A new community sports pavilion in Milton Keynes has highlighted how adaptable roofing design can help resolve low-pitch specification challenges without delaying construction.
The Greenleys Pavilion project, overseen by Bellway Homes and designed by BM3 Architecture, forms part of the wider regeneration of the former Milton Keynes Rugby Club site. Once complete, the facility will provide a modern hub for local sport and recreation, including a meeting room and supporting amenities for players and visitors.
However, after planning approval had been secured and construction was underway, the development team identified a technical issue relating to the roof specification.
Resolving a late-stage specification issue
The pavilion had been designed with a relatively shallow roof pitch, with the upper roof section set at approximately 15 degrees. While the architectural concept and roof form had already been approved through the planning process, it later became apparent that the tile covering originally specified was not compatible with the proposed pitch.
Under typical circumstances, addressing the issue might have required revisiting the planning stage or altering the roof design. However, with the project already progressing on site and programme deadlines to meet, the team needed a practical solution that would allow the approved design to be maintained while ensuring long-term roof performance.
Rather than altering the architectural intent of the building, the development team began exploring technical solutions that could enable the specified roof tiles to be installed successfully at a lower pitch.
Integrating a low-pitch sub-roof system
To overcome the constraint, Onduline’s ISOLINE LOW LINE sub-roof system was incorporated into the roof build-up.
Designed specifically for low-pitch roofing applications, the system creates a secondary waterproofing layer beneath the external roof covering. This allows a wide range of roof tiles to be installed on pitches as low as ten degrees while maintaining the intended appearance of the finished roof.
For the Greenleys Pavilion project, introducing a sub-roof system meant the development team could retain the approved architectural design without returning to planning or redesigning the roof structure.
James Ratcliffe, Site Manager at Bellway Homes, said: "By the time the issue was identified, the design and planning approvals were already in place and the project was progressing on site. We needed a practical solution that would allow us to maintain the approved roof design while ensuring the building would perform as expected. Introducing a sub-roof system allowed the original concept to be retained without impacting the programme."
Installation and technical collaboration
Installation of the roofing system was carried out by Bailey MK, a Milton Keynes-based roofing contractor and member of Onduline’s Approved Installer Programme.
Working with an approved installer ensured the system could be integrated into the roof build-up in line with the manufacturer’s technical guidance. Throughout the project, Onduline’s technical team provided design advice, site visits and ongoing liaison with the contractor to support the installation process.
Anthony Pearce from Bailey MK commented: "The pavilion roof presented a relatively shallow pitch, which limited the tile options available. Using a sub-roof system allowed us to retain the specified finish while introducing an additional waterproofing layer beneath the tiles. With technical support available throughout the project, the installation process was straightforward and allowed us to keep the programme on schedule."
Enabling renewable integration
Alongside resolving the pitch compatibility issue, the roof design also needed to accommodate the installation of solar photovoltaic panels as part of the pavilion’s sustainability strategy.
The roof build-up was designed to support the integration of inline photovoltaic panels alongside the tiled roof covering. Installed within dedicated integrated tray systems fixed to the roof battens, the panels sit flush with the roofline while working in conjunction with the ISOLINE LOW LINE sub-roof beneath.
By allowing inline solar installations to be incorporated within the overall roof design, the system helped ensure the pavilion could integrate renewable technology without compromising the weatherproof performance of the roof structure.
Delivering design flexibility
Once completed, the Greenleys Pavilion will provide a valuable new facility for the local community, supporting sports participation and recreational activities in the area.
For the design and construction team, the project highlights a challenge that can arise on many developments, balancing architectural intent, planning constraints and technical roofing requirements. By introducing a low-pitch sub-roof system beneath the tile covering, the team were able to resolve the compatibility issue without revisiting the planning process or altering the building’s appearance.
For architects and specifiers, the project illustrates how sub-roof systems can provide valuable design flexibility where shallow roof pitches and tile compatibility present challenges.
For more information on Onduline’s ISOLINE LOW LINE roofing solution, please visit https://uk.onduline.com/en/professionals/isoline-low-line-sub-roof/isoline-low-line-sub-roof.
