Gower College

Project Overview

Delivered within a live campus environment with thousands of students and staff in daily attendance, the project required exceptional planning, safety management and sequencing. Works included the controlled removal of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) roof panels, overlay refurbishment of retained asphalt roofs, drainage improvements and the construction of a new plant room to support solar and M&E equipment.

Axter designed and supplied a fully coordinated warm roof solution capable of achieving a target U-value of 0.13 W/m²K, while meeting Building Regulations, BS 6229, NHBC standards and Broof(t4) fire performance requirements. The completed roofs provide a durable and energy-efficient system suitable for long-term use within the education sector.

Challenges

The Gower College project presented a wide range of technical and logistical challenges, driven by structural remediation, multiple roof types and the integration of renewable technology.

Several roof zones contained RAAC panels, requiring controlled removal and replacement with new structural decking before waterproofing. These newly formed roof areas sat directly alongside retained asphalt roofs, introducing the challenge of differential movement between substrates. Bespoke movement joints were required to maintain waterproofing continuity and long-term performance.

Drainage was a further critical issue. Historic deck deflection and insufficient outlet provision had resulted in widespread standing water. Carefully coordinated tapered insulation schemes were required to introduce positive falls, while maintaining smooth transitions to adjacent flat insulation zones.

The project was also exposed to Swansea’s demanding coastal climate, with frequent rainfall and strong winds. A temporary scaffold tent protected early works but had to be removed quickly due to programme constraints, exposing large roof areas to the elements and placing additional emphasis on sequencing, workmanship and temporary protection.

Finally, the installation of a 135 kWp solar PV array introduced further complexity, requiring careful coordination of panel layouts, penetrations, walkways, drainage paths and fire-compliant detailing across multiple roof zones.

Solutions

Axter specified the FORCE Warm Roof RBM Built-Up Felt System to deliver a robust, fully compatible waterproofing system. Which comprised a VAP AL SK vapour control layer, Hyranger Spot ADH underlay and Force 4000 S Charcoal torch-applied capsheet, designed to work together as a complete warm roof build-up.

Bespoke insulation strategies were developed for each roof zone, combining flat insulation with tapered schemes to resolve historic drainage issues and achieve the target U-value of 0.13 W/m²K. Detailed thermal modelling and condensation risk analysis ensured regulatory compliance and long-term performance.

Axter worked closely with the contractor to coordinate waterproofing with the solar PV installation. A new GRP plant room was fully detailed with compliant upstands and service interfaces in accordance with BS 6229 and Broof(t4) fire performance requirements.

Material deliveries were managed via an off-site logistics yard, with planned delivery windows during low-occupancy periods to maintain safety and minimise disruption across the live campus.

The Axter Approach

Axter’s early involvement and hands-on technical support were critical to the project’s success. From initial surveys and RAAC remediation planning through to insulation design, drainage strategy and solar coordination, Axter provided a fully integrated roofing system that reduced interface risk and simplified delivery.

Regular site inspections by Axter’s QA team ensured workmanship standards were maintained throughout, with close attention paid to vapour control continuity, detailing accuracy and drainage performance. Electronic integrity testing verified waterproofing performance before handover, providing confidence in the long-term durability of the roofs.

Axter’s proactive collaboration with the wider project team allowed sequencing to be adapted around weather exposure, scaffold constraints and live campus operations, ensuring progress was maintained during critical programme stages.

The Result

Despite complex structural challenges, severe weather exposure and the constraints of a live educational environment, the Gower College Swansea project was delivered to a high standard of safety, performance and quality.

The refurbished roofs now provide improved thermal efficiency, reliable drainage, integrated renewable energy generation and safe long-term access for maintenance.