Christ's College, Cambridge - Sika Limited

From the outset, the Christ College Lasdun Building presented numerous technical, logistical, and operational challenges that demanded careful planning and exceptional teamwork.

One of the most significant challenges was site access and material logistics. Located in the historic centre of Cambridge, the roads surrounding the Lasdun Building are narrow and heavily trafficked, restricting the ability to deliver large volumes of materials or equipment. Emperor Roofing therefore implemented a phased delivery plan, coordinating smaller, more frequent deliveries to maintain a continuous supply of materials without disrupting other trades or local traffic. This required precise scheduling and constant communication between site management, suppliers, and logistics teams.

The project also required extensive scaffolding, both to provide safe access and to accommodate the complex roof geometry. This scaffolding had to be installed and dismantled in a way that did not damage the historic façade or obstruct key working areas.

Time constraints were another major challenge. Because the building serves as student accommodation, all works had to be completed within the limited summer holiday window, ensuring the facility could be safely reoccupied by September. This period also had to include the installation of solar PV panels, meaning Emperor Roofing’s programme had to work smoothly with other trades.

The building’s architectural complexity also added to the difficulty. The roof incorporates deep channels and integrated gutters, which form an essential part of Lasdun’s design. These channels were critical to the structure’s drainage and therefore had to be detailed and waterproofed with exceptional precision. Any imperfections could compromise the flow of water between levels.

The success of the Christ College Lasdun Building refurbishment rests on the exceptional workmanship and technical proficiency demonstrated by Emperor Roofing’s team. Every operative involved in the project was Sika-trained and approved, ensuring full compliance with manufacturer standards for the installation of the Sika Decothane® Ultra system.

The project demanded an extraordinary level of craftsmanship due to the intricate architectural details of the Lasdun Building. The roof’s design features deep drainage channels, tight corners, and complex contours, requiring the team to adapt their methods to achieve complete waterproof coverage without compromising the building’s distinctive form.

Weekly inspections were carried out by Emperor Roofing’s management team in conjunction with Sika’s technical representatives. These inspections ensured that every phase of installation met the highest possible quality standards. Any minor issues identified were addressed immediately, maintaining a culture of continuous quality assurance throughout the project.

The team also demonstrated meticulous attention to aesthetic detail. The Exposed top coat colour was carefully selected to closely match the original roof finish, preserving the building’s visual identity. This colour accuracy was essential, as the Lasdun Building is both architecturally and historically significant. The result is a finish that appears authentic to the building’s era while delivering modern levels of performance and durability.

Equally impressive was the operatives’ precision in handling complex detailing such as the reapplication of silicone sealant around window frames, ensuring a consistent finish and strong adhesion to substrates. Their ability to deliver fine detailing within challenging work areas speaks to the high level of training, professionalism, and craftsmanship that define Emperor Roofing’s workforce.

One of the most pressing challenges was the tight programme dictated by the academic calendar. The roofing works, including all preparation, installation, inspections, and solar PV coordination, had to be completed within the limited summer break. Emperor Roofing implemented a robust progress monitoring system, with weekly inspections and coordination meetings, enabling the team to identify and resolve any emerging issues in real time. This ensured that progress remained on schedule and quality was not compromised despite the compressed timeframe.

Material logistics also required innovative thinking. Due to restricted access, the delivery of large loads was impossible. Emperor Roofing overcame this by implementing a ‘just-in-time’ delivery system, ensuring smaller material orders arrived more frequently. This approach minimised congestion on-site and allowed continuous work flow.

When unforeseen detailing complexities arose, particularly within the deep drainage channels, Emperor’s management worked closely with Sika’s technical team to adapt application techniques and maintain waterproof integrity. This collaborative approach ensured that every design challenge was resolved swiftly and effectively.

Another key element of problem solving was the coordination with other trades. The waterproofing had to be completed before scaffolding could be removed to facilitate the solar panel installation. Emperor Roofing’s project manager developed a sequenced work plan, allowing sections of the roof to be completed and signed off in stages, enabling follow-on trades to progress without delay.

Throughout the project, safety and quality remained paramount. Emperor Roofing maintained open communication channels between site teams, supervisors, and management, ensuring that every challenge, from weather conditions to access limitations, was managed proactively.