The Graduate Centre at Wadham College has been recognised for architectural excellence at the 2014 RIBA awards, picking up a regional award for the south and a special award for building conservation.
The student facility, designed by Lee/Fitzgerald Architects, underwent major renovation to keep it in line with Wadham’s existing architecture and to replace its failing terrace roof. Bauder’s roof system played an important part in the building’s new design through the creation of a roof garden that reduces its carbon footprint and the use of tapered insulation for improved drainage falls.
The project brief was to not only repair the failing roof but to transform its windswept passageway into an aesthetically pleasing recreational space.
Given these requirements, Bauder’s Hot Melt Structural Waterproofing with Intensive Green Roof Landscaping was a natural choice. This BBA certified waterproofing system provides a monolithic, fully bonded membrane that is robust and self-healing to minor punctures. The accompanying garden landscaping allows for a bespoke design with complete choice over planting and the layout scheme.
Bauder’s approved contractor overlaid the existing deck with 400m² of the hot melt system before installing the soft landscaping components.
The lightwell perimeter was waterproofed using Bauder’s premium bituminous system and concrete paving slabs were installed for walkways. This Grade II listed building is an exceptional example of how modern architecture and roof landscaping can revive a site of great historical significance.
