Big Foot Systems has provided a complete non-penetrative support system for Hampton by Hilton in Ealing. The task was to provide support for a louvre screen, 2 AHUs, several VRV units, ductwork, cabling and pipework. The 87 linear metres of all-weather louvre screen provides a protected environment against wind loading alongside visual improvement to neighbouring buildings.
The design was carefully thought out by in house Engineers, coordinating the 12-sided layout with 3 entry points around; the building structure, a large lift overrun, falls & drainage and several rooftop vents. Detailed design analysis was carried out to ensure we met the project’s specific technical considerations.
The team were able not only to maximise the allowable space on the inside for the plant support but also for services and access routes. The various banks of Daikin VRV units situated on the perimeter framework go together to provide unit support whilst acting as ballast to counterweight the louvre.
The original plans for this project were to penetrate the roof with H steels and add a secondary steel beam structure to support the plant and potentially the screen.
After attending site to review the requirements in more detail it was clear that Big Foot could offer a suitable alternative proposal to be installed directly onto the recently laid green/sedum roof. The contracting team on site found the benefit of using a Big Foot non-penetrative system was not only a saving in time and cost but also limited future risk to the roof surface for their client.
“This was a positive project to work on throughout the second half of 2019 with the main contractor and louvre supplier involved. The louvre screen, plant support and install thereof came together in one package to provide the project requirements in one” Explained James Hayes, Big Foot Systems Project Manager.
Big Foot Plant Deck Frames have been designed in line with customer demand to facilitate multiple VRF/VRV installations with access requirements or restrictions. The frames offer fast install with three standard sizes available and custom design to suit all applications. The systems also benefit from a wide base making them stable in high wind locations, often a design consideration with very tall units.
Louvre systems are becoming more popular, especially with inner city developments, where rooftop installations are easily viewed from neighbouring buildings. It is therefore necessary to screen these installations either for visual or acoustic purposes. Big Foot Louvre Support Systems are innovative in design, robust, repeatable and cost-effective to install without the need to penetrate the roof.
Offering clients a comprehensive range of freestanding systems, Big Foot Systems products are designed and manufactured by the company for a wide variety of applications, including HVAC, solar units and safe access equipment. The product portfolio provides complete, simple, safe and secure non-penetrative, prefabricated roof support systems negating a need for time consuming and costly penetrations through the roof.
This was a positive project to work on throughout the second half of 2019 with the main contractor and louvre supplier involved. The louvre screen, plant support and install thereof came together in one package to provide the project requirements in one.
James Hayes
Big Foot Systems Project Manager
