-year warranty and complies with building regulations. Outwith annual inspections and gutter clean, the roof is maintenance-free, helped by the robust non-slip finish and walkway.
You can explore the history and evolution of Park Hill by reading Urban Splash blog: Happy 60th Birthday to Park Hill
Ourselves, Starfish Construction and Radmat worked closely to deliver a bespoke system fit for our purposes, providing a 25 year warranty. The installation took place during a very wet winter, and Starfish Construction worked tirelessly to install the system on programme, and within our allocated budget. We would use Starfish Construction again and would happily recommend them.
Development Director, Urban Splash
