VIEGA STEELS THE SHOW
For the refurbishment of the Soho Theatre in Walthamstow, contractor CMB Engineering was looking for a piping system to meet stringent performance standards. Flexible enough to handle the peculiarities of a 100-year-old building; easy to install in tight working spaces, and future proof. CMB Engineering was looking for Megapress.
The Soho Theatre in Walthamstow has been a hub of entertainment ever since it first opened in 1887. From its first life as a Victorian Music Hall through conversion to a cinema and now being reinvented as a modern theatre and entertainment space.
Updating the 100-year-old heating system was always going to be a challenge, but it was one that Paul Metcalfe from CMB Engineering was well up for.
“Our aim was to bring the heating system into the 21st century. The pipes were all obsolete and weren’t fit for purpose anymore. With us installing a brand-new air source heat pump system, we were effectively starting from scratch.”
THE FIRST ACT.
Main contractors Wilmott Dixon led the project, stripping the building back to brick. Having appointed Paul and his team, the original specification was left open to them.
“We typically use threading and welding, especially with any pipework over 2 inches. Given it was a listed building we had to consider options which didn’t require a hot works permit. Once we got in touch with Viega and went through the project, it was obvious theirs was the solution to go with.”
Despite knocking the building back to brick, space was still at a premium. With tight working areas and plenty of trades on site, being agile and having minimal equipment paid off.
“For starters, the site location is restrictive with no perimeter on it. We knew going into it that smaller teams would be needed. The next challenge came when we started moving through the building itself. You’ve got tight working areas plus it’s in a constant design and build phase. You never know what you’re dealing with until you cut into the walls.”
GOING OFF SCRIPT.
This complexity meant Paul needed a versatile and fast system. Megapress was chosen because of its raw speed versus traditional methods, as well as the ease of use on site.
“I’ve always preferred threading and welding but when we got on site with Megapress, we immediately saw the benefits. The kit is great, there’s less equipment and it’s much faster too. We can press thick steel in seconds and move onto the next section fast. It means less time and people on site without compromising on quality.”
“It’s just a well-engineered system. There are plenty of fittings which helped get us out of tricky situation: that was huge, considering the walls constantly threw up challenges.”
Speed wasn’t the only benefit of Megapress for Paul and the team. SC-Contur, present in all Viega connections, provides additional layers of security and protection for installations. SC-Contur provides a dedicated leak path, pressure tests reliably highlight unpressed connections and an additional cutting ring increases connection strength.
“You can really tell the difference, it’s like the connections are designed not to fail. It’s really hard to make a mistake as the press connections are consistently strong. Then, when pressure testing, you can easily find and rectify any missed connections.”
THE ENCORE
While straightforward to use, there was some initial work needed up front to ensure all site teams knew how to use the system.
“Viega sent people down to the site to make sure our new guys knew how to install the system. Viega’s support has always been there: really helpful and accommodating.”
The proof of whether a system is really useful for the installer comes when they choose to use it again. For Paul, this is his second time using the system and he’s continued to be impressed.
“I had used Viega on a previous job and thought it was well designed. For this job, we’re progressing at a good rate with the consistency and quality being high every day. The whole system is just well engineered, I love it.”
