Rooftop support for research facility

The project required extensive mechanical and electrical installations for the biomass plant and specialist equipment needed for its bioenergy research. Big Foot Systems’ HD Cubes, HD Frames and fabricated solutions were used as part of this project to support the building services.

Featuring seven laboratories, the facility is a hub of technology and research excellence in the development of second generation biofuels produced from wastes and non-food crops. The facility required a range of rooftop services which needed support, including chillers, air handling units, fans and ducts and a large elevated Louvre Screen. As the roof was constructed using delicate single ply membrane, a support solution was needed that would not damage it. The contractor on the project therefore specified Big Foot’s non-penetrative supports, selecting a wide range of products to support these services.

Following on from the initial work, Big Foot Systems was then approached to assist in the re-installation of the surrounding rooftop louvre screen to meet both acoustic and aesthetic demands set by the local Planning Authority. As space around the periphery of the roof was tight and penetrating the roof or parapet wall was unacceptable, a bespoke non-penetrative solution was required. Big Foot Systems worked closely with the contractor to design the support solution. The result was four different methods of support, dependant on location, some of which were cantilevered off existing Big Foot Systems products supporting other plant.