The rebuilt £55M Mountbatten building reopened three years after a fire that destroyed one of the University’s leading research facilities. The building has a mathematical fractal design based on the atomic structure of a butterfly wing on its outer walls and was entered for the 2009 RIBA Stirling Prize. As part of the University’s School of Electronics and Computer Science and Optoelectronics Research Centre it will be a world leading facility.
The timescale for the 4-storey rebuild was less than two years. From the outset, Jestico & Whiles’ design was always going to be highly engineered, the complex envelope reflecting the building’s varied and specialist functions. A high performance waterproofing system was required in keeping with the sophistication of the overall design. As the UK’s most experienced Duoflex contractor, the Roofline Group proposed Duoflex as a solution which met the warranty requirements and the needs of an exacting building programme. With the support of BBA certification, the system ensured that a waterproofing solution was provided for the lifetime of the structure. Its particular value stems from the fact that detailing and upstand work can be done prior to phased works by other trades. Upon its completion, the building, due to its striking design and construction recieved much accreditation and media coverage and the Roofline Group are very proud to have delivered this for Bovis Lendlease as a key supply chain partner.
