SciTec update 06.11.06
The roof slab is now complete and basic waterproofing has begun. Extract chimneys and the lift overrun have also been built. Inside the building, installation of the services is now progressing with large lengths of copper pipe, service ducts and trunking making an appearance.
Externally the walls are being clad in stone. Hard, water-resistant Ancaster limestone, quarried north-east of Grantham in Lincolnshire, forms the lower layer and Clipsham stone, quarried north-east of Oakham in Rutland provides the upper layers. Each piece of stone has been carefully cut and numbered to fit in a precise position.
The stonework is separated from the external concrete frame by a thick layer of insulating material. It was always the intention of architects Feilden Clegg Bradley that the source of suitable stone should be as local as possible to minimise transport distances, just a small part of the overall “green” theme of the project.
From this point onwards a huge amount of work will go on inside the building as the installation of services is a considerable task. Additionally the glazed roof which runs the full length of the circulation corridor will be created and work will begin on the waterproof membrane which forms the basis of the “green” roof.
R.I.Briggs
Second Master