Supporting the COMET Building at the University of South Wales with Tyvek® Trifecta™

As part of its estate transformation, the University of South Wales is developing a new state-of-the-art facility at its Treforest campus. The COMET building - short for Computing, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology - will consolidate departments currently spread across the site into a single, future-ready learning environment.

BAM is undertaking the build, which will offer 11,500 square metres of new space following the demolition of two buildings in recent years. It is expected to be completed in March 2026.

With steel framing and sheathing boarding underway, the next phase includes cladding installation, which will begin to reveal the building’s final façade. Central Cladding Systems Ltd, the appointed contractor, has partnered with DuPont to install the Tyvek® Trifecta™ fire-rated breather membrane as part of the external wall build-up.

DuPont’s Regional Manager for Southwest England & South Wales, Laurie Marshall and Technical Manager for UK & Ireland, Bryn Thomas, provided on-site technical support to ensure a smooth installation. “We offered technical support on site as part of the early conversations,” Laurie explains. “Once the start date was confirmed, our in-house Building Knowledge Centre team delivered two toolbox talks focused on the correct installation of Trifecta™.”

“This is how our team of experts can support contractors from the outset - by upskilling site teams, offering ongoing advice, and conducting inspections. It’s essential that fire-rated membranes like Tyvek® Trifecta™ are installed in full compliance with Approved Document B (fire safety) of the building regulations,” Laurie adds.

DuPont’s Tyvek® Trifecta™ was selected for its outstanding fire performance as it significantly limits flaming droplets and smoke emission when exposed to a fire. Engineered for fast and easy installation, the system features a non-combustible A2 tape and is both airtight and watertight, yet vapour-open. This contributes to energy efficiency, climate control, and improved indoor air quality.

Mark Carpenter from Central Cladding Systems Ltd commented: “Tyvek® Trifecta™ contributes to the safety, protection and sustainability of this new development. The product’s superior performance, ease of installation and the technical support from DuPont have been invaluable during this phase of the build.”