Doncaster College
Doncaster College’s Waterfront Campus is a vital education hub located in the heart of Doncaster town centre, adjacent to the River Don. Offering modern classrooms, industry-grade workshops, and a comprehensive library, the campus serves approximately 6,390 students annually. Originally constructed in 2006, the building had begun to show signs of deterioration, prompting an extensive roof refurbishment project as part of a wider programme to modernise the campus, improve safety standards, enhance sustainability, and prolong the building’s lifespan.
- Client
- Jarvale Construction
- Timescale
- 7 months
- Date
- July 2023
- Budget
- £1m
- Project Manager
- Scott Goodwin
- Project Location
- Doncaster
After
Progress
task
The existing roof system, installed during the campus’s original construction, had started to fail, compromising the overall building envelope. A detailed moisture mapping survey revealed extensive areas of trapped moisture, particularly in zones where the waterproofing integrity had been severely compromised. Rather than a full roof replacement, the survey allowed for a more targeted approach, identifying specific sections that required stripping and repair. This precision methodology enabled cost savings, reduced material waste, and aligned with the sustainability goals set by the client.
approach
Working on a live college campus required a meticulous approach to health and safety, scheduling, and communication. The roof’s extensive mechanical infrastructure added complexity, necessitating thorough coordination to avoid service disruptions and protect critical systems. Weather conditions also posed challenges, particularly for the application of liquid systems, requiring flexible and responsive planning to meet programme targets.
Maintaining minimal disruption to the daily operations of Doncaster College was a priority. Works were carefully phased over a seven-month period, with close liaison between Central, Jarvale Construction Ltd, and college representatives to ensure that activities such as examinations, term times, and student movement were considered at all stages.
solution
Jarvale Construction Ltd appointed the central to deliver the specialist roofing works. The scope involved refurbishing the existing waterproofing system to significantly improve thermal performance, upgrade energy efficiency, and contribute towards the college’s wider sustainability targets.
The refurbishment involved the phased installation of the Alumasc Olivine Derbigum High Performance Roofing System across the 4,204m² roof area. This premium system was overlaid onto the existing single-ply membrane. In areas affected by severe moisture ingress, the compromised roof sections were fully stripped and repaired prior to installation. Additional detailing included the application of the Alumasc QC Liquid System to seal around metal stanchions and the use of the Caltech UV Liquid System for the canopy roof.
The project required intricate planning and careful sequencing to work around the extensive M&E services present on the roof. Temporary disconnections were coordinated where necessary, ensuring that live HVAC, ductwork, and electrical systems remained protected throughout the works. Specialist flashing and sealing techniques were used to maintain the integrity of the waterproofing around services and penetrations. Collaboration with M&E contractors was crucial in aligning roofing phases with mechanical layouts, preventing service clashes and maintaining operational continuity.