Knocking down a five-story external wall at Southampton University’s Hartley Library while it was still open for business called for work of the highest quality. People and books had to be kept safe, and a working environment created that allowed students to continue their studies in relative peace.

Bluestone Construction contacted Chadbourn after receiving the company’s sales literature. Bluestone had won the contract to build a new extension for the library, but the options for screening off the site seemed limited. However, the flexibility of Chadbourn’s screens, combined with their quick, efficient erection and durable materials proved to be the ideal solution.

Chadbourn’s proposal was to erect a single frame structure on each floor carrying both an internal and external screen. The outside was weather proof, with a water- tight seal along the edge for added protection and a wind-load protection rating of 50m/sec. The inside was dust proof to protect the library and books from the demolition work.

In between the two screens, Rockwall insulation was used to achieve a U value of 0.35W/m²K. This insulation was fire resistant up to one hour, a critical factor for any building but particularly for a library. It also served to maintain a good working temperature in the library while significantly cutting down on noise from the site.

All of the screens were constructed and installed during library opening hours in just three weeks. Ten months later, the structure is still clean, hygienic and as cosmetically appealing as a false wall – a real testament to the quality of work, care and professionalism demonstrated by the Chadbourn project team.