SGB access solution raises the roof in Cambridge
A landmark agreement between leading scaffolding and access group SGB and HAKI UK has resulted in a winning access solution for a challenging refurbishment project in the centre of Cambridge.
Main contractor Haymills is carrying out a £3 million contract to add an extra floor to the Department of Plant Sciences building at the University of Cambridge. The project involves raising part of the roof on the 130m long building, requiring a large quantity of roof-mounted equipment including greenhouses, pumping equipment, air conditioning units and freezers, to be removed and temporarily re-located.
In order to accomplish this relocation, as well as provide access and weather protection for the building during the works, SGB has supplied its CUPLOK® system scaffold and a temporary roof from HAKI UK with a 22m span.
For Haymills, the combined systems have provided a simple, efficient and very effective solution to a challenging access job. SGB was able to offer a complete service at a competitive rate, and its extensive design and technical service was a significant factor in it winning the contract.
"Haymills is experienced in the use of these systems and has an established working relationship with the University of Cambridge" comments SGB Group product manager Peter Bond. "Their brief was ideal for the CUPLOK® system: it is quick and easy to install and is probably the most widely used system scaffold" he adds.
A large CUPLOK® platform erected alongside the building supports the bulk of the relocated air handling equipment, weighing approximately 4 tonnes. Capable of supporting the heaviest of temporary roof loads, the CUPLOK® system is, weight for weight, stronger than traditional tube-and-fitting.
As well as providing access to the building, the CUPLOK® structure also supports the roof extension, built using 300mm universal beams. These in turn support the Hakitec 750 temporary roof which is comprised of lightweight aluminium frame sections which are craned into place and completed with fabric sheeting. The tough roof sheets are quick to install and slide into channels in the frame edges like the sail on a modern yacht.
SGB is supplying the German-made temporary roof under an agreement reached with HAKI UK earlier this year. The deal means that the Hakitec system is now available throughout SGB’s nationwide network of depots, improving HAKI’s ability to reach the market while complementing SGB’s hire fleet.
Site access was a major issue for SGB’s design team. The city centre location means that the site is hemmed in by narrow streets and neighbouring buildings. As the building remains in use throughout the project, access (both pedestrian and vehicular) must be maintained at all times.
SGB had to overcome significant logistical problems in order to deliver the scaffolding components to site and install the systems. Due to the restrictions of working space, they also had to construct a special 10m x 10m CUPLOK® gantry to support the temporary site office 4.5m above ground level.
