BACKGROUND
The Lloyd’s building is the home of the insurance institution Lloyd’s of London. It is located on the former site of East India House in Lime Street, in London’s main financial district, the City of London. The building is a leading example of radical Bowellism architecture in which the services for the building, such as staircases, lifts, ductwork, electrical power conduits and water pipes are on the outside, maximising space inside.
The building consists of three main towers and three service towers around a central, rectangular space. It is 88 metres to the roof, with 14 floors. On top of each service core stand the cleaning cranes, increasing the overall height to 95 metres.
The original enquiry came from Arup in Scotland who contacted manufacturers Bauder to carry out a full site survey. A comprehensive roof condition report was then submitted along with the recommended waterproofing specification. The project was awarded back in November 2020, and Bauder chose to partner with Inspire Contract Services who had been specially recommended due to their experience and capability to successfully deliver such a complex and prestigious scheme.
The “once-in-a-generation” overhaul of this Grade I listed building included the full refurbishment of all flat roofs on the property, which had remained in place for approximately 35 years since the original construction in 1986.
THE WORKS
Following an in-depth comprehensive roof condition survey, Bauder’s BTRS PLUS built-up felt roofing system was specified for the refurbishment works. Key features of the solution provided included the following:
- High performance, polymer modified bituminous membranes providing flexibility, strength and stability in the most demanding weather conditions
- “DUO” membrane lap technology, ensuring thorough sealing of lap joints, even in lower temperatures
- Totally organic insulation, manufactured from recycled glass (≥ 60%) and natural raw materials
- Attractive charcoal grey mineral finish with a contrasting green colour for designated walkways
Delivering reliable performance and compliance with the latest fire safety standards:
- A mixture of torch-on, self-adhesive, and hot air applied systems were specified on this project, depending on which area was being waterproofed
- Cold-applied build-ups were specified at perimeter areas and around all penetrations and upstands in accordance with the NFRC’s Safe2Torch guidelines
- The specified system also carried full BBA certification and provided Broof T4 fire performance.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
“Inspire recently completed extensive roofing works to the Lloyds London City office. Works involved renewal of all flat roofs with a complex high-level scaffold required.
This was a major project for Lloyds with strict deadlines on the contract programme and specific requirements about working times. Due to the nature of the works and the proximity of the site, Inspire illustrated that safety of the public, staff and visitors around the site was a priority when considering their work schedule. There was daily communication between Lloyds and Inspire’s site management team with the project organised so that disruption was minimised.
We were delighted with the outcome – Inspire’s work was of the highest quality and they were flexible and responsive to the needs of Lloyds Estates team and staff, with excellent communication skills and site project management.
We would not hesitate to work with Inspire again or recommend them to other establishments looking to have their roofs replaced.”
Terry Blacker (MCIOB) – Head of Corporate Real Estate at Lloyds.
THE RESULT
A number of technical and logistical challenges needed to be overcome in order to successfully deliver this project for the client. For example, the unique design of the building design meant that a special hanging scaffold system had to be designed. Another huge challenge involved getting materials safely up onto the roof and removing the waste away. This had to be done using wheely bins and tonne bags and required 3,000 lift operations during this project between the ground and Level 13 area.
The installation was also technically difficult in many areas. For example, the host of external services, supports, plant, equipment located within the working area, along having to operate in a continuously live environment meant that this was a particularly high-risk activity. Access routes, works methodology and sequencing all needed to be carefully planned so that we minimised any disruption to the client.
Inspire also successfully implemented a thermal imaging system on site which enabled regular reports to be submitted and analysed of the roof surface temperatures. This additional safety measure minimised any potential fire risk whilst also leading to a more efficient overall project delivery.
Overall, a collaborative approach ensured that this prestigious Grade I listed building was refurbished in a sympathetic and caring manner.
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