INCA Case Study: Fulton & Fifth, Wembley

Overview

Fulton & Fifth is an architecturally striking, high-specification residential development in the heart of Wembley, London, comprising a high-rise tower with ground-floor commercial units. The structure stands as a prominent gateway to the Wembley Park regeneration zone, directly overlooking the iconic Wembley Stadium Arch. The façade treatment—spanning over 2,000m² from Ground Level to Level 3—features insulated glazed and clay brick slips seamlessly integrated with precast brick slips from Level 4 upwards. The visual continuity between these components required not only technical precision but also aesthetic sensitivity, resulting in a structure that simultaneously celebrates innovation, craftsmanship, and urban context.

Client Objectives

The client’s brief was clear: to construct high-end residential apartments with uninterrupted views of the Wembley Stadium Arch, and to deliver architectural merit that would bring lasting value to the surrounding area. The objective was to create a visually arresting façade using a bespoke brick slip system, with glazed columns in multiple colours complementing traditional clay finishes—bringing to life the architect’s vision for a dynamic and diverse streetscape.

Unique Project Challenges and Solutions

The technical complexity of Fulton & Fifth was significant from the outset. One of the major challenges during the pre-construction phase was the approval and certification of the Soltherm EWI system for this specific application. The project demanded rigorous site-specific testing and intensive collaboration between all stakeholders to secure the necessary certifications and ensure system compatibility.

A key issue involved the unusually high water absorption rate of the clay brick slips. Soltherm’s laboratory in Poland was instrumental in devising a solution. Through a series of internal adhesion and water absorption tests, the team confirmed that Soltherm adhesives would bond reliably with the chosen bricks. This innovation underpinned the integrity of the system and enabled the project to proceed without compromise.

Time constraints presented another layer of complexity. With a condensed schedule from March 2024 to March 2025, delivery within this timeframe was only possible through early engagement, rigorous site coordination, and intensive training. Soltherm’s technical team facilitated rapid upskilling of operatives, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to specification across the install.

Unique Detailing

The aesthetic brief required a unique mix of finishes – green, blue, and red glazed brick slip columns interspersed with traditional clay slips. To realise this vision, bespoke detailing was developed to transition seamlessly between different finishes. One of the critical technical hurdles involved the need for a significant number of movement joints across the large continuous spans of brickwork and window openings. Standard joint solutions would have undermined the design intent, so a bespoke, colour-matched flexible mortar was developed. This innovation concealed the movement joints, preserving the façade’s visual uniformity while meeting structural demands.

Installation of the EWI System

Installation of the clay brick slip EWI system at height necessitated a particularly stringent site regime. Weekly technical inspections were conducted to monitor compliance with certification requirements and ensure consistency with the architectural vision. Additional challenges came from the logistical constraints of working in the Wembley area—managing deliveries, crane operations, and access to the high-rise façade required careful planning. Regular collaboration between installation teams and Soltherm’s technical experts ensured seamless progression despite these constraints.

From ground level to Level 3, the façade reads as a continuous, monolithic surface that disguises the complex interplay of movement joints, variable finishes, and hidden system interfaces. This is a direct result of the project’s robust quality assurance protocols and the high calibre of technical expertise involved.

Design, Location and Aesthetics

The architectural language of Fulton & Fifth is grounded in both innovation and place-making. Situated adjacent to one of the UK’s most visited landmarks, the building needed to contribute positively to its urban context while asserting its own identity. The use of vibrant glazed brick slips—rarely attempted at this scale and height—combined with the traditional clay slips, gives the façade a layered, textural character that changes with light and perspective.

The complex palette, featuring multiple colours and finishes, required exacting control of detailing and placement. This was further compounded by the height of installation, which demanded a zero-defect approach and constant on-site presence. The result is a façade that not only meets technical performance requirements—including a final U-value of 0.18W/m²K—but also elevates the aesthetic standard for residential developments in London.

Added Value and Innovations

The Fulton & Fifth project has made a notable contribution to the ongoing regeneration of Wembley. Beyond creating high-specification homes, the development adds commercial vibrancy at street level and enriches the architectural fabric of the area. The bespoke EWI system, developed in collaboration with Soltherm, showcases how façade innovation can meet both regulatory and design challenges without compromise.

Key innovations included:

• Bespoke adhesive development for high-absorption clay bricks
• Colour-matched flexible mortar joints to resolve movement joint integration
• Accelerated operatives training enabling fast-track delivery
• On-site quality assurance measures tailored to the project’s scale and complexity

Client Testimonial

“We are delighted with the final result at Fulton & Fifth. The façade has exceeded our expectations—not only in terms of aesthetics but also performance. It’s a testament to the dedication and innovation shown by the entire delivery team, and it sets a new benchmark for future developments in the area.”

Conclusion

Fulton & Fifth represents a technically ambitious, aesthetically striking, and logistically demanding new-build project. The collaboration between design, technical and installation teams, combined with material innovation and a rigorous delivery programme, has created a landmark development that brings real value to Wembley. The project exemplifies what can be achieved when engineering precision meets architectural vision.