MOHO Project, Manchester

The MOHO project is the first ever private housing scheme in the UK for which all 102 apartments were constructed in a factory before being assembled on site. The Icopal brief was to construct a robust, durable waterproffing system including a green roof area of sebum mat and deep bed planters with minimal maintenance and a 15 year insurance backed guarantee. a 3 layer reinforced heavy duty bituminous membrance system with inbuilt roof inhibitors was used.

the project won Best in Show in the RBM Awards scheme. The judges commented that "This project is a good example of a single supplier working with a design team to achieve an appropriate finish to an interesting scheme. The result is an extremely aesthetically pleasing and innovative design with good technical solutions, complex detailing and an environmentally pleasing appearance".

Young Offender's Institute. Barnard Castle

The Prison Service commisioned Austin-Smith: Lord to undertake a series of over roofing contracts in their young offenders institute at Deerbolt, Barnard Castle, Durham.

In addition to deal with the prime requirement to deal with persistent leaks on several late 60's felt flat roofs, and increase security, the brief was to change the institutional appearance of the buildings and by a more sympathetic change of roof profile, enhance the concept of rehabilitation offered by the Prison Service.

Originally excluded from the commision was the prison chapel, a landmark building, octagonal in plan, with stone faced walls, and a steep pitched two dimensional sloping roof finished in lead sheeting. Each roof facet was separated by clere storey timber glazing making the flashing details quite complex.

Striking in appearance, the folded lead joints in the roof construction had started to fail, particularly in the narrow sloping and jointed gutters, causing internal leaks staining the timber ceiling and smooth plastered walls. The challenge was to cure the leaks without substantially changing the appearance of the roof. Like for like repairs in lead relied heavily on workmanship and was viewed as a high risk option. Dark grey coloured single ply membrane incorporating batten rolls was seen as a flexible and easily maintained alternative to traditional lead, capable of giving a very similar final appearance.

Initial discussions with Sarnafil settled the basic specification, and from their database of contractors Sarnafil identified Helix Roofing as a company with the skills capable of carrying out the architects requirements. A site inspection with representatives from Sarnafil and Helix highlighted the prime cause of the leaks, the narrow jointed gutters. A detail was agreed to widen the gutter taking advantage of the large sheet lengths available in single ply membrane tus avoiding joints along the length of the gutter. It was also possible to use welded joints to waterproof flashings elsewhere.

Helix Roofing offered a one stop solution using operatives capable of providing the carpentry timber builders work alterations needed to widen the gutters and support the single ply membrane sheeting. In this way avoiding split responsibility for workmanship. Following the meeting Helix Roofing were then recommended to the main contractor, Mowlem Northern, for inclusion on their final tender procurement list. After tendering in competition Helix were awarded the contract.

Working within the Prison Services strict regime, which included the security clearance of operatives, and strict working hours determined by the system of prison "Escorts" always needing to be in attendance, Helix completed the work on programme, to a high standard of workmanship, without claims for increased costs.

All concerned with the project are pleased with the outcome. The leaks have been cured and the appearance appears unchanged. We are pleased with the work carried out by Helix roofing and would be pleased to recommend this firm for single ply membrane contracts requiring similar skilled workmanship and attention to detail.

Ellis Ashton Street Huyton

In 2005 Spencer Holdings PLC contacted Helix regarding Site B at Ellis Ashton Street, a series of industrial units which had fallen into disrepair, with a view to developing the site into modern, functioning units with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The works consisted of stripping the 8,000m2 existing asbestos sheet roof for removal by a specialist contractor, and the design and installation of the roofing and cladding package. The package Helix proposed comprised a built up roofing system with white liner panels for a pleasing internal appearance and areas of translucent sheeting to provide natural lighting, as well as overlaying the existing brickwork with a spacer system and profiled outer sheet.

As with all refurbishment projects, there was a requirement to adapt modern principles to an aging building that had been altered in various locations to suit the owner's particular needs over a number of years, which had resulted in an uneven building line. The challenge for Helix was to provide a visually striking, angular building that gave the appearance of a new construction.

All involved in the project agreed that Helix was successful in this endeavour, and the project was completed within the timescale and budget set out.