A mixed-use development in Glasgow has been successfully completed using Alumasc’s Hydrotech waterproofing system as well as a green roof solution from the company.
185-221 Buchanan Street is a new œ70m development comprising 11,400m2 of retail space and 49 residential units. Owned by Land Securities, the development features a large rooftop garden that required a robust waterproofing solution.
Alumasc says BDP Architects specified both its Hydrotech hot melt structural waterproofing system and green roof due to the benefits offered by a single-source solution and the quality of the products.
The architects’ intricate roof detailing meant that it had to work very closely with Alumasc’s technical team from the outset to overcome the challenge. As a hot-melt system, and due to its versatility, Alumasc says Hydrotech was ideally suited to accommodating this and was perfect for use under the green roof.
The green roof system from Alumasc addressed the need for a suitable growing medium to be supplied that could be deposited onto the five storey building’s roof in large volumes. This was required as a result of the development being in a busy city-centre location. These issues were overcome and the intensive green roof garden was installed.
In total, over 4,000m2 of Hydrotech and 2,000m2 of green roofing, was installed.
Kath MacTaggart, landscape architect at BDP, said:
“As with any roof garden project, the challenge is in the detailing of all interfaces and logistics to ensure that a system is watertight. We used Hydrotech at Buchanan Street as it was part of the proprietary Alumasc green roofing system and therefore had the benefits of a fully guaranteed system. To date, we are very happy with the results.”
Hydrotech is a BBA approved, fully warranted waterproofing system, designed to last the lifetime of the structure it is applied to. It has European Technical Approval and is also FM Approved. Alumasc green roof systems, under the Blackdown brand, are available in intensive, biodiverse and extensive application categories with a wide range of planting options.
John Kelly, area manager for Scotland at Alumasc Roofing, added:
“It was great to be involved with such a celebrated development in this major area of Glasgow. The Hydrotech system will ensure the integrity of the roof for many years to come, whilst the green roofing provides an attractive outdoor space for residents to enjoy.”
