Case Study - Wembley Point, London

The original design concept for this 22 storey office tower refurbishment, including439 contemporary micro apartments, was based upon a construction method that did not work from a programme perspective, thus part of the development was to propose an alternative construction method to achieve the same/similar aesthetics whilst ensuring the project requirements were met. The client understood from the outset, due to the nature of this scheme, that they needed to liaise with the supply chain and design team to ensure they could produce a design that was viable to construct. At this stage the VariAL-H aluminium rainscreen cladding system became a key consideration as it offered a lightweight, flexible, safe and aesthetically-pleasing solution.

The Wembley Point project posed difficult questions pre-construction and pre-contract award. Could the project team come up with a system that met budget requirement and aesthetic expectations, but also achieve a challenging programme that allowed the contractor to work “top down” and achieve water tight status floor by floor whilst fitting out internally? To meet the quality, time constraints and budget we engaged with Build-Therm Service sand our wider supply chain from the moment we were invited to tender. In developing a competitive, supply chain led solution, it gave us the confidence to produce a solution which had not previously been offered by the ERS/Architects. Early engagement allowed us to have critical technical input at design meetings and assist with early design concepts. Innovative design development was an important factor in achieving client satisfaction and special attention to detail was needed to address the unique aspect of the existing building design, balancing this with the architect’s design intent for the refurbishment.

VariAL-H hook-on rainscreen cladding system using 3mm gauge aluminium panels with a powder coated finish fixed onto an AxiAL adjustable aluminium support frame. The VariAL H system is a fully secret fix baffle jointed cassette rainscreen, with fully adjustable vertical aluminium mullion support system. Best suited to vertical application on walls, for new build and overcladding existing structures. The unique mounting system accommodates a multitude of panel shapes and configurations, offering ultimate flexibility in aesthetic design techniques. Independency of panels allows efficient installation around service areas, and individual demounting for maintenance and repair requirements. Variable joint sizes, with a range of joint profile details and treatment options to suit individual project requirements. Aluminium mullions, ranging from 50mm up to150mm depth, can be installed on almost any form of sub-structure or frame, and can span from floor to floor if required. Panels can be fitted at random, if desired, due to the unique panel carrier, which is fully adjustable and can be locked and unlocked with ease. It is classified A2-s1,d0 to EN 13501-1 with a powder coated finish.