2024
Birkenhead
The Co-op Academy Hillside in Merseyside is a dynamic Primary School nestled in the heart of a proud community. Driven by mutual support and a shared commitment to children's happiness and success, the academy is part of the Co-op Academies trust, an organisation transforming education across Northern England.
Rooted in cooperative principles, the trust aims to provide children with improved educational opportunities. A key strategy involves revitalising underperforming schools, turning them into thriving educational environments. This often includes modernising outdated facilities to create safe, contemporary, and productive spaces for learning.
The school operates in a single-story building from the 1970s, which required significant roof renovations to enhance safety and functionality. The 300m2 roof needed a complete overhaul, as covered drains had caused water pooling, and the decking was fragile.
The project presented several challenges, including numerous skylightsand the delicate deck. Additionally, the work was scheduled for winter, necessitating precautions for inclement weather to ensure safety and quality. Since the renovations occurred during the school term, special consideration was required for minimising disruptions for students and staff on site.
The renovation of the roof commenced in October 2023 and concluded in May 2024. The decision to use Sika products was based on a solid foundation of good relationships, favourable price points, and robust product guarantees. The client had significant confidence in Sika, given their previous success with its products in previous projects.
Project Requirements
Specifically, a SikaShield® reinforced bituminous membrane system was chosen for this project to meet the requirement for a solution that could combine durability and versatility to deal with a range of design challenges and complex details. The SikaShield® solution provides additional and unique benefits compared to traditional reinforced bitumen membranes.
This SikaShield® solution contains a special hybrid capsheet that brings together the features of SBS and APAO modified bitumen. The end result is a product that delivers higher elasticity on the underside, alongside a surface that is extremely hard-wearing, highly resistant to UV exposure, thermal shock and freeze thaw cycling - and very difficult to mark or damage during the installation process.
The collaboration between Holloway Cook and Sika successfully helpedthe Co-op Academies Trust to transform the school, demonstrating how partnership and high-quality workmanship can create safe, modern, and conducive learning spaces. The rejuvenated roof now supports the academy’s mission of fostering a supportive community where children can thrive, furthering the Trust’s vision of educational excellence across Northern England.
Its ease of maintenance is particularly beneficial for a school setting, reducing the need for frequent repairs and upkeep. Additionally, its high durability offers long-term cost-effectiveness, a crucial factor for schools operating within tight budgets.
Holloway Cook, in collaboration with Sika, worked diligently to ensure the safety and success of the project. Given that the renovation occurred on an active school site, rigorous safety protocols were crucial. Regular risk assessments and site visits were conducted to ensure that the product was being installed correctly and that no issues arose. The continuous focus on safety helped to mitigate disruptions to the school’s daily operations, safeguarding the well-being of students and staff throughout the project. By selecting Sika’s advanced roofing solutions and maintaining rigorous safety standards, the project at Co-op Academy Hillside not only enhanced the building’s structural integrity, but provided an effective long-term solution to ensure no further costly repairs in the future.
