Sika Sarnafil protects UK’s first dedicated centre for stroke and dementia research

Sika Sarnafil’s single ply roofing membrane has been installed on the UK’s first dedicated centre for stroke and dementia research at the University of Oxford.

This will ensure that the impressive building will have a long lasting waterproofing solution.

The Wolfson Building is situated on the University’s John Radcliffe Hospital site and provides purpose-built facilities for the Wolfson Centre for the Prevention of Stroke and Dementia (CPSD), as well as research space for the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN).

Offering expansive views of the city and its surroundings, the new neuroscience research building’s H-shape floor plan was designed to symbolise the two departments’ collaborative relationship.

In terms of the roof, the facility required a robust and fully integrated waterproofing system that would accommodate roof penetrations, walkway and PV requirements.

Sika Sarnafil, the UK’s leading single ply roofing manufacturer, was specifically requested for the project by the University of Oxford and joined the project in the early design stages to help Oxford-based architect firm, fjmt, with the specification.

Credit: fjmt studio and photographer Quintin Lake

Sarnafil’s single ply membrane features in many of the University’s existing buildings, including the Department of Chemistry’s new Teaching Laboratories.

Highly regarded by the educational establishment for its ease of use, robustness and straightforward maintenance, the client strongly wished for it to be used once more.

Sarnafil G410 12 ELF in Lead Grey along with Sarnavap HD were chosen to weathertight the concrete slab room. Due to an uneven and rough surface, a system had to be specified that would overcome this problem. Roofing contractor Vertec liaised with Sika Sarnafil and decided to mechanically fix the single ply to overcome this.

Extra challenges emerged because of the numerous penetrations in the roof, totalling more than 50, including cables, pipework and ducting.

Opting to box them in, all penetrations were successfully sealed courtesy of the expert workmanship from Vertec’s Sika Sarnafil-trained installers.

With Sika Sarnafil’s support, who oversaw the project and provided advice and knowledge throughout, Vertec could get the roof weatherproofed on schedule.

The new building now houses a number of research groups, with work towards the Prevention of Stroke and Dementia already leading to substantial changes in clinical practice, such as promoting emergency treatment after minor warning events to improve stroke prevention.

The expansion of the centre means that research such as this will continue to benefit patients.

For further info on Sika’s products and services, call 01707 394444 or email sarnafilroofing@uk.sika.com