Multi-storey drainage system replaced with residents in occupation
The failing cast-iron drainage system in the 25-storey Millbrook Tower in Southampton has been replaced using a high-density polyethylene system that was installed without the temporary re-homing of any residents. Built over 50 years ago and formerly the tallest building in Southampton, it has a cast-iron drainage system that had started to rust.
Southampton City Council wanted a complete holistic approach to the design, manufacture and installation of the replacement drainage system. The council approached Polypipe, and eight members of its direct labour organisation went to Polypipe’s training centre to gain a better understanding of the specification, assembly and installation of plastic fabricated drainage stacks. Terrain Fuze HDPE was installed for a number of key benefits over more traditional materials.
Polypipe’s fabrication service fabricated the system to exact specification and delivered it to site, where the direct-labour organisation completed the installation work for the 144 homes 40% faster than the average for such works.
Jim Simpkins, housing refurbishment project for the council, said, ‘Millbrook Tower has been standing for 50 years and so naturally the drainage systems in place were not functioning as well as required. Polypipe Terrain provided a single source for all our drainage requirements, helping in the specification, design, manufacture and installation of replacement drainage stacks, ensuring we had expert advice from start to finish.’
