Project profile: Homerton College

By Emma Peterson.

This renovation of seven Cambridge buildings showcases how modern products can be used to honour historic structures.

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world, with a history that dates back to 1209. Its famous campus draws visitors and students from around the world for its academic achievements and scholarly collections.

Finding a way to honour this centuries-long legacy was front of mind for the Axel Group, who recently renovated multiple flat and pitched roofs around Cambridge’s campus due to issues with the existing roof and gutter systems related to water intrusion.

And the historic nature and architectural significance of these buildings was not the only challenge the team faced. The lively academic environment also meant that “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 Axel team started the project by conducting detailed surveys to “assess the condition of each roof and to develop a coordinated refurbishment programme covering pitched roofs, flat roofs and rainwater goods.” In total, seven roofs were identified for refurbishment.

The reroofing itself began by building floating roof systems. These systems enabled “full strip-up works to be carried out” with “minimal disruption to college life and adherence to strict safeguarding and privacy requirements.” During this time, the Axel team removed old insulation and installed new insulation in order to improve thermal performance and meet current UK energy efficiency regulations. They also carefully removed an ageing Georgian rooflight and replaced it with modern rooflights that are both more thermally sound and easier to maintain.

Once the insulation and other interior aspects were prepared, the Axel team moved on to the roof itself. They used Tremco’s AlphaGuard PUMA Flat Roof System for these roofs as it is “fast-curing in low and high temperatures, certified with Broof(t4) classification and comes with a 25-year warranty.” Overall, this project is a prime example of how roofers can provide high-quality solutions that not only resolve leak issues, enhance energy efficiency and provide long-term protection, but also honours historic architecture.