INCA Case Study: Gallions Reach, Beckton, London

Project Overview

The Gallions Reach façade remediation project at Royal Albert Wharf, Beckton, a Soltherm specification expertly installed by Guildmore Ltd, transformed seven prominent riverside buildings—five residential and two mixed-use—into fully compliant, thermally upgraded, and visually refreshed high-rises. Spanning six to nine floors, each building underwent a full external wall system replacement, driven by a comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment and an urgent need to meet post-Grenfell regulatory requirements.

Beyond simple compliance, the ambition was to futureproof the façades for thermal efficiency, long-term durability, and architectural enhancement. Located directly on the River Thames, the project demanded technical finesse, innovative logistics, and seamless coordination across live-occupied environments.

Client Objectives

• Replace legacy EPS and combustible insulation with fully non-combustible materials
• Achieve full compliance with latest Building Safety and Fire Safety regulations, securing EWS1 A1 ratings
• Improve the thermal performance of each block and reduce energy usage

Preserve and enhance architectural quality while maintaining resident safety and comfort throughout

Scope of Works

Each block was stripped back to substrate, with removal of legacy EPS systems, replacement of defective cavity barriers, and full reinstallation using Soltherm Dynamic Silicone (Ultimate HD) over 100mm of Euroclass A1 mineral wool. The system, certified to achieve A2-s1, d0 or better across the entire wall build-up, ensured every element of the façade met or exceeded fire and thermal performance standards.

Complementary works included:

• New terracotta tile spandrel sections
• Installation of non-combustible aluminium cladding systems
• Upgraded decking on balconies using fire-rated composite panels

Structural coordination for blocks partially cantilevered over the Thames

Technical Detailing and U-Value Improvement

The selected Soltherm Dynamic Silicone (Ultimate HD) system provided superior impact resistance and long-term weather durability, ideal for high-traffic, exposed elevations. The build-up included:

• 100mm dual-density mineral wool bonded and mechanically fixed using stainless steel fixings
• Soltherm high-flex mesh-reinforced basecoat system with built-in crack mitigation
• Vapour-permeable silicone finish for long-lasting colour retention and hydrophobic protection

The pre-works U-value of 0.24W/m²K was enhanced to 0.18W/m²K, a substantial gain that directly contributes to reduced heating demand across over 300 dwellings.

Façade transitions between render and terracotta spandrels were executed by Guildmore Ltd with bespoke fire-stopping detail and interface trims, ensuring both aesthetic alignment and full regulatory compliance.

Unique Project Requirements

Situated on the Thames embankment, three of the blocks featured cantilevered sections overhanging the river, adding considerable complexity to access and safety planning. To facilitate safe remediation at height, temporary engineered dams were constructed to manage fluctuating tidal levels, allowing secure scaffold erection and maintenance throughout the project.

This riverside context required specific attention to environmental control measures, debris containment, and water ingress protection—all of which were successfully implemented under a dynamic site management plan.

Challenges and Solutions

1: Phased Construction:

To maintain resident access and reduce disruption, the works were executed in clearly defined phases. Starting with Latitude and Ebb Court and moving through Drift and Fathom before concluding with The Galley, The Helm, and The Mast, the approach enabled efficient resource deployment and tight programme control.

2: Resident Engagement:

With over 300 homes occupied throughout the remediation period, continuous communication was paramount. Our Resident Liaison Officer conducted regular briefings, individual updates, and 24/7 helpline support. Letter drops and digital notices kept tenants informed about scaffold access, noise impacts, and progress milestones, resulting in minimal disruption and no formal complaints.

3: Fire Strategy Compliance:

All works followed a strict remediation specification in line with PAS 9980 and the new Building Safety Act. All insulation, render, fire barriers, and fixings met Euroclass A standards. Third-party fire safety consultants validated cavity fire barrier installations at every stage, ensuring EWS1 A1 certificates could be issued on completion.

Design and Aesthetic Renewal

The original façades were a mix of cladding and render with dated EPS panels. The new Soltherm Dynamic Silicone finish revitalised the buildings’ street presence with a clean, modern appearance while delivering proven durability in urban river-edge conditions.

Colour palettes were chosen in collaboration with residents and planners to reflect the maritime and industrial heritage of Royal Albert Wharf, achieving a cohesive streetscape across all seven blocks.

Innovation and Added Value

• Fire Safety Uplift: Removal of all combustible elements and replacement with non-combustible A1-rated insulation and cavity protection systems
• Thermal Performance Boost: Improved U-value to 0.18W/m²K using breathable mineral wool and high-performance silicone render
• Complex Access Management: Scaffold and dam solutions tailored to river-edge blocks, ensuring programme continuity and safety
• Resident-Centric Delivery: Structured engagement and zero-defect handover contributed to overwhelmingly positive resident feedback
• Sustainability Gains: Reuse of certain substructures and precision demolition techniques reduced project waste and embodied carbon

Project Outcomes

The Gallions Reach façade project demonstrates how technically challenging, multi-block high-rise remediation can be delivered with precision and integrity. With the Soltherm EWI system expertly installed by Guildmore Ltd every block now meets the highest fire and thermal performance benchmarks, and the aesthetic transformation elevates the urban environment for the entire community.

Client Feedback:

“We are incredibly pleased with the finished result at Gallions Reach. Not only does the scheme meet stringent compliance standards, but it has greatly improved the living environment for our residents. The project team navigated the challenges of a live, riverside site with exceptional professionalism.” – Gallions Approach Management Ltd.