INCA Case Study: Graphite Square, London

Graphite Square, Vauxhall, London

Graphite Square is a landmark mixed-use development in the heart of Vauxhall, London, just a short walk from the River Thames and Vauxhall Tube station. Designed by the internationally acclaimed Ben Adams Architects, the development reflects the area’s industrial past while delivering a forward-thinking urban design that brings together high-quality homes and commercial spaces.

The scheme comprises 160 thoughtfully designed 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments and 80,000 sq ft of collaborative workspaces, linked by a vibrant central public realm. This shared space encourages connection and creates a community-focused environment where residents and businesses can thrive.

At the heart of this project’s success is its striking façade. To deliver the architectural vision while meeting the demands of modern construction, SPS Envirowall supplied both its SpeedySlip brick slip system and its innovative Direct Fix system.

The SpeedySlip system provided the traditional appearance of brick with the modern benefits of a lightweight, fully non-combustible finish. Each slip is meticulously handmade from premium raw materials to achieve the texture and look of authentic brickwork. A total of 582,000 slips were used to achieve a beautifully detailed façade.

Direct Fix was used in tandem with SpeedySlip to deliver a fast, efficient, and thermally optimised installation. The system allows slips to be fixed directly onto mineral fibre insulation, eliminating the need for a render carrier board and reducing overall wall build-up thickness. This significantly improved installation speed and helped maintain programme timings, even amid site challenges.

Together, the systems provided a fully tested solution, delivering on all critical aspects: fire safety, thermal performance, aesthetics, and build efficiency.

Despite delays to the SFS installation and setbacks with window fabrication, the use of SPS Envirowall’s solutions, particularly the Direct Fix system allowed installers to work in a more agile and efficient way, offsetting some of the time lost and ensuring that the façade was completed on time and to the highest quality.

Client Testimonial:

“First time using a Brick Slip system as opposed to traditional masonry and we are very impressed with the SPS Envirowall SpeedySlip system. Having a system of one build-up tested to include the SFS sheathing has been more than beneficial in complying with current fire regulations and achieving an impeccable finish. Simbi have delivered the installation of the system to a very high and professional standard, all the way through to their precise QA procedures, leaving us with a fully non-combustible façade.”
— Charlie White, Contracts Manager, Vision Construct