Attractive and compliant aluminium decking for Francis Bacon House
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Located in the heart of St Albans, Francis Bacon House is the new Jubilee Square development, comprising two five-storey detached buildings. This mixture of commercial and residential accommodation is strategically positioned in one of the city’s most prominent areas. The existing walking surface on the development’s roof terrace was unsightly, whilst the uneven levels created a potential safety concern and compromised the aesthetic value of the space.
The right solution for this problem isn’t one that just ticks the aesthetic appeal box, but one that meets the Enhancing Fire Safety for Balconies in High-Rise Residential Buildings regulations.
Construction firm 212 Solutions Ltd selected Dura Composites’ Dura Deck Aluminium Free-Drain in Anthracite for the project’s terrace flooring.
Attractive and fire-safe aluminium decking for roof terraces
Dura Deck Aluminium Free-Drain by Dura Composites boasts an A2 fire rating, making it the ideal choice for high-rise residential and commercial applications. The product not only meets the stringent safety requirements but also complements the panoramic views that the location offers. Additionally, it provides a cooler deck surface, making it ideal for roof terrace applications.
The intelligent design of Dura Deck Aluminium Free-Drain provides efficient water drainage and compliance with modern regulations for new-build balconies. The decking was installed on Dura’s full A2 fire-rated substructure system, including waterproof pedestal base plates to protect the roof surface. Compared to timber subframes, this system offers a simple, long-lasting alternative that reduces maintenance and enhances safety.
The product used for this project is 18mm thick, spanning 850mm centre to centre based on a 2kN Point Load or 5kN/m2 Uniformly Distributed Load. Its rapid free draining capability helps prevent flooding and overspill for draining water. It has been tested in a UKAS-accredited laboratory as flooring on a horizontal plane to A2-fl s1 and also to A2-s1, d0, making it suitable for use in multiple areas of tall buildings, including terraces and balconies.
Speaking about the project, Richard Masters, Director of 212 Solutions Ltd said: “At 212 Solutions Ltd, we take great care in selecting only the best materials for our projects, ensuring long-term durability, compliance, and aesthetic appeal. For the Jubilee Square development, it was vital to choose a decking solution that not only met the fire safety standards but also provided a sleek, modern finish in keeping with the location. After thoroughly assessing various options, we selected Dura Deck Aluminium Free-Drain due to its A2 fire rating, drainage performance, and robust substructure system. The end result is an attractive, low-maintenance terrace that really enhances the space.”
Dura Composites Ltd
Dura House Head Office
Telford Road
Clacton on Sea
Essex
CO15 4LP
