Case Study - Leeds

As a consequence of the Grenfell tragedy, an assessment of the building envelope was carried out on the 275nr residential apartment block in the centre of Leeds. It was found to be non-compliant with current regulations and in urgent need of replacement. The VariAL-SF system was selected as it complied with an A2 fire rating, with EN13501-1 classification by third parties, and satisfied the detailed planning constraints.

An ambitious 52 week programme for complete removal of the existing cladding and replacement was set out and achieved by the project team, despite significant limitations in terms of access and logistical challenges. To the passer-by, there is barely any discernible difference in the aesthetic of the building’s new facade, the colour-matching of the panels is incredibly accurate and allowed for a seamless transition to a much safer environment for the building’s residents.

The apartment block was in the middle of a built up residential area. As principle contractor Roofdec needed to obtain road closures from Leeds city council for two main roads which ran the full length and one side elevation. Furthermore the other main elevation was a pedestrian walkway with access to the apartment block , a hotel and several commercial buildings therefore safe access routes and segregation had to be installed and coordinated with the various parties involved. In addition, the building had to be reclad using125ft cherry pickers working off the main road and pedestrian walkways therefore protective tracking systems had to be laid over the tarmac and paving to protect the existing materials. Throughout the building refurbishment, which took exactly 52 weeks, access to all the various buildings was maintained and Roofdec site personnel worked closely with adjacent building owners and especially the management team of the apartment block which accommodate d270 apartments to ensure minimal disruption. .

VariAL Secret Fix (SF) delivers the aesthetic appeal of a secret-fixed rainscreen cassette system, whilst offering a cost-effective solution for projects where budget restraints are more demanding. Comprising a fully adjustable support system, relying on a hidden mechanical fixing in the horizontal joint, VariAL-SF accommodates a wide range of materials, with an extensive palette of finishes, and supports large format panel arrangements. For this project, the client selected a 3mm gauge aluminium panel with a selection of bespoke colour powder coatings to match with the previous cladding and meet with planning requirements, achieving an A2-s1,d0 fire rating. 

With a state-of-the-art polyester architectural powder coatings line, our façade and fabrication products offer the quality assurance and production lead times to QUALICOAT standards associated with a single source architectural powder coating supplier. Our rainscreen panels and architectural fabrications are available in an exciting spectrum of over 2000 colours, textures and gloss levels from the RAL Classic, RAL Design, BS 381c,BS4800 and NCS ranges- as well as specialist two-coat, two-tone, metallic effect & anodised effect finishes.