Going “underground” at Trevissome

It may seem counter-intuitive but as flat roofers we are also used to working underground, installing waterproof linings for basements or swimming pools. That’s because many of the same techniques and materials which are more typically thought of in connection with flat roofs lend themselves perfectly to waterproofing other structures, whether above or below ground. This means that we are equally at home waterproofing the base of a wind turbine, installing a non-slip floor or up on a flat roof.

So we were pleased when we were asked to contribute to an “ultra eco underground office” at Trevissome Park near Truro. On this particular project, however, we were working in the open air; roofing offices which were designed to have the feel of being semi-underground in order to blend in with the surrounding countryside. Packed with eco features including energy generated from a wind turbine and solar PV the offices have been designed to be thermally efficient no matter what the Cornish weather.

Given the nature of the project and its relatively exposed location the roofing products chosen had to be robust and also tie in to the eco nature of the rest of the building. The chosen solution called for single ply roofing allied to a Danosa HS membrane. Not only does this product have high dimensional stability its weathering and UV radiation properties make it ideal to withstand the Cornish climate. Danosa products also deliver good fire performance, a strong consideration whether installed in residential or office premises.

Stability was also of particular importance given the size of the project, with the eventual single story office accommodation covering some 9,500 square feet, laid out inside as four main offices with associated facilities. We may not have had to ‘go underground’ in order to complete this exciting and eco-friendly project at Trevissome Park but we were pleased to have been asked to contribute to such an exciting project.

This article has been updated to include drone photos taken by Danosa.