Uponor supply pipework for the offsite construction of a £60m hotel built in just 12 weeks

Uponor has supplied high performance multi-layered composite Multi-layer Composite (MLC) piping to offsite building solutions specialist, Elements Europe, as part of the manufacture of 329-bathroom pods for the new Manchester city centre £60m Clayton Hotel development.

Opting to manufacture the bathroom pods offsite meant that the main phases of the hotel could be built rapidly which would not have been possible using traditional onsite construction methods. Uponor worked closely with the Elements Europe’s M&E manager and design team to engineer a new solution that required fewer fittings than a traditional system, maximising efficiencies by saving on both cost and installation time.

MLC pipe systems were used in the construction of the pods due to offering numerous operational and installation benefits that were crucial for fast construction of a hotel of this scale. This unique seamless pipe construction means that the flexibility of the pipe is unmatched and bends were formed by hand, removing the need for elbow joints or additional fittings.

By requiring minimal fittings and joints, MLC pipe helps to eliminate the risk of connection failures and leaks, which improves the integrity of the system whilst also providing speed of installation. Adequate water pressure, as well as minimised risk of connection failures, are also critically important for taller more extensive structures, such as Clayton Hotel, that have more demanding water requirements.

In addition, the pipe consists of an aluminium core which is coated with a layer of hygienic, temperature resistant Polyethylene. All layers are permanently bonded together by intermediate adhesive layers which means it offers the best performance features of a metal pipe, such as strength and form stability when bent, as well as the great performance features of modern plastic polymers, such as corrosion resistance and flexibility.

Paul Whittall, Territory Sales Manager at Uponor, said, “With a successful working relationship spanning 10 years, we were able to work closely with Elements Europe’s M&E manager and design team to engineer a solution that required fewer fittings than a traditional system, maximising efficiencies and saving on both cost and installation time. The MLC pipe was an essential part of the specification for the bathroom pods in this prestigious Clayton Hotel project due to its flexibility, speedy installation and superior insulation qualities.”

“Overall, our strong partnership with Elements Europe, combined with the meticulous offsite construction process, meant that installation ran smoothly, the project kept to timelines, and the high design and quality standards expected of the brand were maintained.”

Find out more at: https://www.uponor.com/en-gb/r/clayton-hotel-manchester-united-kingdom