We The Curious, Bristol

Multiple roof areas across the We The Curious complex had reached the end of their serviceable life. Construction and condition varied considerably from bay to bay, with failing waterproofing, tired rooflights, weathered parapet details and legacy sedum areas requiring maintenance. A busy city-centre setting on Bristol's historic waterfront placed the building in constant public view throughout the works.

TRS surveyed each roof zone to establish substrate condition, falls, upstand heights and existing detail interfaces. Findings confirmed that a warm-roof overlay strategy was viable across the main areas, with targeted remedial work to parapets, leadwork and abutments. Three rooflights were identified for full replacement, and the existing sedum areas were assessed for retention and maintenance rather than removal.

A Garland StressPly Flex warm-roof overlay system was selected as the primary waterproofing solution for its proven performance on complex refurbishment substrates, robust multi-layer build-up and long service life. Specialist liquid-applied waterproof coatings were specified for selected areas where geometry or detailing made a sheet system impractical.

New high-performance rooflight units were specified to improve daylighting and thermal performance, and a permanent freestanding edge protection system was selected to provide safe long-term maintenance access.

• Installation of a new Garland StressPly Flex warm-roof overlay system
• Replacement of three existing rooflights with new high-performance units
• Installation of permanent freestanding edge protection systems
• Maintenance and refurbishment of existing sedum green roof areas
• Parapet waterproofing and remedial repairs
• Leadwork repairs and detailing
• Specialist waterproof coating systems to selected roof areas
• Associated flashings, detailing and roof finishing works

The building remained a live public venue throughout the programme. Working zones, deliveries and lifting operations were planned to protect visitors, staff and neighbouring premises, with close coordination with the client to minimise disruption to day-to-day operations.

The 10-week programme was structured as a phased sequence, allowing each roof area to be stripped, prepared, overlaid and detailed in turn. This kept the building weathertight at every stage and enabled specialist trades, waterproofing, rooflights, green roof, edge protection and leadwork, to progress in parallel without conflict.

As Principal Contractor, TRS took full responsibility for site management and health and safety, sequencing deliveries, material handling and waste removal to suit a busy city-centre location on Bristol's waterfront. Temporary edge protection was maintained during the works, and the new permanent freestanding system now provides safe access for future maintenance without penetrating the finished waterproofing. TRS operatives worked to Garland's approved installation details, with in-process checks on primer coverage, lap integrity, flashing terminations and rooflight upstands.

A durable, modern roofing system now protects one of Bristol's most recognisable public buildings. Upgraded waterproofing, new rooflights, repaired parapets and permanent edge protection have significantly extended service life and reduced ongoing maintenance risk. The project was completed safely, on programme and to the client's satisfaction.

The completed Garland StressPly Flex overlay is covered by a manufacturer-backed system guarantee, supported by TRS's own workmanship warranty. Rooflights and edge protection are covered by their respective manufacturers' warranties.

> "Delivered safely as Principal Contractor at one of Bristol's most recognisable public buildings."