
When AstraZeneca embarked on a substantial development in Cambridge, safeguarding the structure against unpredictable weather emerged as a top priority. MACE—renowned for managing complex construction ventures—partnered with our expert team to implement a practical yet innovative strategy. By integrating construction screens in the form of shrink wrap technology, we successfully shielded the building from harsh elements, preserved strict timelines, and ensured worker safety. This case study explores the challenges involved, details the solutions applied, and reveals the outcome of our specialised approach.
Project Overview
Cambridge, celebrated for its prestigious university and rich heritage, is no stranger to rapid urban growth. As AstraZeneca expanded its presence in this iconic city, the project’s leadership recognised the need for an advanced protective method. The frequent rains, gusty winds, and tight schedule demanded a refined blend of planning and execution. Our solution focused on building site screens designed to resist weather extremes while promoting continuous progress. By offering temporary construction screens that aligned with MACE’s precise demands, we demonstrated a cost-effective and robust method of keeping major development efforts on track.
Challenges
1. Tight Deadlines
AstraZeneca’s Cambridge project had a strict schedule, necessitating swift installation of our shrink wrap construction screens. Any delay in erecting the protective barrier could derail crucial phases of the build, leading to costly overruns. Maintaining an accelerated workflow thus became a priority to meet MACE’s milestones.
2. Complex Architecture
Cambridge’s dynamic architectural styles are well-known, and AstraZeneca’s structure was no exception. Its intricate design called for a custom-fitted approach, ensuring every façade angle and level would be fully enclosed. Achieving this level of detail presented engineering hurdles that typical dust control screens for construction or traditional scaffolding enclosures might not address adequately.
3. Unpredictable Weather
Cambridge’s climate, marked by sudden downpours and fluctuating wind patterns, posed additional threats. These conditions not only risked damaging crucial building materials but also could stall on-site work. Without a weatherproof construction screens setup, frequent stoppages would be inevitable, prolonging the overall schedule and increasing costs.
Benefits of Weatherproof Construction Screens
To resolve these hurdles, our team assembled a solution combining advanced temporary construction screens with novel scaffolding techniques. Although we have applied shrink wrap in various contexts, this particular project required meticulous planning to match MACE’s standards and AstraZeneca’s architectural nuances.
A critical element of the project involved assembling a sturdy scaffolding framework, designed to support the wrap’s tension and shape:
Robust Support: The scaffold prevented tearing or flapping in adverse weather, ensuring consistent protection for the entire perimeter.
Accessibility: Multiple access points allowed teams to navigate quickly between floors without compromising coverage—an essential requirement in a fast-paced build.
Adaptability: By proactively working with MACE’s scheduling, we phased the shrink wrap works in quick succession alongside the scaffold erection, allowing seamless works.
These features ensured that our building site screens solution harmonised effectively with on-site operations, mitigating any potential workflow disruptions.
Implementation & Results
Upon wrapping the structure, the site experienced fewer weather-related work stoppages. Activities continued almost unimpeded, bolstering productivity and making the most of daily schedules. The installation effectively mirrored dust control screens for construction, offering a shield that prevented debris, rain, and wind from complicating tasks.
In addition to weatherproofing, the controlled space improved worker safety by containing any falling debris. Though we emphasise best construction screens for dust and debris control, the shrink wrap’s versatility also dampens external noise, contributing to a more comfortable environment inside the protected zone. The combined effect minimised accidents and enhanced overall project coherence.
Shrink Wrap Protection
The MACE–AstraZeneca project serves as a shining example of our commitment to delivering temporary construction screens adapted to each client’s demands. If you want to explore affordable temporary screens for building projects—from dust control screens for construction to comprehensive construction site wind barriers—we can help you craft a plan perfectly tailored to your conditions.
Whether your focus is durable weather protection screens for construction, heightened privacy screens for construction sites, or an emphasis on benefits of using noise reduction screens at construction sites, our experienced team has the expertise to devise and deploy the right approach. Contact us today to learn how we can uphold timelines, bolster safety measures, and streamline your next venture. Embrace the future of construction with a forward-looking solution that delivers both durability and visual impact—rain or shine.