Sizewell B is the UK’s first and only Pressurised Water Reactor and the most modern nuclear power station in the UK. Since opening in 1995, the station has generated 250 Terrawatt Hours (TWh) of zero carbon electricity, enough to power every home in Suffolk for 192 years!
EDF Energy commissioned a new Visitor Centre on the site of Sizewell B so school groups and the wider community can learn about its importance to UK clean energy production. Barnes Construction delivered the complete construction of the Visitor Centre, as well as a training centre and administration offices.
Robert Collins, Contracts Manager, Barnes Construction, comments: “An alternative cladding had been proposed, but we worked with EDF and S&G Industrial Roofing to devise a bespoke solution which lived up to the high-end, striking identity of the site. A monolithic design was achieved using Dekton by Cosentino, which could be installed with highly accurate shadow gaps and no visible fixings. The solution also required black-faced rainscreen insulation to ensure that shadows from the insulation buildup would not be visible on the building’s exterior.”
Encon & Nevill Long Newmarket supplied a rainscreen insulation package comprising of URSA URSAPAN BLACK and URSA HOMETEC ROLL, as well as all necessary ancillaries. URSA URSAPAN BLACK’s black glass fibre tissue facing ensured that the insulation would not tarnish the building’s exterior. Furthermore, it was vital to ensure effective fire compartmentation behind the cladding system, so we provided all the necessary manufacturer product data to ensure specifications were met.
Sean Partridge, Senior Director, S&G Industrial Roofing, explains: “Projects in the nuclear sector require rigorous regulations, certifications and guidelines to be met, assessing everything from product data sheets to risk assessments and installer competence. Encon’s service was very helpful in helping us meet requirements by providing all product details to substantiate our specification proposals.
“We have been working with Encon for 20 years and we know we can rely on Jon Pease and his team for brilliant customer service. They get us what we need, when we need it and nothing is too much trouble.”
The Encon Group’s longstanding experience in the nuclear industry means we are familiar with the requirements of specialist projects. This can include deliveries arriving in pre-booked time slots, ensuring drivers and vehicles have the necessary accreditations to access site and ensuring products are stored safely and follow a defined and traceable route from manufacturer to site.
Robert concludes: “As a responsible contractor, all rules, guidelines and timetables have to be followed all the time. Throughout the process, Encon have delivered materials on time and everything has worked seamlessly, making the whole process easier.”
Find out more how we can support your major Infrastructure projects, and learn about our ISO 19443 accreditation.
Get in touch with our specialist team by emailing infrastructure@encon.co.uk or find your local Encon & Nevill Long branch and talk to our experienced teams.
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