INCA Case Study: Lowry House, Acton

Project Background:

The Lowry House, a towering 8-story building, faced a critical fire safety concern due to its existing cladding system. Following a fire safety assessment, the main contractor, Higgins, initiated a tender process to select a qualified recladding subcontractor. Full Works Projects, with their proven track record in fire remedial works, emerged as the successful bidder for this essential project. Their extensive experience in navigating complex fire safety regulations and delivering high-quality recladding solutions positioned them perfectly to tackle this important undertaking.

High-Performance Render System: The Heart of the Solution:
The project’s core component was the implementation of a market-leading rainscreen cladding system featuring a high-performance CS1 render finish. This innovative system boasted several key elements:

• Durable and Aesthetically Pleasing Finish: A 1.5mm Silicone Topcoat CS1 was applied, offering exceptional resilience against weather elements while maintaining an attractive visual appeal. This topcoat played a crucial role in ensuring the render’s longevity and contributing to the building’s overall aesthetics.
• Superior Thermal Performance: The inclusion of 180mm High Density Mineral Wool insulation significantly enhanced the building’s thermal performance. This translates to improved energy efficiency, potentially leading to reduced heating and cooling costs for residents.

Enhanced Fire Safety and Weatherproofing Benefits:

The CS1 render system, along with the supporting structure, achieved the highest possible Euroclass A1 fire rating. This classification signifies the system’s non-com combustibility, significantly enhancing the building’s overall fire safety and providing peace of mind for residents. Additionally, the rainscreen system facilitated rapid installation of the CS1 render, minimising disruption for residents and quickly weatherproofing the building envelope. This rapid weatherproofing was critical in protecting the building from the elements during the construction phase.

Adapting to Existing Conditions: Overcoming Unforeseen Challenges:

While the project aimed for a smooth installation process, unforeseen challenges arose due to the inherent nature of working on an existing building. Unlike new structures built to precise specifications, existing buildings may have slight imperfections or inconsistencies. In this project, the primary challenge involved deflection in the original structure, impacting the planned application of the render system. The team displayed exceptional adaptability in the face of this obstacle.

Collaborative Problem-Solving: Achieving Optimal Results:

Leveraging the technical expertise of SPS Envirowall, a leading provider of innovative cladding solutions, Full Works embarked on a collaborative problem-solving approach. Through close communication and collaboration, they addressed the deflection issues and ensured a smooth and successful render installation. This teamwork ensured the CS1 render system adhered to the design specifications and delivered the desired aesthetic and performance results, ultimately exceeding expectations.