Guardian protects art collections

The major £30 million redevelopment of Aberdeen Art Gallery has utilised our dual contained Guardian pipework system to ensure valuable artwork is kept protected at all times. The gallery is due to be transformed through significant investment in a combination of the refurbishment of the existing Grade 1 listed building, together with new build elements, which will see the fabric of the buildings upgraded, new exhibition and gallery spaces created and improved facilities for visitors. In an ambitious build programme, the existing 11 gallery spaces will be extended to 21, a new 500 square metre space will be created to showcase international-quality exhibitions and a community gallery will now be housed in a new wing at the rear of the building. As part of the M&E works, a new rainwater drainage system was required for the building, which has been designed to run through the gallery spaces. The gallery was concerned about any potential leaks from the drainage system causing damage to the artwork and therefore specialist M&E contractors, Dowds Group, was tasked with sourcing a suitable pipework solution that safeguarded the artwork. After considering several systems, the design team at Dowds Group specified Guardian, as it is a purpose-designed dual contained pipework system proven to be effective at containing any potential leaks within the pipe system. As a result, Guardian in 6”#10” was installed to transport rainwater collected on the second floor rooftop down through purpose-made service risers and on to the underground drainage system. The dual contained system, that has a PVC-U carrier pipe inside a containment pipe, will not only ensure the artwork below the pipework is protected from any leaks that could occur, but the quick and simple solvent weld jointing technique also provided significant time and cost savings during the installation process. Commenting on the project, Craig Preston, mechanical contracts manager at Dowds Group, said: “There were very specific requirements for the pipework on this project as it was crucial that the specified system could protect against potential leaks damaging artwork in the gallery spaces below. The Durapipe Guardian system was the most effective solution for achieving this, while also delivering installation benefits.” Manufactured from PVC-U material, Durapipe Guardian is a unique dual contained pipework system, incorporating a patented Centra-Lok™ system, providing a solid fixed fitting and offering a true point of difference to alternative dual contained systems. The system can safely transport a range of different fluids, and some chemical concentrates, without fear of endangering the public or surrounding environment. For further information on Guardian click here. To find out more about the Inspiring Art and Music redevelopment of Aberdeen Art Gallery, Cowdray Hall and Remembrance Hall and donate to the fundraising campaign click here.

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