The 35-metre-long air-filled tent structure has been adapted and engineered to be installed at height on the roof of the hospital. It is believed to be the first time that this technology has been used as part of a roofing solution in the UK.
Providing a weatherproof working environment, the structure is inflated using a constant-flow air system and powered by the hospital鈥檚 mains electricity. Each modular tent can be fully deployed in just seven minutes and deflated in three.
The works include replacement of the maternity unit鈥檚 roof (it is made from life-expired reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete 鈥� RAAC 鈥� panels) alongside the installation of new mechanical and electrical systems installed. It is part of a wider project that is addressing RAAC across the hospital for the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.
The use of traditional scaffolding posed logistical challenges for the hospital due to the roof鈥檚 complex layout, interconnected buildings and the need to maintain 24-hour access to critical areas including the hospital鈥檚 oxygen store. By using lightweight scaffolding and a modular tent system, Robertson has been able to maintain continuity of the programme while minimising disruption to hospital operations as well as ensuring the safety, privacy and comfort of patients and staff. This solution allows services to remain fully operational, whereas a traditional approach would have caused substantial disruption and interference with hospital activities.
Robertson developed the custom tent modules through a temporary works design process. The tents are quick and easy to move and install, offering greater flexibility and agility in the programme as there is no requirement to wait for lengthy changes to traditional scaffolding as the works progress. The tents are also designed for long-term use, unlike traditional sheeting that is often scrapped after a single use.
In total 13 tents, with integrated doors, will be used over the 40-week roof replacement programme.
The Fast Tent product is supplied by Njordair, whose director and co-founder Aubrey Kingsbury said: 鈥淥ut of almost a decade of experience, we have never seen our product used in this way in the UK. Fast Tent is made from heavy-duty, flame-retardant PVC and can withstand high winds and the toughest of weather, making it well-suited for this project. It鈥檚 been a pleasure working alongside Robertson, whose attention to detail and commitment to innovation have taken an already proven product to the next level.鈥�
Robertson Group chief executive Elliot Robertson said: 鈥淲e are always looking for innovations that help us deliver high-quality projects and services for our customers. This initiative demonstrates what鈥檚 possible when our teams challenge convention, share expertise, and embrace innovation to deliver real value for our customers and the communities they serve. As the partner of choice for the trust to deliver essential RAAC replacement and create modern, safe, and welcoming healthcare environments we needed to find a solution that didn鈥檛 impact on the day-to-day operations at the hospital.
鈥淲e hope this redefines how complex roofing and refurbishment works can be delivered across our industry and inspires the exploration of smarter, more sustainable ways of working.鈥�
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust appointed WeBuild Healthcare as main contractor for this project with Robertson as the delivery partner through Lot 2 of ProCure23, part of Crown Commercial Service's 萝莉原创 Works and Associated Services Framework.