2025
Milton Keynes
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Elder House, an office building located in Milton Keynes, contains a variety of offices and meeting spaces catering to multiple tenants. This roofing refurbishment project focused on two upper plantroom roofs, covering 500m², and the main roof, spanning 1,600m², totalling 2,100m². The main objective was to replace the deteriorated asphalt roofing system, which had endured years of exposure and multiple temporary repairs, with a durable and thermally efficient solution that would enhance both the performance and appearance of the building.
SIKA SOLUTION
The original roof was an inverted build-up, consisting of an asphalt membrane, insulation boards, paving slabs, and pebbled borders. All of these components were fully stripped off, requiring careful removal to prevent damage to underlying structures and surrounding areas. The roof was then reinstated with Sika® Decothane® Ultra roofing system, which involved repair and priming of the substrate, installation of an air and vapour control layer (AVCL), insulation, and a carrier membrane before applying the reinforced Decothane® Ultra roof waterproofing system. Maintenance walkways were subsequently installed with an anti-skid inhibiting finish, ensuring safe access for personnel.
Attention to detail was vital, as the roof contained 234 plinths for a redundant Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) track, all of which required precise waterproofing and integration. Existing handrails were removed and reinstated, and upper roof cappings were carefully jet-washed and cleared of moss before refurbishment. Additional complexities included removing large roof access hatches, renewing timber joists and plywood reinstatement to maintain structural integrity and safe building access.
Project Size: 2,100m2
Roofing Contractor: Cemplas Waterproofing & Concrete Repairs Ltd
The project took place during winter and adverse weather conditions, including frost, snow, and icy surfaces, which needed careful planning and scheduling to ensure the roof was suitably prepared for installation. This required daily removal of standing water before installation could begin.
The structural aspects of the roof presented some technical difficulties. Two large roof access hatches needed removal, followed by renewing joists, plywood installation, and waterproofing to maintain structural integrity. Additionally, the roof contained hundreds of plinths previously supporting a BMU track, requiring precise detailing to integrate the new waterproofing system. The plant rooms contained numerous air conditioning condenser’s, pipe work and cabling where waterproofing had to be carried out without obstructing or damaging the machinery. Some plantroom areas contained tight spaces under fixed equipment, where only the smallest team members could access for installation, necessitating careful sequencing of work.
Through collaboration with the site supervisor, careful planning, and a combination of skilled tradespeople, the project was completed safely, on time, and to a high-quality standard. The new Sika® Decothane® Ultra built-up roof system has not only enhanced the roof’s waterproofing and thermal performance but also transformed the overall visual impact of Elder House.
Previously, the roof was covered in paving slabs and pebbled surfaces, which appeared worn and inconsistent. The completed Sika Decothane® Ultra system was specified in slate grey and provides a sleek, uniform, and modern finish. The bright red anti-skid inhibiting walkway stands out as a visually striking feature, guiding maintenance personnel safely across the roof while adding a bold design element. Handrails and plantroom areas have been neatly integrated, creating a cohesive and polished finish across all areas. Roof cappings were restored to a clean, moss-free state, further elevating the overall aesthetic.