T R Freeman has completed the roofing and cladding element of a primary school in Houlton.
Appointed by lead contractor Stepnell, T R Freeman installed in excess of 660m² of Tecu Oxid copper roofing to the main hall, small hall and two lantern roofs.
Working with Van Heyningen and Haward Architects (VHH) striking design, Tecu Oxid copper was also used for the cladding on the hall walls, lantern walls and flue wall. In contrast, the flat roof consisted of Resitrix SKW – a light grey self-adhered EPDM rubber membrane.
One of the most complicated elements of the development was the curved, copper hyperbolic paraboloid / saddle roof over the main hall, which was said to give a dynamic and futuristic feeling to the design of the building.
Gary Webb, pre-construction director of T R Freeman, said: “This exceptional primary school building will be set to serve the first wave of residents in the new township of Houlton – a 1,200-acre phased urban extension on the east of Rugby. The materials and design of the school were chosen to set the tone for the schools and buildings which will follow.”
During the construction of the build, T R Freeman’s experience and skills were called upon to assist with obstacles as they arose. One such instance was in designing and installing a multi-span 159mm steel deck with a double curved steel structure and not knowing until installation if the deck would flex sufficiently to accommodate the curve of the steel.
Throughout the duration of the project the management team co-ordinated all activities on site between the company, contractors and individuals to ensure that all the requirements of our BS OHSAS 18001:2007 Occupational Health & Safety Management System were met.
T R Freeman worked closely with Stepnell to ensure the project was delivered on time and in budget and importantly, to a high standard of workmanship.
