College Campus | Cambridge
Roof Performance Addressed for Large Education Estates.
Trusted partner:
The challenge:
Roofs across a historic college campus in Cambridge, were experiencing widespread water ingress, affecting both pitched and flat roof areas as well as associated guttering systems. With over 250 years of educational heritage, the college required a sensitive and carefully managed approach that respected the architectural significance of the buildings while delivering long-term performance improvements. In total, seven roofs were identified as requiring refurbishment. The works were further complicated by the nature of the live academic environment. A highly stringent safety and access strategy was essential to protect staff, students, and visitors, while also maintaining the privacy of residents within this highly esteemed Cambridge college.
The action:
Detailed surveys were undertaken to assess the condition of each roof and to develop a coordinated refurbishment programme covering pitched roofs, flat roofs, and rainwater goods. Given the occupied nature of the site, a robust safety and logistics plan was implemented, ensuring minimal disruption to college life and adherence to strict safeguarding and privacy requirements. Floating roof systems were utilised to allow refurbishment works to proceed safely and efficiently. These enabled full strip-up works to be carried out, including the removal of existing insulation. New insulation was installed throughout the scheme to meet current UK energy efficiency regulations, significantly improving the thermal performance of the
buildings. As part of the works, an ageing Georgian rooflight was carefully removed. The space was boxed in and new dome rooflights added. These modern rooflights are more easily maintainable, yet still allow daylight into the space below.
The solution:
The completed programme delivered a comprehensive refurbishment of seven roofs across the estate, combining modern roofing performance with respect for historic architecture. The new roof systems resolved existing leaks, enhanced energy efficiency, and ensured long-term protection for the college’s
buildings.
AlphaGuard PUMA Flat Roof Systemwas chosen for the refurbishment works. This system is fast-curing in low and high temperatures, certified with Broof(t4) classification, and comes with a 25-year warranty. By employing floating roof solutions and a meticulously planned safety strategy, the works were completed successfully within a sensitive, occupied environment — safeguarding occupants, maintaining privacy, and supporting the continued academic excellence of Homerton College.
