New Bauder PV solar roof for iconic Byker Wall estate

How modern PV solar roofing technology is helping revive a 1970’s housing landmark in Newcastle

Byker Wall regeneration project

Baker Wall

Byker Wall in Newcastle upon Tyne is regarded as one of the most significant pieces of architecture of the 1970’s. The £26 million refurbishment scheme at The Grade II listed residential estate features a continuous block of over 600 properties.

The work at Byker Wall included the repair the existing roof and using the latest roofing technology including the installation of 132 Bauder photovoltaic (PV) modules.

Original asphalt roofing removed

Work began in 2014 to remove the original asphalt roofing, which had exceeded its serviceable life and been experiencing water ingress. As part of the required works the team had to convert the pitched metal roof back to its original flat roof status with profiled metal sheets and supporting timber framework removed

Thee original waterproofing was replaced with 4,500m² of Bauder’s reinforced bitumen system, BTRS, which has a life expectancy in excess of forty years, and included a highly efficient 120mm PIR insulation to achieve the required U-value and satisfy building regulations.

PV Modules added

Four of the ten housing blocks were then fitted with 132 PV Modules, enabling Byker Wall to generate at least 39.6 Megawatt Hours of solar power each year.

The PV system was installed using a welded membrane-to-membrane technique so that there was no penetration of the waterproofing or roof deck, ensuring the integrity of the roof is completely upheld. Simplicity of the installation also meant that Bauder approved contractor Hodgson Sayers could install the entire PV array in a matter of days to the exact specifications given by the client.

Creating sustainable employment was another important requirement of the project brief. In response, Hodgson Sayers created an apprenticeship programme that used Byker Wall as a starting point for employment, guaranteeing full time work at the end of the apprenticeship. As a result, four new recruits were accepted on to apprentice schemes.

Kevin Scott, Property Services Manager for Your Homes Newcastle: “Byker Wall is an exceptional example of how modern roofing technology can help revive a historical landmark. Bauder’s PV system was chosen for its aesthetic impact, penetration free installation, impressive performance credentials and compatibility with the waterproofing. Bauder and approved contractor Hodgson Sayers delivered a roofing solution of the highest quality giving us total confidence in the future performance of the roof on this Grade II listed residential estate.”

Bauder,
70 Landseer Road,
Ipswich,
Suffolk,
IP3 0DH,
UK

Phone: 01473 257671
Fax: 01473 230761

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