Proven multi-storey construction screens withstand record-breaking 80-year storm
Trusted construction screens successfully keep Vantage Data Centre on track
Project – LHR21
Purpose – Construction Screens
Main contractor – Vantage Data Centres
Client – Glencar Construction
Product – 300µm Shrink-wrap
Driving efficiency with shrink-wrap construction screens
Tufcoat were approached to provide shrink-wrap construction screens by building contractor Glencar to support the construction of the new LHR21 data centre in Acton, near Heathrow Airport. This impressive 194,000 sq ft, six-storey facility was due to house cutting-edge data processing equipment, serving a wide range of businesses and enterprises.
Glencar required a temporary screening solution across several floors of the structure. One side of the building had been delayed due to shared access requirements, which pushed back the installation of the external cladding. As a result, the building envelope could not be completed as planned, creating the risk of delays to the internal fit-out programme.
The objective was clear: Glencar needed a reliable, weather-resistant solution that would allow internal works to begin before the permanent façade was installed. Our shrink-wrap construction screens provided the ideal answer, creating a temporary but robust barrier against wind, rain and debris while maintaining safe working conditions inside the building.
Shrink-wrap construction screens are widely used in large-scale construction projects where programmes overlap and work needs to continue before the building is fully enclosed. Installed across open façades or floor slabs, the reinforced shrink-wrap material forms a tight, durable membrane that protects internal spaces from the elements while still allowing natural light to enter the building. This makes it possible for internal trades to work safely and efficiently, even while external construction activities are still underway.
We began installing the construction screen system in April 2024. The installation was delivered over five floors and completed in five phases, allowing Glencar’s programme to progress in a controlled and coordinated manner. By June 2024, the full installation had been completed, with more than 3,000 m² of shrink-wrap construction screen installed across the building.
As with many complex construction projects, flexibility was essential. Our team worked closely with the main contractor to adapt to evolving timelines around the cladding installation, ensuring that the screening solution was installed exactly where and when it was required. This collaborative approach ensured that progress on internal works could continue without interruption.
Working at height on an exposed multi-storey structure also presented environmental challenges. During installation, the team had to contend with particularly strong winds, especially on the upper floors of the building. Despite these conditions, careful planning, robust installation methods and strict adherence to safety procedures allowed the work to progress smoothly and safely.
Despite the logistical and environmental challenges, Tufcoat delivered the construction screen installation on time, enabling Glencar to move forward with the internal fit-out as planned. By temporarily enclosing the structure with shrink-wrap screens, the project team was able to maintain programme momentum and avoid costly delays.
Health and safety remained a key priority throughout the project. Our installation teams ensured dust was minimised by using vacuum extraction on drilling equipment, while all work was carried out with the appropriate access equipment and PPE. This commitment to safe working practices is a standard we uphold across all Tufcoat projects.
The successful delivery of the LHR21 project demonstrates how shrink-wrap construction screens can play a vital role in maintaining progress on complex builds. By providing temporary weather protection and enabling overlapping construction phases, they offer contractors a practical solution for keeping projects moving forward when programmes shift or building envelopes cannot be completed on schedule.
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