A Mapei coating system has been used to create a helipad at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital – England’s first purpose-built specialist emergency care facility. Replacing an existing landing area, the helipad now supports both daytime and night-time air ambulance operations, with new aviation lighting and safety markings ensuring safe landings in all conditions.The installation was completed by Roadgrip for main contractor, Integrated Health Projects, the joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, and Ryder Architecture.The specification included Mapecoat TNS Primer EPW and Mapecoat TNS Extreme.
Hospital helipads play a critical role in emergency care, bypassing traffic, reaching remote locations and facilitating emergency procedures. To meet Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) standards, they must be exceptionally durable, clearly marked and safe in all weather conditions. Mapecoat was selected to meet stringent performance criteria, providing excellent day and night-time visibility, resistance to heavy rotor wash and reliable grip in wet and icy conditions.
Roadgrip’s installation programme commenced with the preparation of the new concrete slab. This is imperative to remove all concrete laitance as the product needs to be applied to a clean, dust-free surface. The concrete was shotblasted and the surface was then primed with water-based, solvent-free epoxy, Mapecoat TNS Primer EPW, to promote adhesion.Mapecoat TNS Extreme was then applied to the prepared surface. A rapid-drying, two component water-based epoxy-acrylic coating, Mapecoat TNS Extreme provides a highly protective finish and a high level of skid-resistance. Multiple colours were used – including shades of red, yellow, dark green and white - to create the necessary helipad markings and meet the required specification. This includes the large “H” and touchdown circle to guide incoming pilots.
“As with many airfield projects, the weather posed significant challenges. The site is exposed, and strong winds, cold temperatures, and high humidity levels were a constant factor throughout the installation. The work required patience, precision and close coordination between teams, along with a top-quality coating system. Mapecoat provided this solution, allowing us to successfully meet our objectives - at this site and others throughout the UK,” explained Roadgrip’s Ryan Watts.
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