INCA Case Study: Trapezium, Leeds

Trapezium is a modern student accommodation facility that stands out in Leeds for its innovative design and various amenities, which include 91 high-quality studio apartments spread across eight floors. The project’s ambition was to create an improved living experience for students and was headed by Torsion Construction.

The project ran from June 2022 – June 2023. As an approved Aliva installer, Hamilton was selected for its expertise and reliability in handling complex insulation systems. The team’s work was integral to ensuring the building’s thermal efficiency and safety standards.

Hamilton was specifically tasked with installing the Aliva-designed IVAS Termok8 Minerale External Wall Insulation (EWI) System, featuring 120mm A1 Non-Combustible Mineral Wool Insulation finished with 15mm clay brick slips. This project required not only precise technical execution but also careful logistical planning due to several on-site challenges.

One of the main complications was the location of the Trapezium building in inner-city Leeds, which presented significant logistical hurdles. There was no on-site parking available, meaning that materials and tools had to be unloaded at the site each morning before the vehicles were moved to a parking area 600 yards away. This process was repeated at the end of each workday, requiring meticulous planning and time management to ensure no disruptions in the workflow.

In addition, the building was occupied by students during the works carried out by Hamilton, necessitating a shift in working hours to accommodate the residents’ schedules. This involved starting work later in the morning to minimise disturbance.
Traffic control also posed a significant challenge. Managing the flow of materials and equipment in and out of the site required careful coordination to avoid congestion and ensure safety. Despite these complications, Hamilton successfully navigated these obstacles through diligent planning and effective communication.

The team on site were led by Rob Storton, with Matthew Storton serving as the Site Manager. Together, they oversaw a team of ten operatives, ensuring that the installation of the EWI system was carried out to the highest standards. Their leadership was instrumental in overcoming the logistical and operational challenges, ensuring the project stayed on track and met the quality expectations.

Rob Storton, Managing Director, said: “The success of the Trapezium project is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise. Despite the logistical challenges and the need for flexible scheduling, our team delivered a high-quality finish that meets both safety and aesthetic standards.

“The building has contributed significantly to creating a premier student living environment in Leeds and we are very proud to have been a part of it, along with other industry experts.”