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| Securing new generation prison cell blocks  The Ministry of Justice (UK), working with steel framed building specialist Britspace Ltd, has developed a speedily erected modular building, the A9 system, to address urgent pressures to expand and upgrade prison accommodation. Crucial components from Guttermaster, including anti-climb rainwater down pipes, fascias and precision formed heavy duty steel ceilings have been installed. A key security aim was to prevent prisoners accessing the roof. Substantial roof overhangs of one metre deter climbing as do the Guttermaster anti-climb rainwater pipes that fit flush to the wall. These have tamper-proof concealed fixings and an interlocking design for greater strength. There are no gaps behind the pipe to aid a climber and the vertical surfaces are clean and smooth. In addition, the one metre deep fascias are integrated into the aluminium gutters to provide a smooth no-climb surface around the roof perimeter.Steel ceilings have been installed to prevent roof access from inside the building. These use an interlocking Z profile fitting to conceal the fixing and ensure secure locking of the three metre by 650 mm planks. The size of the planks allowed the ceilings to be installed quickly. Precision fabricated from heavy duty three-millimetre galvanised mild steel the panels are pre-finished with a long-life, zero maintenance polyester coating. The fit of the panels is so good that nothing can be inserted between panels to apply leverage. Fabricated soakers built into the roof framework interconnect to the ceiling panels to permit speedy connection and sealing to the smoke ventilation system. Guttermaster has worked closely with roofing and cladding contractors Deighton South and Midlands Ltd (DSM) and roof structures specialist Dibsa Structures Ltd. To speed on-site construction DSM has integrated the Guttermaster soakers into pre-fabricated Dibsa cassettes along with the Ward composite roofing panels. This allowed large sections of roof to be installed in a single operation to make the building weatherproof in a matter of days, rather than weeks. A 60 cell two-storey block at Kirklevington Prison near Yarm was the first of the new generation blocks to be handed over after an on-site programme of just seven weeks by main construction contractor Wates Plc. A similar block at Lowestoft has just been handed over and a third at Rochester is close to completion with other locations to follow. The A9 blocks will have en-suite cells that provide space and modern amenities. High levels of insulation are used in the building to maintain stable winter and summer temperatures, reduce energy needs throughout the life of the building and minimise the carbon footprint. Durable long-life low maintenance surfaces are used throughout to resist ageing and vandalism. With growing pressure to expand capacity, a need to replace Victorian prisons and maintain high security, Guttermaster expect that these will be just the first of many similar projects. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Construction News :: home page |