Project Overview
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust has completed a £750,000 roof replacement at Luton Ambulance Station. The project has delivered a modern, thermally efficient building envelope designed to support the long-term operational needs of the facility.
The refurbishment addressed an ageing roof system that had reached the end of its service life and no longer met the performance requirements of a busy healthcare estate. The existing roof comprised asbestos cement sheeting and lacked effective insulation, resulting in poor thermal efficiency and outdated building fabric.
Client Brief
The Trust required a comprehensive roofing and building envelope solution from a single supplier whose products delivered on technical performance and efficient lead times.
A key priority was the removal and disposal of the existing asbestos cement, by specialist contractors ahead of the new roofing installation. Equally, the Trust sought to improve the thermal efficiency of the building by introducing modern insulation and creating a more robust, airtight building envelope.
Improving comfort for building users was an important consideration. The existing rooflights hindered natural daylight, creating a dark interior. The replacement system needed to enhance daylight penetration while improving weather resistance and reducing future maintenance.
Ultimately, the refurbishment needed to extend the service life of the ambulance station whilst creating a more efficient and resilient facility capable of supporting our frontline emergency services.
Solution
Alumasc Roofing supplied a complete roofing and building envelope package for the project, which was installed by Alumasc Registered Contractor Cambridge Roofing Exchange.
Approximately 2,500m² of Metshield roof and vertical panels were installed, transforming the station’s weather protection, energy performance and overall working environment.
The refurbishment involved stripping the roof back to the structural steelwork, before installing a new metal liner deck and Alumasc’s Metshield Built Up Roof system. The system was specified with mineral wool insulation to significantly enhance thermal and acoustic performance, while providing a durable and weather-resistant roof construction.
Suitable for low-pitch applications, Alumasc’s Metshield systems offer a lightweight yet robust solution combining long-term durability with low maintenance requirements. The system also supports improved energy efficiency throughout the year, helping to reduce heat loss during colder months and contributing to more stable internal temperatures during warmer periods.
Alongside the roofing works, Alumasc’s Metshield composite wall panels featuring a PIR insulation core were installed to improve the overall efficiency and appearance of the building envelope. Manufactured using coated steel outer sheets, the panels help to enhance the thermal performance of the facility and also provide a durable, aesthetically pleasing finish.
The system specification also incorporated new rooflights to increase the amount of natural daylight entering the building. The installed systems are supported by Alumasc’s 20-year warranty.
Challenges
Given the age and condition of the original asbestos, its removal required careful planning and execution by licensed specialists operating under strictly controlled conditions. Ensuring the asbestos was removed safely and in line with all relevant regulations, was critical to the success of the project.
Maintaining uninterrupted operation of the ambulance station throughout the refurbishment presented a further challenge. As a vital emergency services facility, the building needed to remain functional from the outset.
Close coordination between the Trust, contractor and project team ensured disruption was kept to a minimum, allowing essential services to continue while the refurbishment progressed safely and efficiently. Through careful planning and collaboration, the project team successfully delivered a complete roof replacement that addressed both the immediate condition issues, and the long-term performance requirements, of the building.
