One of the largest recladding programmes outside of London has recently been completed at the West Point residential complex in central Leeds. The transformative £24.5 million redevelopment represents a significant milestone in delivering safer, compliant, and future‑proofed façades for high‑rise buildings across the UK.
As part of the scheme, Architects Enjoy Design specified more than 10,000 m² of façade materials supplied by Valcan, including the company’s A1‑classified, non‑combustible VitraDual® Aluminium Cladding and VitraNamel® Vitreous Enamel Panels. These systems were selected for their durability, fire‑safety performance, and long‑term resilience on high‑rise applications.
VitraDual® is a high‑performance A1 non‑combustible aluminium rainscreen system designed for rigidity, light weight, and strong resistance to impact and weathering. For West Point, the design utilised Silver Metallic and Dark Grey finishes, fabricated into cassette panels to create clean, contemporary visual lines across the building envelope.
VitraNamel® is a pre‑finished vitreous enamel cladding solution, created by bonding a highly durable enamel coating to a decarbonised steel substrate. Known for its exceptional resistance to weathering, chemicals, graffiti, and impact, it was chosen for areas expected to experience higher foot traffic. Approximately 260 m² of RAL 9006 panels were fabricated into cassettes and installed at the lower levels to enhance long‑term robustness.
Installation was undertaken by Roofdec Ltd, whose workmanship ensured the façade met current building‑safety legislation while delivering strong aesthetic and technical performance for residents.
The overall recladding programme was led by main contractor Caddick Construction. The company was appointed to remove the original façade system and replace it with fully compliant materials in response to the evolving regulatory landscape following the Grenfell Tower fire and the subsequent requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022.
With the building remaining occupied throughout the works, Caddick Construction and the wider project team adopted a resident‑focused approach, ensuring clear communication, careful planning, and considerate construction methods.
Toby Green, Façade Consultant at Valcan, commented: “West Point has been a significant project for everyone involved, not only because of the scale of the recladding programme but also because of the responsibility that comes with upgrading an occupied high‑rise building. The use of A1 and non-combustible systems such as VitraDual and VitraNamel ensured the project team could deliver a solution that is resilient, fully compliant, and built to perform long into the future. It’s been rewarding to support a scheme that prioritises resident safety while achieving a modern, high‑quality aesthetic.”
The scheme brought together a strong team of specialist suppliers, designers, and contractors working collaboratively to deliver a complex yet essential redevelopment. Valcan’s involvement in the project reflects the broader industry commitment to providing certified, safe, and reliable façade solutions designed to exceed compliance and perform well over the building’s lifetime.
www.valcan.co.uk
Images © Valcan
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