Urban Green, Manchester
Case Study
Laying the Groundwork
Every successful project begins with a solid foundation of preparation. For Limelight, we started by:
- Designing tapered insulation schemes to achieve the target thermal performance.
- Developing a site-specific health and safety plan to meet both HSE and client standards.
- Performing windload calculations to ensure the right balance and type of fixings across the roof, especially given the varying heights of the roof areas.
These early steps set the stage for a project where precision and efficiency would prove essential.
The Limelight development by Blacklight Capital Partners, situated north of Liverpool city centre, consists of two towers—one rising 16 storeys and the other 10 storeys—providing views across the city and the River Mersey. Together, the towers deliver 566 rooms of high-grade student accommodation.
Collaboration That Made the Difference
AAC Flat Roofing was appointed as the specialist roofing contractor for the installation of the Protan warm roof waterproofing system specified for each block.
We worked closely with the client to develop secure fixing methods and bespoke detailing that would perform effectively in the challenging rooftop environment for the long term.
Scope of Works
- Installed Protan 1.6 SE membrane over PIR insulation, mechanically fixed across both towers (approx. 800 m² each).
- Constructed a metal deck to direct water to central gutters, with triangular roof ends incorporating a complex tapered insulation scheme.
- Installed a bespoke gutter system and secured all tapered end details against high wind exposure.
- Completed waterproofing of the low-level reception area, covered with a blue-green roof to manage water flow into the attenuation system.
- Delivered overhanging perimeter waterproofing using safety harnesses, lanyards, rooftop safety cable systems, and MEWPs.
Overcoming Challenges
The project demanded precision and exceptional safety management due to:
- High wind exposure on the 10- and 16-storey towers.
- Complex tapered insulation design for triangular roof ends.
- Overhanging perimeter edge detail requiring operatives to work in harnesses and use elevated access equipment, coordinated closely with the client and site team.
- Integration with drainage systems to ensure rainwater attenuation without surcharge.
How We Delivered
Our delivery approach combined technical expertise and safety-first practices:
- Mechanically fixed Protan waterproofing system with PIR insulation.
- Bespoke tapered insulation to direct rainwater back to central gutters.
- Installation of a blue-green link roof for sustainable water management.
- Rigorous electronic integrity testing to verify waterproofing performance.
The Outcome
- 20-year manufacturer-backed guarantee.
- Independent verification through electronic integrity testing.
- An Insurance Backed Guarantee arranged as an added service (non-FSA, no profit made).
- A modern, low-maintenance roofing system designed for long-term durability to withstand exposed site conditions.