external walls

From July this year, the closure of Wren Insurance Association marks a pivotal shift in how professional indemnity (PI) risk is managed across the construction sector. While the immediate impact falls on architects, the implications extend well beyond design practices affecting contractors, developers and the wider supply chain at a time when building safety and compliance remain under intense scrutiny.

Valcan, manufacturer of cladding systems, works with project teams navigating façade design, fire performance and regulatory change. In collaboration with Consort Insurance, and drawing on insight from Daniel White, we’ve explored what Wren’s closure means in practice, why it matters now, and how firms can respond more resiliently.

Located in Camberwell, South London, this residential refurbishment project focused on upgrading the building façade to support longterm performance, durability and visual renewal. As part of a wider external improvements programme, façade materials were carefully selected to meet modern expectations around safety, longevity and architectural quality, while remaining appropriate to the surrounding urban context.

Selecting the right rainscreen cladding for housing, public buildings, schools and regeneration projects has never been more important. With rising expectations around safety, durability and longterm performance, specifiers and local authorities need confidence that façade materials will stand up to real world use.

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate this confidence is through impact testing, which assesses how a cladding system behaves when subjected to sudden force under realistic installation conditions.

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.

Selecting the right cladding system involves more than just the initial purchase price. The most cost-effective solution is a balance of upfront cost, long-term durability, minimal maintenance needs, and regulatory compliance. Valcan’s Ceramapanel (fibre cement) and VitraDual (solid aluminium) complete systems offer high-quality, non-combustible options that prove to be sound financial investments over their lifespan.

The Ventnor Close development is a flagship initiative within Swindon Borough Council’s strategy to provide high-quality, fully accessible homes for residents with complex physical needs. Beyond meeting essential accessibility criteria - such as wheelchair accessible layouts and adapted wet rooms - the design mandated modern building materials that guarantee longevity, high performance, and exceptional safety standards.

Valcan is proud to announce that its VitraFix Magnelis Steel (VFM) subframe system has been awarded a BBA Agrément Certificate, confirming full compliance with UK Building Regulations and industry standards. This certification reinforces VitraFix VFM as a trusted solution for rainscreen cladding projects, delivering proven performance, safety, and durability.