Park Lane Plaza is a multistorey residential development in Leeds requiring a robust, noncombustible façade upgrade. As part of a wider refurbishment, the client sought a modern façade solution that could replicate the warmth of the original timber balcony panels while providing longterm durability and enhanced fire performance across all elevations.
The existing building incorporated timber panels on the balcony façades. To modernise the exterior and meet current safety standards, the client required:
• A visually accurate replacement for the original timber aesthetic
• Full compliance with noncombustible façade requirements
• An exterior material capable of withstanding exposure on highlevel elevations
• A unified façade design combining both interlocking planks and cassette panels
A total of 1,500m² of VitraDual was specified for the project. To recreate the natural appearance of the former timber elements, VitraDual was precision fabricated into interlocking planks in Woodcreate Teak. These planks offer a clean, secret fix profile - achieved through a concealed fixing method where each plank locks over the one below - ensuring a smooth, consistent aesthetic without visible fixings or oil canning. Lightweight yet rigid, the planks provide excellent longterm durability with minimal maintenance.
For the upper levels and external elevations, VitraDual cassette panels in Smoke Silver Metallic were installed. These A1 noncombustible aluminium panels deliver exceptional flatness, impact resistance and weather protection. Their PVDF Kynar 500 / FEVE coatings provide superior resistance to pollutants and colour fade, making them ideal for elevated, exposed façade areas.
The fully specified VitraDual façade system delivers key safety and performance attributes, including:
• A1 noncombustible fire rating to BS EN 135011
• CWCT testing, including windload and impact performance
• BBA accreditation supporting reliability and regulatory confidence
• Ongoing site visits, ensuring correct installation and full system warranty compliance
These measures ensured the refurbished façade not only met but exceeded the project’s technical and regulatory requirements.
The façade installation was completed by Everlast Rail, the project’s main contractor. Their expertise was critical in successfully delivering both the cassette system and the more complex vertical installation of the interlocking planks - an application not previously carried out in this configuration.
Toby Green, Façade Consultant at Valcan and a key contributor throughout the project, commented: “Everlast Rail delivered outstanding workmanship on the installation of the VitraDual panels - particularly the interlocking planks, which hadn’t been installed in a vertical configuration before. Their precision and expertise were impressive.”
The refurbishment at Park Lane Plaza achieves a balance of aesthetic authenticity and modern performance. The timber effect planks restore the character of the original design, while the Smoke Silver cassette panels provide a contemporary, resilient finish to the upper storeys. The completed façade is durable, and fully noncombustible - meeting both the design vision and stringent safety requirements.
www.valcan.co.uk
Images © Valcan
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