2025
Manchester
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project involved the creation of a pioneering housing development in Manchester, delivered beneath the railway arches in Castlefield, comprising 40 homes for people experiencing homelessness. The new development is the result of a partnership between homelessness charity Embassy, and engineering consultants Curtins, with the whole scheme led by Embassy founder, Sid Williams. The architects were Jon Matthews Architects and AEW Architects, and the main contractors were Vermont Construction Group.
The site transforms a previously underutilised urban space into a vibrant and supportive community known as Embassy Village. The development extends far beyond residential accommodation, incorporating a village hall, outdoor green spaces, mini allotments, a laundry room, IT facilities, a training kitchen and a multi-use sports centre. For this project, roofing contractors Enviroply Roofing, and manufacturers Sika were required to install roofing on five accommodation pods (347m2), the village hall (97m2) and the staff pod (36m2).
The purpose of this new-build project was to provide not only safe and secure accommodation, but also structured support that enables residents to rebuild their lives. The charity aims for 90% of residents to leave the village in employment and transition into the private rental sector, equipped with vital life skills such as cooking and managing household bills.
SIKA SOLUTION
The roofing installation was carried out by Enviroply Roofing, who installed a single ply system manufactured by Sika. The system was applied to the accommodation pods, village hall and staff pod. Given the complexity of constructing the buildings beneath railway arches, the roofing design required a lightweight, durable and highly adaptable solution capable of meeting performance requirements while allowing for efficient installation within a tight site footprint.
The Sika single ply system was selected as it fully satisfied the project’s performance specification and addressed the technical challenges posed by the site. The roofing build-up began with Sarnavap®-500 E, an air and vapour control layer (AVCL) providing verified resistance to moisture vapour, along with longevity of use in this application. By preventing condensation and water build-up within the roof structure, the AVCL safeguards the integrity and longevity of the pods.
Above this, Sikatherm® mineral wool insulation boards were installed. With a mineral wool core faced in mineral fibre tissue, the boards deliver minimal thermal conductivity and fire protection. This ensured high levels of thermal performance, retaining heat during colder months while limiting overheating in summer, a crucial consideration for resident comfort within compact accommodation units.
The waterproofing layer comprised Sikaplan® G-15, a polyester-reinforced, multilayer synthetic membrane based on premium-quality PVC. This membrane offers resistance to permanent UV, wind exposure and common environmental influences, while maintaining high water vapour permeability. The membrane is installed using hot-air welding without open flames, significantly enhancing on-site safety. This was particularly important given the proximity of the site to railway infrastructure. Its recyclability also aligned with the sustainability objectives of the scheme. The detailing and complexity of the build made the versatility of the Sika single ply membrane an ideal solution, especially where quick, efficient installation was essential. The system is backed by a 20-year performance guarantee, providing long-term assurance to the client and stakeholders.
As the UK’s first purpose-built homeless community village, Embassy Village has received extensive local and national media attention and is backed by major developers and charitable organisations. By combining high-quality construction with a clear social mission, this project demonstrates how excellence in roofing can directly contribute to meaningful, lasting change within a city.
Client: Homelessness Charity Embassy
Engineering Consultants: Curtins
Architects: Jon Matthews Architects and AEW Architects
Main Contractors: Vermont Construction Group
Roofing Contractor: Enviroply Roofing