Biodiverse Living Roof
Biodiverse living roofs are significant biologically diverse environments.
Bedminster Green (Stafford Yard)
Bristol
Delivered by Dandara Living, the project comprises 295 new apartments across two residential buildings, incorporating roof terraces and extensive green roof zones to enhance resident wellbeing.
- Client
- Dandara Living
- Project
- New Build
- Sector
- Residential
- System categories
- Waterproofing Systems, Green Roofs
- Accredited installer
- Roofworx (UK) Ltd
Starcoat® PMMA Waterproofing System
A flame free and rapid cure, two component polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin waterproofing system.
Cityflor® Waterproofing System
Cityflor warm roof living roof systems for use in extensive and intensive green, biodiverse brown and modular green roofs.
Hyranger® Waterproofing System
Hyranger flat roof waterproofing system is developed to guarantee strength, stability, performance and cost efficiency.
Wilotekt®-Plus Waterproofing System
The original and industry renowned second generation hot melt system. For use on all inverted roofs, podium decks, living roofs, blue roofs and car park decks.
Project Overview
Bedminster Green (Stafford Yard) is a major Build-to-Rent residential development forming part of a wider urban regeneration scheme on a former brownfield site in Bristol. Delivered by Dandara Living, the project comprises 295 new apartments across two residential buildings, incorporating roof terraces and extensive green roof zones to enhance resident wellbeing, sustainability and long-term environmental performance.
Axter was appointed to design, specify, and support the installation of all flat-roof, podium, and terrace waterproofing systems across Plots 4 and 4a. Working closely with ECE Westworks (Architect) and Axtershield installer Roofworx (TWG), Axter delivered a fully coordinated roofing package that combined warm roof systems, green roofs, and hot-melt waterproofing. The specification was developed to meet fire and sustainability requirements while supporting phased construction and long-term lifecycle value.
Challenges
The project presented a highly complex roofing environment, including green roof zones, landscaped podiums and terrace areas across two large residential buildings. The main roof areas totalled approximately 2,600 m², complemented by two podiums of 500–600 m² each, all requiring different performance solutions within a single, coordinated design.
A key challenge was restricted roof access caused by phased scaffolding for cladding and brickwork. Roof areas were only released incrementally, requiring careful sequencing, temporary night seals to protect partially completed warm roof build-ups, and close coordination with follow-on trades. Complex abutments to perpendicular walls, high upstands for condensation control, and interfaces with landscaping, AOVs and terrace finishes demanded bespoke detailing to maintain waterproofing integrity throughout the programme.
Ensuring long-term performance under these conditions was critical, particularly as completed areas were frequently overbuilt or trafficked by other trades. Robust quality control and verification measures were therefore essential to the project’s success.
Solutions
Axter specified a combination of proven systems tailored to each roof zone, including the HYRANGER warm roof system, CITYFLOR warm roof system for green roofs, and WILOTEKT-PLUS hot melt waterproofing for podiums and terraces. PMMA detailing was incorporated at complicated junctions, penetrations and interfaces to ensure continuity and durability across the entire scheme.
Axter worked closely with the project team to develop bespoke installation details and step-by-step guidance covering membrane sequencing, insulation layouts and interface treatments. Tapered insulation designs, site-specific rainwater drainage calculations and detailed thermal assessments were produced and embedded directly into the architect’s NBS Chorus workspace, streamlining coordination and reducing risk.
Electronic leak detection testing was carried out across all completed roof and podium areas to verify waterproofing integrity, particularly following scaffold removal and overbuild works. Bi-weekly site inspections by Axter’s QA team ensured full compliance with BS 6229, NHBC standards and Axter specifications, while also protecting completed works during subsequent construction phases.
The Axter Approach
Axter’s approach combined early technical engagement, proactive planning and continuous on-site support to manage complexity and maintain programme momentum. Close collaboration with Dandara Living, ECE Westworks and Roofworx ensured that installation sequencing aligned with scaffolding availability, brickwork completion and landscaping works, minimising disruption and avoiding rework.
Quality assurance was embedded throughout the project, with regular inspections, electronic testing and prompt issue resolution providing confidence in the long-term performance of the roofs. Health, safety and environmental considerations were integral to every stage, supported by structured sequencing, safe access strategies.
High-performance Hytherm MW mineral wool insulation was specified across all roof zones to achieve Part L compliance, optimise drainage and support the project’s wider energy efficiency and BREEAM objectives. Combined with Axter’s waterproofing systems, this delivered robust, durable and sustainable roof solutions designed for the full lifecycle of the development.
The Result
Despite complex detailing, restricted access and phased construction, the Bedminster Green (Stafford Yard) project was delivered on time and to an exceptionally high standard. The completed roofs and podiums provide long-term waterproofing performance and safe, accessible spaces for residents.
The project demonstrates Axter’s expertise in delivering coordinated, large-scale residential roofing solutions within demanding construction environments, supported by robust design, technical excellence and long-term guarantees.