University receives rooftop plant

The new 11.5 million three-storey facility provides 5,000m2 of teaching and research space. Featuring clinical and diagnostic equipment for health professionals and patients, the project required both air handling units and external condensers for cooling. The challenge for the contractor was installing the large air handling units (AHUs), duct and external condensers in a confined area and without penetrating the roof. Big Foot Systems provided the solution with its range of non-penetrative building services rooftop support. 

A standard support frame was not feasible for the AHUs as a specific finished height was required by the planning authority whilst still allowing for serviceable access underneath. Instead, Big Foot Systems supplied individual 600mm feet with a fabricated top bracket to receive AHUs continuous skid, made feasible with the roof’s integrated wind protection. In addition, associated duct and pipe work were supported by large quantities of Big Foot Systems’ 305mm H Frames. Later on in the project, Balfour Beatty also required a further support solution and so decided to request HD Frames, also from Big Foot Systems, for this part of the project.

Quick, versatile and economical, the H Frame Set is designed to support pipework, duct, cable ladders/trays or any combination of these, helping to ensure a safe and secure flat roof.