Alsecco systems used to great effect on Clapham High Street
Share
Alsecco’s external insulation and render-only systems were both used for the Clapham One PPP (Public Private Partnership) regeneration project by architects DLA Architecture in conjunction with joint venture partners United House and Cathedral Group plc.Located on Clapham High Street in the London Borough of Lambeth, the £29 million contract secured by United House includes a new state-of-the-art community library, primary care medical centre and 136 high quality private sale apartments on the site of Mary Seacole house, built in the 1960’s.
1500m2 of alsecco’s Basic FS system was specified for this project for the apartments, library and health care centre. The Basic FS system incorporating 160mm expanded polystyrene insulation was chosen due to its compatibility with NHBC standards. The system incorporates a drainage cavity as a secondary line of defence against moisture and offers increased protection and crack resistance.
Mike Masterson, Project Architect at DLA, comments:
“The curved shape and absence of square corners has made for a complex building, but with the design and technical support provided by the alsecco team, we were confident the Basic FS system would prove successful.” For the courtyard and roof terrace areas alsecco Flexewall Impact render-only system was utilised, with proven flexibility and anti-crack properties. The Flexewall system used on this particular project incorporates second generation, nano-quartz self-cleaning technology, significantly reducing the need for on-going cleaning. This system is also reinforced for tensile strength, is through-coloured to withstand everyday weathering as well as being UV stable and colour-fast.
This iconic scheme creates a dramatic effect with the curved ends of the building overlooking Clapham High Street enhanced by the innovative column looking as though it is supporting the structure above. This creative design feature used alsecco’s unique carbon fibre render system enabling the use of white render, with black render on adjacent walls behind the tubular cladding, whilst also ensuring unrivalled impact strength and weathering, vital for such a prominent structure. This modern and sophisticated façade is further enhanced with polished stainless steel window surrounds and Juliet balcony pods.
The 12-storey concrete frame building houses the community library over 3 floors, with an open centre and ramp where books will be uniquely displayed, with the rest of the ground floor accommodating the new Clapham Family Practise and Primary Medical Centre, accessed through a shared entrance with the library from Clapham High Street. The upper floors house the 1 and 2 bedroom apartments including 5 enhanced duplex apartments with all apartments designed to comply with Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 and Life Time Homes Standards, with the basement being utilised for car parking for residents, health centre and library and for operational plant.
Daryl Kirby, Senior Quantity Surveyor for United House, comments: “The alsecco system was ideal for this project due to its lightweight nature and speed of installation, enabling use to reduce the build programme and get the internal trades inside more quickly.” Ben Parry, Commercial Director, alsecco, adds: “We have been delighted to work with both United House and DLA on this creative and interesting project, ensuring the Basic FS system’s integrity and compatibility with NHBC standards.”
