Crystal Clear at One Glass Wharf

The Temple Quay area in central Bristol has undergone significant urban regeneration over the past decade, developing into one of the country’s leading insurance and financial districts. At its heart is One Glass Wharf – a stunning modern building for which we’re contracted to clean the façade and all windows.

Raising the Roof

A centrepiece of the building is its impressive, flat glass roof which sits over a large corridor and vast atrium. However, being flat means dirt and atmospheric contaminants quickly build up and become visible inside the building. So, while the exterior is cleaned annually, the glass roof naturally needs more frequent attention.

Working over a weekend, when the building was quiet, we accessed the roof from inside the building via a safety hatch. Once on the roof, our team was kept secure using the installed man safe system which, using lanyards connected to our harnesses, we were attached to at all times. The glass structure itself has been designed to be walked on.

A Shining Example

Our Reach and Wash system ensured the clean itself was relatively straightforward. The system uses pure, de-ionised and demineralised water, which reduces streaks, leaves no residue, and keeps the roof spotless for longer. Being free of chemicals also means it’s environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Despite the roof’s natural water run-offs, for the final touch, we squeegeed every panel to deliver a crystal-clear finish, ensuring the roof was ready to shine for returning staff.

To find out more about our superior external building cleaning services, contact Max or Andy Morris on 0333 234 1445, or email your enquiry and we’ll get right back to you.

A Priority Clean for a Leading Healthcare Group

When we were approached to by one of our good clients to undertake the exterior cleaning of a high profile healthcare facility in Shepton Mallet, it was clear the building was in need of specialist care to ensure that it too was in best health.

Swift Diagnosis, Expert Treatment

With a photoshoot just around the corner, time was short. However, we were determined to help our client return the building to an as-new level of cleanliness – just as every modern healthcare centre should be.

When we arrived to survey the site, it was evident the exterior hadn’t been cleaned for some time. Every surface and substrate – glass entrance, wooden cladding, windows, main render, brise soleil – all required a deep clean.

Fortunately, thanks to our advanced cleaning systems, not only were we able to remove all major contaminants efficiently, but we also applied preventative treatments to help maintain the fresh appearance for longer.

A Tricky But Successful Operation

Time and access were our greatest challenges – even with our MZ250 Cherry Picker to hand. Undeterred, we factored in out-of-hours cleaning to minimise disruption to staff and patients, and we tackled a handful of hard-to-reach areas on foot.

Within a week, we had restored the entire exterior to optimal health – just in time to shine in front of the cameras.

To find out more about our superior external building cleaning services, contact Max or Andy Morris on 0333 234 1445, or email your enquiry, and we’ll get right back to you.

A pristine clean at Whitchurch Lane Enterprise Park

Whitchurch Lane Enterprise Park might seem tucked away in the suburbs of South Bristol, but there is nothing discreet about these exceptional light industrial units.

Designed to offer specialist contractors fit-for-purpose spaces to support Bottle Yard Studios – the vibrant, neighbouring TV & Film Production facility – the units were built to a high specification and to BREEAM standards.

They certainly look the part, and it’s hardly a surprise that maintaining the exterior is not a nice to have – it’s an obligation.

But it is not an easy task.

A partnership in perfection

Working with Hartnell Taylor Cook, we developed a proposal and schedule to make sure the new units will always look at their best for years to come. An annual deep clean of the exterior will be supported by a six-monthly maintenance clean, focussing on windows and any challenges that arise, including managing rust.

A walk in the park

We recently completed our first annual clean, where our knowledge and expertise, as well as the relatively new condition of the units, meant that the clean itself was, for us, relatively challenge free.

With no particularly nasty contaminants to tackle, we used our Reach & Wash service to clean the glass, including potentially hard-to-reach skylights and solar panels, while our Pressure Washing service was the perfect solution for the vast metal-clad exterior.

No clear access, no hassle

As is often the way with large buildings, certain areas can prove tricky to reach, and with no clear access to the back of these units, keeping the rear up to scratch could have posed a significant challenge.

But not only is our team highly skilled and fully qualified in accessing high and hard-to-reach areas, our Multitel MZ350 Cherry Picker Truck – with its versatile platform operating at heights of up to 35.5m and outreaching up to 20m – helped us to overcome a potential hurdle hassle free.

When the clean was complete, the units were ready to withstand another six months of notorious West Country weather.

To find out more about our superior external building cleaning services, contact Max or Andy Morris on 0333 234 1445, or email your enquiry and we’ll get back to you in a flash.

Cleaning the atrium of UWE’s Business School

The building that houses the Bristol Business School is considered the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of UWE’s Frenchay campus. OneFifty was therefore delighted to be asked to carry out the high-level interior cleaning of the impressive atrium of this much-prized building.

We’ve carried out several exterior cleaning projects for UWE, including the façade of the Bristol Business School. The surveyor in charge of UWE’s estates and facilities was impressed by the high standard of our work, so on learning that we had the solution and expertise to carry high-level interior cleaning, he booked us to work on the atrium.

A WORLD CLASS FACILITY AND A SHOW-CASE BUILDING

UWE, and the Bristol Business School, have a fantastic reputation and students come from all over the world to study here. This world-class facility was created to reflect the university’s reputation and showcase the school’s unique facilities.

The interior spaces have also been created to promote a cohesive relationship between campus, industry, and local community. As you walk in through the main doors you are greeted by a welcoming café which is used by visitors, businesses, students and staff alike. As you look up, you can clearly see the stand-out learning spaces such as the Bloomberg City Trading Room, and the Mock Law Courts where students can act out real scenarios.

The grand stair in the atrium links the various levels of the building, with bridges at every level connecting the staff and student zones. There are also breakout, meeting, and study spaces on all floors. All in all, it is a beautifully designed, inspiring space that deserves to be carefully maintained to the highest standards.

TOP QUALITY PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR CLEANING

Our work involved cleaning the huge floor-to-ceiling windows that face out onto the atrium, the glazed balustrades surrounding the central space on every level, and all of the interior windows of the building.

We do a lot of high-level internal cleaning and every project has its own unique requirements. On this project work needed to be completed over a weekend and so time was of the essence.

KNOW HOW AND THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

We knew from experience that we could utilise a Spider (a specialist type of mobile elevated working platform) that has the ability to fit through the double doors of the main entrance, allowing us to safely reach and clean the highest sections of the atrium. In addition, we utilised a second smaller platform to allow us to tackle the lower to mid-tier sections whilst also having operatives working from the ground, to ensure we had every surface covered.

OneFifty’s director, Max Morris comments; “Our experienced team know exactly what is required for this type of project and all cleaning was carried out with a great deal of great care, and attention to detail. Our thorough checking process helps ensure nothing gets missed and that the outcome is of the highest standard. Everything was completed on deadline, and this stunning space was left shining and clean, ready to greet the students when they returned from their Christmas break.

“For UWE, having a trusted local service provider with expertise across a range of different services is useful, and we have been contracted to carry out numerous other building projects.”

To find out more about our high level interior cleaning service please contact Max or Andy on 0333 234 1445 or email your enquiry and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Warehouse clean for Hillcroft Surgery Supplies

OneFifty has recently completed a sizeable exterior cleaning project for Hillcroft Surgery Supplies, a Yeovil-based company.

The company set up in 2005 to supply GP surgeries with a range of medical supplies and has steadily expanded over time. Having outgrown its previous building the company had decided to move to a new, larger premises to support planned future growth. The new site consists of two detached steel framed warehouses, one of which is configured to provide both warehousing, office facilities and a canteen. As well as providing much needed additional space for storing supplies, the warehouses also offer easy vehicle loading via adjustable raised dock loading doors.

Preparing the buildings for occupation

The two warehouses had been vacant for some time and were looking quite the worse for wear, so the directors decided to have them completely refurbished prior to moving in.

The pale grey metal cladding on both buildings was badly stained with a combination of algae and atmospheric pollution, while the corrugated roof harboured a thick layer of moss and algae. In addition, the gutters of both buildings were completely blocked with a build up of debris and silt, which caused them to overflow whenever it rained. Overflowing gutters can cause serious damage to a buildings structure so the situation needed to be addressed.

Professional cleaning from the top down

Our experienced operatives know the best ways to tackle algae staining and clear clogged up drains. We started by cleaning the roof to remove moss and algae, then cleared the blocked gutters by removing debris and silt. This allowed water to flow along the gulleys, and down and away from the building.

We then gave the warehouse cladding a thorough clean using pressurised steam to remove the algae, and kill off algae spores. This was followed by the application of a biocide – a growth inhibitor that help forestall future attacks.

BRILLIANT RESULTS – READY FOR THE BIG MOVE

As can be seen from the images below the units looked fantastic once cleaned and our client was delighted with the outcome.

Our new Multitel 350 provided the extended outreach required to access and clean these large structures, helping us deliver a very efficient and cost-effective service. It helped ensure the project was completed within the required time frame, allowing Hillcroft Surgery Supplies to stay on schedule for their move.

To find out more about our reliable and efficient exterior building cleaning services call Max or Andy Morris on 0333 234 1445 or email your enquiry and we’ll get back to you.

Specialist access

Our expertise in Specialist Access

When it comes to reaching high-level, awkward-to-get-to exterior surfaces our experienced team will find a way to get the job done without compromising the quality of the clean.

We have a reputation for solving difficult access problems and safely completing even the most challenging of exterior cleaning projects.

Cleaning a heritage building

OneFifty is experienced in cleaning historic buildings and trusted by many to carry out exterior surface cleaning of listed and heritage buildings. We recently carried out exterior cleaning of a Grade II listed building in Birmingham.

This six-storey, Victorian stone building is currently used as offices and is located on the junction of Colmore Row and Newhall Street, a prime position in Birmingham’s central office core. It is a stand-out building, featuring elegant Doric columns, balconies with stone balustrades, and a stunning glass topped roof. Unfortunately over time the soft stone surfaces of the building had become stained by atmospheric pollution and colonised by algae and other organic growths which needed to be removed.

Removing organic growth to help protect masonry

The UK’s damp climate encourages the growth of algae and other biofilms on building facades. Stone is particularly vulnerable because it retains water, which creates the perfect environment for these organic pollutants to thrive and grow. Left untreated, they can cause serious damage and deterioration to masonry which is both challenging and costly ro repair.

The best system for cleaning historic buildings

Extra care always needs to be taken when cleaning listed buildings, or any historic building, as the stone is often soft and may be particularly vulnerable. We use pressurised steam, a system used throughout the world for cleaning historic buildings and monuments of note. Pressurised steam is far gentler than many other cleaning systems. The steam causes a thermal shock effect which causes surface pollutants to overheat and break up so they can be removed without damaging the surface.

It also allows us to precisely control both the pressure and the temperature of the steam jet. This makes it ideal for cleaning delicate stonework and enables us to achieve a far superior clean while minimising risk of damage. This was particularly helpful when cleaning the stone balconies and window surrounds.

Our Multitel cherry picker provided flexible access the higher levels of the building, while the pressurised steam allowed us to give the exterior surfaces a thorough clean. The steam also helps kill off biofilms which, together with the application of a biocide post cleaning, will help deter future growth.

Well planned, safe project implementation

Work was done outside normal working hours to help minimise interruption to business, with all required HSSE regulations relating to working in a busy location with pedestrians passing by, even late at night, being fully met. Our operatives are IPAF trained and experienced in high-level cleaning and we are also correctly insured for the work we carry out, providing peace of mind for our clients.

The exterior of the building was utterly transformed by our cleaning, so much so that passers by stopped to admire the work we were doing.

If you would like to know more about our process for cleaning historic buildings, please give us a call or email your enquiry. We would be happy to visit your premises and carry out a test clean to demonstrate exactly what we are able to achieve.

Cleaning stonework at Georgian style residence

Glen Eagle Manor is an elegant, award-winning residential development located in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. The construction has been designed in traditional Georgian style to compliment other buildings in the area and received Harpenden Civic Society’s highest award for enhancement of a local area. It also received Property of the Year at Herts Building Construction Awards 2017 and was Shortlisted for Herts Association of Architects Award 2016.

The block and estate management company in charge of maintaining this prestigious building provides a very high standard of service and support to the residents. When it was decided that the exterior stone work of needed to be cleaned we were flattered that they chose OneFifty to carry out the work.

Cleaning stone balustrades, lintels and patios

The project involved cleaning all of the stone lintels, balustrades and balconies on the development, having reviewed the project to assess the requirements we chose pressurised steam as the most suitable solution.

Getting access equipment on site and in position to allow us to carry out the cleaning presented a challenge as the gateway entrance, and pathways around the site, are fairly narrow. The building is also surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns and flower beds which needed to be carefully navigated, and protected, while work was underway.

The right approach

A spider is a very versatile and easy to manoeuvre, so was well suited to this project. Our team carefully laid boards over the lawns to protect them when moving and positioning the spider around the site.

They took the greatest of care throughout, working at a steady pace in order to complete the cleaning to a very high standard and within the required timeframe. The results were spectacular, transforming the appearance of the stone, and both the block managing agent and the residents were absolutely delighted with the results.

To find out more about our exterior cleaning services please contact Max or Andy on 0333 234 1445 or email your enquiry and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Building clean down for the Babcock Technology Centre

The Babcock Technology Centre is a five-storey office building located in the Bristol Business Park, just north of Bristol City Centre. The 85,790 sq ft building has been created to accommodate various operating divisions of the international engineering support services company, the Babcock Group. OneFifty was contracted by the building contractor to carry out a final building clean before the new occupants started to move in.

Two-tone composite cladding and glass

The exterior of the building is comprised of tall vertical composite panels clad in two colour tones and huge glazed window panels all of which needed to be cleaned. Our mission was to clean the panels and windows and ensure everything was left sparkling clean.

Know-how achieves the best results

We used our Reach and Wash system to carry out the work, alongside one of our MEWPs to allow us to access and clean the highest sections of the building.

Reach and Wash uses deionised water applied using a soft brush from a water-fed pole to leave a crystal clear finish. However, the operator needs to achieve an even pressure across all surfaces being cleaned to ensure the best possible result. We find that, the longer the pole, the less control the operator has, especially using a pole longer than 10 meters. Using our MEWP to access the highest areas of the building allows us to use shorter poles, which are lighter and easier to control, thus guaranteeing the best possible finish across both the cladding and the glass.

Our client was delighted with the outcome, and impressed by how we planned and managed the project, including dealing with the Health and Safety element of the high-level access. We are looking forward to working with them again soon.

To find out more about our exterior cleaning services please contact Max or Andy on 0333 234 1445 or email your enquiry and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Cleaning the Dolman stand at Ashton Gate

This week our team has been cleaning the Dolman stand at Ashton Gate stadium in Bristol. The project involved cleaning the sides and roof of this massive steel structure, as well as the tall steel poles on the roof. The metal surfaces had become badly stained with algae and atmospheric pollution, so we were called in to clean the whole structure and get it looking spick and span again.

About the Dolman stand

Constructed in 1970, the Dolman Stand is Ashton Gate stadium’s oldest stand. It’s single steel-frame cantilever roof has no pillars, allowing spectators to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the games. As one of the first stands of its kind, it was considered a feat of engineering. The stand was refurbished in 2015, when the roof was extended to tie in with the newly built South Stand. It has a capacity of around 6,200 and is named after the former club chairman and president Harry Dolman.

To find out more about our exterior cleaning services please contact Max or Andy on 0333 234 1445 or email your enquiry and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Safe high-level access

We have expertise in working at height and a range of options available for reaching and cleaning hard to access exterior surfaces. We used our cherry pickers to clean the massive metal panels and support structures of the Dolman stand. Their ‘up and over’ hydraulic booms achieve excellent height and outreach. They are also compact and agile, which makes them ideal for working in tight spaces.

Our preferred cleaning method for this project was pressurised steam which made light work of removing the algae staining and left the metal surfaces looking good as new.

Our team is careful and considerate when working on site. We created a temporary track from wooden panels for our vehicles to drive across and park on to protect the precious pitch. We also covered the bench seats of the stand with plastic to stop them from getting wet.

Despite the inclement weather conditions our dedicated team of IPAF qualified operatives were able to complete the work safely, efficiently and on time. The stadium is now once again looking its brilliant best – and we have yet another incredibly pleased client.