Brief

The Project objective was to remove the existing Combustible façade materials and install new A1 rated non-combustible cladding system complete with new weathering details around openings

Scope of works

RKC were engaged as a specialist Rainscreen & Facades contractor to work with the client through the tender process to provide affordable solutions and VE options which still achieve the required fire performance. Through discussions and negotiations RKC secured the fully strip and reclad of the building. This includes removal of the existing Zinc panels, Swiss pearl panels, helping hand system, PIR insulation, VCL and perimeter flashings and the installation of new EPDM, VCL, Rockwool insulation, Aluminium helping hand system, fire barriers and new Aluminium shiplap cladding panels.

Project Detail

Ashburton Triangle is in the northern corner of Arsenal Football Club’s Emirates Stadium development.  It comprises around 250 dwellings and at ground floor level on the south elevation includes Arsenal’s Museum. It is a complex building in plan, layout, varying sloping heights up to 12 storeys and a significant cantilever to some elevations

RKC worked as specialist façade contractor under a JCT Contract to undertake the Fire safety remedial works to all different external wall types including replacement cladding, helping hand aluminium framework, insulation and installation of new cavity barriers. The works include removal and replacement of the combustible elements of the existing façade with non-combustible materials.

The project also verifies and potentially replaces all EPDM works back to the existing structure.

Challenges

Logistics and access is a major challenge of the scheme due to the pedestrian areas surrounding the building, the proximity to Arsenal Football Clubs Emirates stadium and the building being surrounded on either side by railway lines. This led to various challenges with access, deliveries, storage and distribution of material around site all of which were overcome by continual liaison and planning with the site teams, residents and Arsenal Football Club.

Other challenges within the build were designing and installing a suitable framework system that worked with the position and layout of the windows. The original lightweight brick infill structure was originally thought to be unsuitable to fix to, meaning a Slab to Slab framing system was originally specified however this caused problems with the window positions and support. Through RKC extensive testing and surveys we were able to overcome the fixing issue and provide a suitable framing system to work with all openings across the elevation without the need to install a costly slab to slab system.