Gilberts steps up to enable school re-opening

The team from main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, in partnership with Gilberts Blackpool, at Ealing Fields High School in West London, overcame the impact of COVID-19 on site to deliver bespoke screening louvres in under three months.

Working together, and in a safe manner, was crucial to enabling the delivery of the new, £19.5m school build project.

The project, which from initial order to installation was finished quicker than the scheduled 15 weeks, was completed, as a result, in time for the official handover date and school re-opening.

In that time, Gilberts designed, supplied and installed the bespoke WGK75 louvres to create plant ventilation screening at 1.55m high by up to 20.7m long, with a double door section to allow access for plant maintenance.

The louvres are mounted, using the Big Foot non-penetrative support system, on the flat roofs of the new two- and three-storey teaching and sports block, adjoining the refurbished and remodelled Grade II listed central school building, which is a former manor built for Charles II’s Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Garry Healy, Bowmer + Kirkland QS, commented: “As the plant was being mounted on the flat roof element, the architect had specified we use BigFoot to avoid penetrating the membrane.

“It was the first time I had used it: Big Foot recommended Gilberts as being expert in working with the system, so it made sense to go with them to supply and install, particularly as, with COVID, we were against time meeting the deadline for the school to re-open.”

Robert Wardle, Gilberts Contracts Supervisor, commented: “Because of COVID, we were at reduced capacity, as were the construction team.

“By working closely with the client at all stages, we were able to work as efficiently as possible, which gave us a fighting chance to complete the installation by the required date.”

Gilberts WGK louvre system is specifically designed for bespoke screening and ventilation in unusual applications, allowing for planned or last-minute variations in size or shape.

As standard, it provides a 75mm pitch at 45 degrees, with 50% free ventilation area whilst protecting from ingress by weather and airborne particulates.

WGK is one component of Gilberts’ range of standard and high performance screening louvres, including acoustic, factory assembled and kitform solutions.

Contact:

Gilberts of Blackpool,
Gilair Works,
Clifton Road,
Blackpool,
FY4 40T

Phone: 01253 766911
Fax: 01253 767941

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