Edge protection takes on an important new meaning at Manchester’s new Creative and Media Academies, as roof rails and safety barriers will be needed to keep students safe on the new building’s eco roof.
A £38 million construction scheme is currently underway to create a shared campus to house two 750-place single-sex academies.
The project involves the creation of an eco roof, with a green sedum blanket and a brown plug-plant roof system to allow vegetation to be grown.
Significantly, the roof is intended to be fully accessible not only by staff, but also by students, making edge protection an essential part of its design.
Already pupils have been involved in rolling out the green roof, alongside Manchester City Council’s executive member for children’s services, Councillor Afzal Khan.
“”It was good to roll up my sleeves and help the students as they rolled out the new living green roof for their academy,”” the councillor said.
Along with any roof rails and safety barriers that are installed to protect the students, other environmentally friendly elements like rainwater harvesting and eco-friendly heating and cooling are also part of the design for the new academy.