Case Study- Embassy Village

Project: Embassy Village

Address: Embassy Village, Manchester

Architects: Curtins

Contractor: Vermont Construction

Roof size:  3no. Accommodation pods 208m2, Village Hall 97m2, Staff pod 36m2

Roof system: Sikaplan G-15 Lead Grey, 20-year Guarantee.

Installation: Sikatherm MW insulation

 

About the project:

Embassy Village is a pioneering development in Manchester designed to address homelessness by creating a safe and supportive community for people transitioning out of rough sleeping. Delivered on a 4.5-acre brownfield site beneath 22 railway arches near Egerton Street Bridge, the scheme provides 40 purpose-built homes alongside a central Village Hall and dedicated staff facilities.

The development has been carefully designed to offer short- to medium-term accommodation while helping residents build essential life skills such as cooking, budgeting and independent living. The Village Hall incorporates counselling rooms, a training kitchen, laundry facilities and shared IT space, while the wider site includes landscaped green areas, mini allotments and a multi-use sports space. Durability, fire performance and long-term thermal efficiency were key considerations throughout the construction process.

Our role in the project:

Here at Enviroply Roofing, we were appointed to install the complete Sikaplan single ply roofing system across the accommodation pods, Village Hall and staff pod. Given the exposed nature of the site and the low-pitch roof design, the system required carefully calculated wind uplift performance alongside excellent thermal and fire properties.

Air and Vapour Control Layer (AVCL)

The roofing build-up began with the installation of S-Vap 500E, a flame-retarded polyethylene air and vapour control layer. This membrane was loosely laid and fully sealed at all laps and penetrations to create a continuous airtight barrier. Designed to provide exceptional resistance to moisture vapour, the AVCL plays a vital role in preventing condensation within the roof structure and protecting the long-term integrity of the system.

Insulation layer

Following installation of the AVCL, we fitted Sikatherm MW dual-density mineral wool insulation. This non-combustible insulation was selected to achieve the specified U-value of 0.16 W/m²K while also delivering enhanced fire performance in line with the building’s residential use. The boards were laid in a staggered bond pattern and mechanically fixed using thermally broken fasteners to comply with the project-specific wind load calculations.

Waterproofing membrane

To complete the roofing system, we installed the Sikaplan G-15 Lead Grey single ply membrane. This high-performance PVC membrane is polyester reinforced and specifically designed for mechanically fastened applications on exposed flat roofs. The membrane offers excellent UV stability, weather resistance and long-term durability.

All sheets were mechanically fixed in accordance with the calculated wind uplift requirements for the Manchester site, with enhanced fastening densities applied to perimeter zones. Side and end laps were hot-air welded to form a continuous, watertight seal across each roof area, ensuring a robust and reliable finish.

Detailing and finishing

Detailing works were completed in accordance with the project specification and Sika technical guidance to ensure full compliance and long-term resilience. Perimeter zones were reinforced to meet calculated wind loads, and all penetrations were mechanically secured and sealed to maintain the integrity of the waterproofing layer.

Particular care was taken around parapet edges and upstands to ensure secure terminations and effective water management. All welds were checked to confirm full bonding, and the completed roof surfaces were left clean, fully sealed and ready for final inspection.

Project outcome at Embassy Village:

The roofing installation at Embassy Village was delivered in line with the technical specification and qualifies for a 20-Year Sika Roofing Performance Guarantee. The finished roofing system provides a durable, thermally efficient and weather-resistant solution that supports the wider purpose of the development.