Thirteen flat roofs, eight roof levels… …and zero disruption to student learning

Originally opened in 1964 and extended in 1985, Reading University Library has undergone a complete refurbishment, both internally and externally, to meet the needs of ever-changing technologies.

The redevelopment provides better access and security across the building, as well as
improving its energy efficiency, as a result of improved insulation and ventilation.

Each of the ten existing flat roof areas were refurbished, together with the re-cladding of the exterior of the building and replacement windows. The complex multi-level building featured 13 separate flat roof areas with ten existing and three new-build flat roof areas, eight different roof levels, four different structural decks—concrete, plywood, profiled steel and profiled aluminium—eight different specifications using various combinations of strip and recover, overlay, new build, varying thickness of flat board insulation and cut to falls insulation.

The library remained operational to students across the entirety of the redevelopment, which started in 2016 and finished in October 2019.

The judges commented that the contractor demonstrated a well-organised operation to ensure uninterrupted progress to minimise disruption to others, improving the efficiency of the project.

A high standard of workmanship was achieved throughout by the installation team
at Owlsworth Roofing, obtaining a premium quality installation.

Manufacturer: Sika Sarnafil