Challenge

The existing standing seam roof had reached the end of its serviceable life and was performing poorly thermally. Previous interventions had failed to address heat loss or resolve complex detailing issues, while the building below remained fully operational throughout the year. The refurbishment needed to improve fabric performance significantly to support RNCM’s wider decarbonisation strategy.

Delivery was highly constrained. Multiple contractors were working across the roof at the same time, plant equipment was being removed and reinstalled as part of wider M&E upgrades, and access routes were in constant use. The works needed careful sequencing to minimise disruption to teaching, rehearsals and student life.

From a decarbonisation perspective, the brief went beyond waterproofing. The roof had to deliver a clear uplift in fabric performance to support RNCM’s move away from gas and reduce overall energy demand.

The project was delivered in two phases and, due to its complexity and interfaces, became known on site as “the impossible job”.

Outcome

The completed roof retrofit now plays a measurable role in RNCM’s decarbonisation programme. Across both phases, the thermal efficiency upgrade delivers approximately 300,000 kWh of annual gas savings, significantly reducing heat demand as the college transitions to lower-carbon heating systems.

The measured energy reduction data represent potential annual savings of up to £22,000 at current gas prices, driven purely by improved fabric performance rather than behavioural change or system optimisation.

The improved roof performance has directly supported measurable enhancements in the building’s internal environmental quality. As part of the wider decarbonisation programme, RNCM carried out pre and post project environmental monitoring using room sensors to track air quality, temperature stability and humidity across teaching and practice spaces.

By significantly reducing heat loss through the roof, the Garland UK roof refurbishment has helped stabilise internal conditions, allowing the building’s environmental systems to operate more effectively. The monitoring data shows a clear shift from previously poor and inconsistent conditions to stable, well-controlled internal environments, with improved air quality and reduced thermal fluctuation.

These improvements have enhanced comfort for students and staff, particularly in heavily used practice rooms, where consistent temperature and humidity control are critical to performance and wellbeing.

RNCM also secured long-term assurance through Garland UK’s 25 year Single-Point Guarantee. For a busy education estate, this removes uncertainty around future responsibility. The estates team has one clear line of accountability covering the roofing system design, Garland materials and installation workmanship, reducing risk and allowing long-term maintenance and capital planning to be managed with confidence.

With the building fully operational and internal environments transformed, RNCM now benefits from a durable, high-performance roofing system that supports energy reduction, operational resilience and long-term decarbonisation goals. The project demonstrates how a well-designed roof retrofit can deliver far more than waterproofing alone, becoming a critical part of a fabric-first sustainability strategy.