Jones Weatherproofing was brought on to weatherproof the service risers for the Clive Booth Student Accommodation at Oxford Brookes University. This redevelopment project adds much-needed student housing in Oxford, bringing together architecture and the natural landscape. It aims to create a relaxed but social atmosphere for students, with sustainability as a top priority.
Morgan Sindall Construction was appointed to the project, carrying out ground improvement works and the construction of three blocks of student housing. The buildings vary in height from five to six storeys and have concrete roofs topped with GRP.
The team at Jones Weatherproofing was tasked with weatherproofing all of the service risers for the development – six to eight per building, primarily accommodating ventilation systems. With multiple contractors all vying for space on the roof, there were plenty of logistical and scheduling challenges. This provided an opportunity for Jones Weatherproofing to demonstrate flexibility while delivering professional service and high-quality weatherproofing that can withstand the test of time.
A collaborative approach to weatherproofing on a large-scale education project
Weatherproofing the service risers was essential to protect the buildings from wind and rain, helping to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for students.
Joe White, senior quantity surveyor at Morgan Sindall, explains that Jones Weatherproofing was chosen due to the company’s track record for reliable weatherproofing, along with an ability to adapt to complexities on busy sites. He says: “Jones Weatherproofing came highly recommended from a previous Morgan Sindall project, where they had performed well. They worked collaboratively during the tender process, proposing a more suitable system in lieu of the original specification to provide added value to the project.”
Jones Weatherproofing became involved near the start of the Clive Booth project, stepping in at the construction stage to address the weatherproofing needs. “They worked well with our construction and design team to find the best product for the project and provide support from the design stage to onsite application,” Joe explained.
Service riser weatherproofing and adapting to on-site challenges
The project’s scale and complexity required Jones Weatherproofing to adapt to scheduling changes and rooftop access. Joe noted: “The logistics of the whole project meant they had to work collaboratively and flexibly, which was crucial given how much was going on at once across three buildings.”
In addition to weatherproofing the service risers, Jones Weatherproofing went above and beyond by helping source GRP stepovers, which were used to create safe pathways over mechanical plant and ductwork on the roof. Joe stated: “These weren’t their key specialism, but they were very accommodating, providing valuable support when it came to procuring those.”
Courtney Foxwell, contracts manager at Jones Weatherproofing, explained: “We are committed to quality and versatility. Our team’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances while providing reliable weatherproofing is what sets us apart. We’re proud to have contributed to this project, and hope that it will enhance student living in Oxford.”
Reliable weatherproofing for the education sector
The successful weatherproofing of the service risers at the Clive Booth Student Accommodation project demonstrates Jones Weatherproofing’s commitment to quality.
By working closely with Morgan Sindall Construction and adapting to the project’s challenges, Jones Weatherproofing helped to deliver a result that meets the needs of students. Joe concludes: “Jones Weatherproofing are very approachable and willing to help even when the works are not necessarily their main type of works. Good early engagement from all their team all the way to director level made our construction site team feel comfortable they were the right company for the project.”
As experts in building penetrations and weatherproofing, Jones Weatherproofing works on a wide variety of building types. To learn more about the services we offer for education applications, please visit our dedicated education sector page or get in touch with a member of our team to discuss your project.