Key services provided

• Concrete Repair
• Waterproofing
• Roofing
• Anti-Carbonation Painting

In June 2012, VolkerLaser was awarded the £188,000 contract, on the basis of a competitive tender, to provide works to four blocks of student accommodation for the University of East Anglia. Internationally renowned for its distinctive and attractive campus, two of the university’s four blocks, Suffolk Terrace and Norfolk Terrace, are Grade II listed buildings protected by English Heritage. As a result, it was imperative the VolkerLaser team liaised closely with English Heritage throughout the scheme, in order to accommodate their specific requirements.

The scope of works included extensive structural concrete repairs to Suffolk Terrace, in addition to the application of Keim Coating anti-carbonation paint, in order to maximise the long-term lifespan of the structure. Further works included the refurbishment of the walkway, which provided access to the accommodation block. Here VolkerLaser removed paving slabs, waterproofed each one using a SikaFloor Coating system and later reinstated them after a structural supporting wall was constructed. A flatroof felting system was also applied to a number of small roof canopies around the Norfolk Terrace accommodation block.

As an educational establishment, it was important to complete the works throughout the summer months, in order to prevent disruption to students. Thanks to VolkerLaser’s hard work and strict programme management, works were completed on time in September 2012, prior to the return of the students for the new academic year. The quality of VolkerLaser’s workmanship led to them to secure a further three additional phases of works over a three year period, with the overall total value of works reaching £2.1 million.

Project manager for the University of East Anglia, Martin Lovatt said

“VolkerLaser are by far the best company in this field that we have worked with; they completed the project on time, to budget and with a minimum of client management. The quality of the workmanship was outstanding, so much so that we have begun discussing with English Heritage using this work as a benchmark of how to treat 20th century listed concrete buildings and structures. UEA Estates has worked with many of the big named Concrete Repair Contractors through the years and in our opinion, VolkerLaser are second to none.”