facades

The conversation around fire safety in high rise developments has never been more critical, and much attention is being given to the building materials used across large expanses such as façades and flat roofs. To achieve regulatory compliance, however, it’s crucial to pay attention to each and every detail. Will Wigfield, Product Manager – Building Envelope, ROCKWOOL UK, examines the fire safety implications of external amenities above ground level such as balconies, upstands and terraces, and discusses product certifications which help stakeholders to achieve the required performance.

James Hardie created fibre cement and thanks to our extensive research and development we are now on our seventh generation of fibre cement technology.  We are the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance Fibre Cement products, which are a composite material made of cement, reinforced with cellulose fibres.

We are a trusted innovator and global industry leader, and our products enable endless possibilities for designing exceptional buildings whilst also delivering protection and long-lasting beauty.

Designing ventilated façades for building exteriors is a popular method in modern construction which introduces a series of performance benefits for occupants – but also raises specific fire safety considerations. Will Wigfield, Product Manager – Building Envelope at ROCKWOOL UK, discusses the benefits of ventilated façades and the merits of a total solutions approach to fire safety.  

In a ventilated façade system, the outside face of a building is formed by cladding panels fixed back to a load-bearing wall, creating a cavity through which air is free to circulate. This air space does more than just prevent condensation – in summer, warm weather causes a convectional air current which helps to cool the building, whereas in winter, air in the cavity remains still and provides an insulating effect.

In addition to tenant comfort, ventilated façade constructions give designers a high degree of creative freedom to produce striking exteriors that perform as well as they look.

High specification windows and doors from AluK are at the heart of a recently completed residential development on Cardiff’s Bute East Dock which combines both new build apartments and affordable homes.

Schooner Wharf is the first open market scheme to be developed by Cardiff Community Housing Association (CCHA), who were working in partnership with main contractors Morganstone.

Wienerberger is proud to announce the addition of the SVK Fibre Cement Façades range to its façades offering in the UK.

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, with their approved fabricator APiC UK Ltd; recently completed a major refurbishment mixed use project for Park Regis Hotels in Birmingham. 

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems deliver the Comar 9P.i High Performance Window, Door and Framing System.