THE WINNERS of the 2024 Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) Awards were announced on Wednesday 20 March at a gala dinner in Liverpool.

The event attracted more than 380 guests and was supported by several organisations, including headline sponsor, Sika.

Eight projects across four categories were recognised at the event, including Liquid Roofing Project of the Year under 1,000 sq. m, Liquid Roofing Project of the Year over 1,000 sq. m, Liquid Roofing Project of the Year in a Buried Application, and Liquid Waterproofing Project of the Year.

As well as a winner of each category, there was a highly commended award for projects that just missed out on the top spot.

Winners

The 2024 project award winners are:

Liquid Roofing Project of the Year under 1000 sq. m (sponsored by Instar UK)

Hilton Hyde Park Central Dome – Remmers & Building Transformation

Hilton Hyde Park Central Dome

The Hilton Hyde Park Central Dome, part of London’s architectural heritage, faced leaks, prompting urgent repair. Repairs were needed due to cracked lead work and defects to the masonry, prior to the dome being coated using a Polyurethane liquid applied membrane to replicate the aesthetics of the original lead roof.

Other challenges involved thorough testing, safe access trials around intricate M&E components, and deploying rope access teams for high-altitude work. The project, undertaken within densely populated public areas, prioritised safety, necessitating bespoke solutions and adherence to the historical building.

Liquid Roofing Project of the Year over 1000 sq. m (sponsored by Linroc)

West Suffolk Hospital – Sika & Cambridge Flat Roofing

West Suffolk Hospital, Sika & Cambridge Flat Roofing

West Suffolk Hospital Nurses accommodation required refurbishment to address drainage issues, moss build-up, and leaks. The initial survey identified the presence of a RAAC deck – Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete – a form of lightweight concrete used in construction in many buildings between the 1950s and 1990s. This meant a more detailed structural survey was required. The survey identified the deck could be suitably reinforced internally.

Once structurally secure, a warm roof was installed using a cut-to-falls scheme to ensure compliance with current standards, along with a liquid applied Polyurethane membrane. Because of the shape of the roof and changes in level, the tapered insulation was highly complex with multi-directional falls.

Liquid Roofing Project of the Year in a Buried Application (sponsored by Quantum Insulation)

Prospect Place at Battersea Power Station – Volker Laser & Alumasc

Prospect Place at Battersea Power Station, Volker Laser & Alumasc

This project included waterproofing and roof finishes for three main structures in the Battersea Power Station Complex – a £9 billion landmark project in central London. Covering 42 acres, the mixed-use development includes residential apartments.

An inverted-roof hot melt waterproofing system was specified as well as hard landscaping to roofs and terraces, and green roofs across the three structures and other areas, bringing the total application to approximately 12,000 sq m.

Despite challenges posed by the aftermath of the pandemic and ensuring coordination with multiple contractors, the contractor successfully applied a hot melt waterproofing, providing durability and sustainability.

Liquid Waterproofing Project of the Year (sponsored by Polyfoam XPS)

The Wedding Cake – WestWood Liquid Technologies & EMC Roofing & Cladding

The Wedding Cake, WestWood Liquid Technologies & EMC Roofing & Cladding

‘The Wedding Cake’ pavilion at Waddesdon Estate was designed by renowned Portuguese artist, Joana Vasconcelos. The project required a waterproofing solution and a skid-inhibiting surface for this 12-metre-tall monumental ceramic sculptural pavilion, involving the waterproofing of each stairway on the three levels, as well as the walkways and terrace areas around the ‘cake’.

A PMMA liquid applied membrane was used to provide a highly flexible, crack-bridging solution while preserving the artist’s vision. The excellent abrasion‐resistance and skid-inhibiting properties of the PMMA membrane were developed specifically for heavily trafficked areas. A precise colour match was required for seamless integration with the porcelain tiles. The unconventional design and delicate aesthetics of this project were overcome successfully thanks to PMMA technology and excellent workmanship.

Highly Commended 

Liquid Roofing Project of the Year under 1000 sq. m (sponsored by Instar UK)

St John the Baptist Church, Rochdale – Kemper System & Castle Contractors NW Ltd

St John the Baptist Church, Rochdale, Kemper System & Castle Contractors NW Ltd

The Grade II listed St. John the Baptist RC Church in Rochdale is an iconic landmark, known for its domed roof and historic internal mosaic artwork. Persistent leaks were threatening the integrity of this historical building.

Refurbished in phases, the complex project included a tapered insulation solution to rectify issues with the west transept roof areas. For the east transept roofs, cut-to-falls and ‘lamella’ insulation boards were used in conjunction with a Polyurethane liquid applied membrane. The final phase involved the refurbishment of the large central dome roof, where the Polyurethane coating was applied after necessary repairs and priming.

Liquid Roofing Project of the Year over 1000 sq. m (sponsored by Linroc)

Emirates Stadium – Triflex & TSL

Emirates Stadium, Triflex & TSL

A fast-curing PMMA liquid applied membrane was specified to refurbish the 27,000 sq m roof of Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal football club.

Adhesion tests confirmed the liquid overlay compatibility with the existing single ply membrane which had come to the end of its design life. The liquid membrane accommodated complex forms and interfaces, providing a durable, watertight solution. The project faced additional challenges, including managing the planned 29 fixtures during construction and working at height in a live stadium environment. The refurbishment not only solved existing issues but also reduced waste and met sustainability objectives by using electric cranes.

Liquid Roofing Project of the Year in a Buried Application (sponsored by Quantum Insulation)

Old Bailey – WestWood Liquid Technologies & Ilfield & Barrett Roofing

Old Bailey, WestWood Liquid Technologies & Ilfield & Barrett Roofing

This was a complex project in a challenging live environment. The outdoor communal space on the eighth and ninth floors at the prestigious London office building was plagued by water ingress issues.

The existing inverted roof system had been designed on a zero-fall structural deck with timber supports. The first task was to expose the waterproofing element of the original design, by removing the planters, roof decking, timber supporting framework, ballast, and insulation. A PMMA liquid applied waterproofing membrane was installed on the terrace areas.

Logistically, this project caused working at height challenges within an occupied building, located in the city.

Liquid Waterproofing Project of the Year (sponsored by Polyfoam XPS)

Shmuseum – WestWood Liquid Technologies & Cure Group

Shmuseum, WestWood Liquid Technologies & Cure Group

The Shmuseum project used PMMA technology to create a racetrack-inspired dream garage for automotive YouTuber Tim Burton, known as ‘Shmee150’. The 1000 sq m garage features a visually stunning and robust floor surface, resembling a famous corner of the Grand Prix Nürburgring race track in Germany.

Adhesion to the original concrete floor required meticulous preparation, and the installation process involved precise marking, template creation, and intricate application of the PMMA resin to replicate track details. The versatility of the PMMA system could meet Tim’s specific design vision. Despite complexities, the project was completed on time, transforming a former milking parlour into a state-of-the-art garage.

Celebrating Individual Talent

The event also celebrated the talents of individuals working in liquid roofing and waterproofing.

Student of the Year

Luke Clayton

The Student of the Year award (sponsored by Rockwool) went to Luke Clayton from JR Roofing Lancs. After leaving school, Luke started his career in the roofing industry and soon found his path to training. Aged 18, and with full support from his employer, he took part in the Specialist Applied-Skills programme (SAP) in Liquid Applied Roofing and had a positive attitude to learning from the outset.

Luke’s employer praised him for being a great role model for the rest of the JR Roofing Lancs team and for demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

Special Recognition Award

Paul Mahon

Paul Mahon from Sika picked up the LRWA’s inaugural Special Recognition Award for Excellence to Training. The accolade celebrates someone who has shown unwavering dedication to training throughout their career, supporting the liquid roofing and waterproofing industry not only on behalf of the manufacturer they work for, but also operatives seeking industry-level qualifications.

Since joining his current employer 16 years ago as a training technician, Paul has become one of the industry’s most respected trainers. As training manager for Sika, he has been described as ‘an absolute credit’ to the department, as he exuberates ‘true dedication, fun and high energy’ in his training every day.

In 2012, Paul began supporting the LRWA’s Specialist Applied Skills Programme (SAP). Sharing his expertise and skills, he has, to date, trained more than 70 people in liquid applied membranes; putting them firmly on the path to becoming NVQ Level two qualified in liquid roofing.

Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA, said: “This is our sixth year, and the entries never fail to impress the judges. From highly complex refurbishments through to visually stunning structures, the projects not only demonstrate the versatility of liquids but outstanding levels of workmanship, problem solving and aesthetics.

“Against such strong competition, all the finalists should be very proud of their nomination alone, and for helping to showcase the strength of our sector. We’d like to congratulate all those who received an award and say a big thank you to our sponsors for supporting our largest and most successful event to date.”

>> Read more about the LRWA in the news