cladding

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.

Ferrier Point, a 23 storey residential tower block in Newham, East London, became the focus of national attention during the cladding crisis after investigations revealed that its exterior was fitted with aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding, the same hazardous type implicated in the rapid fire spread at Grenfell Tower. In response, Newham Council undertook a full recladding programme, and by 2019 the building had been completely stripped of its ACM façade and upgraded with VitraDual® - an A1, noncombustible precoated aluminium rainscreen cladding system from Valcan. 

Valcan are proud to announce that that they have successfully completed our Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) reassessment.

This verification confirms that Valcan organisation continues to ensure that their product information meets the industry’s highest standards for clarity, accuracy, and transparency. It reflects Valcan’s ongoing commitment to supporting safer and more accountable construction practices.
 

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.

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.

Valcan’s all-in-one cladding systems offer a fully integrated, non-combustible façade solution that simplifies specification, enhances safety, and ensures long-term durability. Ideal for both new builds and recladding projects, these systems streamline the entire process by providing all essential components from a single, reliable supplier.