Weatherproof Construction Screens for Mace & AstraZeneca, Cambridge
- EcoShrink
- Feb 1, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
EcoShrink installed weatherproof construction screens for Mace on AstraZeneca’s major development in Cambridge. Shrink wrap building site screens were used to protect the structure from frequent wind and rain, control dust and debris, and help the project team keep a complex build on programme.
Project Overview
AstraZeneca’s development in Cambridge sits in a growing urban area exposed to changeable weather. Mace needed a way to reduce wind and rain impacts on the structure so trades could work more consistently and key phases stayed on track. Traditional netting and standard sheeting would not offer the same level of weather protection, dust control or presentation. EcoShrink supplied and installed shrink wrap weatherproof construction screens on a purpose-designed scaffold framework, creating a continuous barrier around the structure while keeping access and workflows practical for a complex build.
Challenges on site
Strict programme with tight deadlines and limited tolerance for weather delays
Complex architecture with multiple angles and levels to enclose
Unpredictable weather in Cambridge: frequent rain, gusty winds and changing patterns
Need to protect materials and work areas from water ingress and wind exposure
Requirement for a solution that integrated cleanly with Mace’s scaffold and access plans
Our solution
EcoShrink designed a weatherproof construction screen system using shrink wrap and a robust scaffold framework that could handle the site’s exposure and architectural complexity.
Scope & planning:
Assessed AstraZeneca’s building geometry and exposure to define the areas needing the most protection
Worked with Mace to align screen installation with scaffold erection and key programme milestones
Planned access points and routes so trades and materials could still move efficiently between floors
Scaffold framework & shrink wrap screens:
Built a sturdy scaffold framework designed to support the tension and shape of the shrink wrap in adverse weather
Installed shrink wrap construction screens around the perimeter, heat-shrinking the film to create a tight, drum-like skin
Detailed joints and corners carefully to reduce flapping and the risk of tearing in strong winds
Weather, dust and safety benefits:
The continuous enclosure acted as a weatherproof barrier, reducing wind and rain impacts on the active work areas
Screens provided dust and debris control, limiting material escaping into the surrounding urban environment
Contained space helped improve worker safety, reducing falling debris risk and creating a more controlled environment for tasks at height
Phased installation around live works:
Shrink wrap works were phased alongside scaffold erection to avoid slowing the build
Multiple access points were incorporated so teams could move quickly between floors without compromising coverage
Results
Weatherproof construction screens reduced weather-related stoppages, helping the project make better use of working days
Active work areas were better protected from rain, wind and airborne debris, supporting quality and programme certainty
Dust and debris escape to surrounding areas was reduced, improving general site conditions on a prominent Cambridge project
Worker safety benefited from a more controlled environment and reduced risk of falling material
The wrap gave AstraZeneca’s structure a neat, consistent appearance while under construction, supporting the project’s professional image
Similar projects & next steps
EcoShrink uses the same weatherproof construction screen methods on large office schemes, labs, commercial buildings and complex urban projects across the UK. For more examples, see our Construction Screens Case Studies hub, or visit our Dust & Weather Screens service page for methods, options and FAQs.
If you need to protect a live structure from wind, rain and debris, share your elevations, exposure and key dates and we’ll return a costed construction screen method and earliest start dates. Use the shrink wrap calculator
FAQ
Why were weatherproof construction screens needed on the AstraZeneca project?
The development in Cambridge faced frequent rain, gusty winds and tight programme pressures. Weatherproof construction screens were needed to reduce weather-related stoppages, protect materials and work areas, and help Mace keep the build moving in a challenging climate.
How did the scaffold framework support the shrink wrap screens?
A robust scaffold framework was designed to carry the tension and shape of the shrink wrap in adverse weather. This prevented excessive movement, tearing or flapping, which can occur if screens are not properly supported, and ensured the barrier stayed effective across the building perimeter.
Did the screens help with dust and safety as well as weather?
Yes. As well as acting as wind and rain barriers, the shrink wrap screens helped contain dust and debris within the site. The controlled environment reduced falling debris risks and created more stable working conditions at height, benefitting both safety and quality
