Science Buildings re-roofing programme – University of Sheffield
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Summary
University of Sheffield roofing programme
Improving the long-term performance and resilience of key university buildings, a £4 million programme of roofing works is being delivered across the University of Sheffield estate. The schemes include the £3 million re-roofing of the Edwardian and Chemistry buildings, alongside a further £1 million roof renewal project at the Geography and Planning Building.
Each building presents its own technical and access challenges, with works carefully coordinated around occupied teaching and research facilities to minimise disruption while enhancing long-term building performance.
Improving long-term building performance
At the Edwardian and Chemistry buildings, multiple roof areas that had reached the end of their service life are being renewed. Works include removing redundant plant, pipework and deteriorated roofing systems, installing new waterproofing, improving thermal performance and constructing new plant housings. The roofs' multiple levels, fragile rooflights and numerous service penetrations require careful planning and coordination.
At the Geography and Planning Building, works cover the rotunda roofs, administration block roof and rear garage roof. The scheme includes removing existing roof coverings and insulation, installing a new insulated roofing system, and making associated alterations to services and drainage. Additional improvements include new edge protection to the administration block roof, replacement parapet cappings, and a new roof access door with internal steps.
Delivering within an occupied estate
Teaching and research activities continue during the Science Buildings works. Robertson has organised concurrent working across the Edwardian and Chemistry buildings, with separate compounds and planned deliveries to manage access and reduce disruption to the wider campus.
The Geography and Planning Building presents a different set of constraints: parts of the building and the adjacent car park will remain occupied, while access and egress are restricted. Deliveries, access to internal areas and activities near building users will therefore be coordinated with the University’s Estates and Facilities Management team.
A continuing relationship with the University
These projects build on our experience of working within the University of Sheffield’s live estate, including previous work at the Edwardian Building and the Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences. That familiarity helps our teams plan around building users, agree access arrangements early and respond to the practical demands of working on an active campus.
Together, the two roofing schemes demonstrate how Robertson combines technical roof renewal with careful logistics and stakeholder coordination, helping the University protect its buildings while teaching and research continue.
