BA World Cargo Centre

Project: BA World Cargo Centre, Heathrow, Middlesex
Type of works: erection of 300 x 34m partition, at an early stage before the building envelope was completed
Architect: W S Atkins Consultants
Contractor: Laing Morrison Knudsen
Drylining sub-contractor: Measom Dryline Limited


The project called for the construction of an undecorated 34m long, 60 minutes fire-rated partition across this 300m long building, before the building envelope was completed. This meant that the partition was required to withstand windloading and possible bad weather throughout the 13-week long construction programme.

The solution was a bespoke specification based on the Gyproc Shaftwall system with a three-ply lining consisting of Duplex core board, 15mm MR Fireline, and 10mm Gyproc Multi-Board. Full-scale tests showed that this construction would meet the wind-loading requirements as well as satisfying the functional fire performance. The outer layer of Gyproc Multi-Board provided a smooth finish which did not require decoration.

British Gypsum developed the specification in collaboration with the architects, and supplied all of the boards and supporting metalwork cut to exact sizes, ready for call-off by the drylining sub-contractor as required.