Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group

Aluminium has been increasingly recognised as a viable material for construction products over recent years. With concerns over fire-safety in external wall systems shifting industry towards non-combustible solutions, the benefits specifically of extruded aluminium profiles, such as decking or cladding boards, have answered many of these new challenges.

The benefits of using aluminium products in new-build construction go beyond simple compliance with regulations. Light-weight, cost-effective, striking aesthetics, sustainability and versatility are all key contributing factors to aluminium’s uptake. These benefits, of course, equally apply for the retrofit and remediation market and aluminium building products are routinely now sought by specifiers in the housing sector.

A recent refurbishment project in Bermondsey for The Hyde Group is a good case in point.

Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group

Site survey key to understanding decking replacement challenges

The roof terrace on the building at Davoll Court provides an attractive open space for the residents to enjoy and is an essential amenity for quality-of-life purposes. Its timber decking, however, had reached the end of its useable life so removal and replacement was required.

Working closely with the main contractor for the project, AD Construction Group, we began to develop a proposal for a non-combustible aluminium terrace decking system. Completing a detailed survey at a visit to the site, precise dimensions, build-up heights and project-specific details were gathered.

The existing timber decking was very tired and, indeed, rotten, bowed or missing in places. Made up of hundreds of irregular lengths of timber decking boards and with years of grime and weathering present, the terrace was in an unsightly condition.

Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group

In an effort to improve the aesthetics, the residents had complemented the raised brick flowerbeds with the placement of potted plants around the terrace area. The proposal was made to utilise bespoke AliDeck aluminium planters to tidily house these, retaining the additional plants on the terrace for the residents’ enjoyment. Additionally, there were several seating areas constructed from timber and these were also scheduled for replacement with aluminium benches constructed from AliDeck joists, brackets and decking boards.

Materials planning for the right solution and to ensure project success

Returning to base with the survey data, AliDeck’s Head of Sales, Paul Townsend was able to prepare a comprehensive plan for the supply of materials, with quantities of all components accurately calculated.

A combination of our 30mm Senior Decking Board and 50mm Low Joist were specified to ensure the most effective solution, both in terms of practical utility and cost. Our Adjustable Pedestal Brackets and Spreader Plates provided the correct build-up height for the terrace and ensured the load did not interfere with the roof’s waterproof membrane.

Recognising that the terrace area could be considered as two rectangular areas of 5.5m and 6m width, Paul proposed that decking boards be supplied in 6m stock lengths in order to neatly lay the boards to avoid the “patchwork” visual effect of the existing timber deck. Off-cuts could then be repurposed for use in the planters and seats to minimise waste aluminium.

Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group

Specification of 6m board lengths presented logistical challenges, though, specifically in how to transfer the material from delivery lorry to the 8th storey roof terrace. Unable to be carried up the internal stairs or to fit inside the elevator, it was agreed that to minimise resident disruption, a contract lift and crane solution would be used.

Arranging this involved liaison with local authorities for road closure and traffic management, so it became imperative that the project was operationally managed flawlessly, and that delivery was achieved on the scheduled day. As part of our commitment to helping our customers achieve project success, we have developed robust operations processes and we were able to move forward with every confidence in our ability to satisfy these inflexible demands.

The one variable that we couldn’t account for was the weather. With a wind speed limit in place for lifting to this height, we had to arrange emergency back-up to divert the delivery and store the materials in the event that we were unable to perform the lift. Fortunately, the weather was in our favour on the day and the lift was successful.

Close collaboration by all stakeholders delivers excellent aluminium decked roof terrace outcome

The installation of the aluminium terrace deck was completed by our Approved Installer, Wrightweld Fabrications. The team at Wrightweld have been working with AliDeck for decking installations for a long time and are experts with our full range of systems. The removal and replacement of the terrace went exceedingly well.

“All parties are delighted with the product, installation, and support from AliDeck throughout this project.”

– Jon Fellows, Contract Manager, AD Construction Group

Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group
Large roof terrace decking replacement project completed in Bermondsey, London, as part of refurbishment works for The Hyde Group

A particularly satisfying element of the project is the impact of the bespoke planters and benches. Constructed entirely from AliDeck joists and decking boards, these neat and tidy structures integrate perfectly to the terrace and provide a seamless aesthetic.

All in all, it’s an excellent outcome for all stakeholders. The close collaboration between The Hyde Group, AD Construction Group, Wrightweld Fabrications, and AliDeck was key to the project’s success. Our unified approach to working together for the right end result has helped us revitalise the living space of another building for its residents.