University of Washington Oak Hall
student housing
The University of Washington needed to build additional undergraduate housing at its Seattle campus.
Absher was the general contractor for this 23,600-square-foot project.
- YEAR 2020
- System sbs Modified roofing
- LOCATION seattle wa
Challenges:
The main challenge for this project was the inclement weather—The Axiom Division 7 Seattle roofing team mobilized to the job site in November and immediately began battling rain, sleet, snow, and freezing temperatures.
The most immediate priority was getting the building in the dry. The GC and other subcontractors could not perform their work in wet conditions. The team at Axiom began their work by adding a hot asphalt vapor barrier.
Once the vapor barrier was added, Absher could continue with interior finishes without having to wait for the full roof system to be installed. This helped maintain the project schedule and reduced overall project costs for the University of Washington.
Job site conditions were another concern. Since classes were still in session, the University had very strict requirements regarding noise, parking, and fumes. This helped ensure that disruptions to students and staff were kept to a bare minimum.
Finally, the Axiom team had to deal with sequencing challenges. For example, the roof anchors weren’t installed before Axiom Division 7 Seattle roofers began their work, and they had to cut into the system after installation.
Absher and Axiom Division 7 worked closely together to coordinate this work and successfully integrate the anchors into the roof system during some of the wettest months of the year.
Solution:
Absher and Axiom Division 7 worked closely together to coordinate this work and successfully integrate the anchors into the roof system during some of the wettest months of the year.The scope of the work consisted of 23,600 square feet of 2-ply Soprema SBS roofing. It also included:
- 21,000 SF of exposed roofing consisting of a Soprema SBS Sopralene system with a highly reflective Soprastar Flam cap sheet.
- 2,600 SF of concealed roofing consisting of a Colphene system and drain mat covered with landscaping.
- Cricketed taper system over structurally sloped decks.
- Hot asphalt vapor barrier.
The project also had a green roof covering 2,600 sq ft of total roofing. Seattle has rules in place where new construction has to have some of the roof covered up using a Green Roof system. This conceals the actual look of the roof and adds an aesthetic level while helping to ensure stormwater retention.
General Contractor: Absher
System Type: Soprema SBS, Colphene, Cricketed taper system, Hot asphalt, Green Roof
Results:
The general contractor was pleased—the vapor barrier that Axiom added allowed Absher to continue to put up drywall during this wet and cold time of the year. Axiom was able to keep disruptions to a bare minimum, resulting in happy school Administrators.
