Lambeth Water Tower
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SikaTack Panel Adhesive, the secret fix cladding system from global building products manufacturer Sika, has been used to create a striking external facade at Lambeth Water Tower – the landmark redevelopment of a derelict listed building transformed into a luxurious living space fit for the 21st Century.
Formerly the old Lambeth workhouse and childhood home of Charlie Chaplin, the 99ft high water tower was Grade II Listed in 2008 and located within the Renfrew Road Conservation Area. Featured on the 100th episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs, the 99ft high tower was carefully restored and extended to include a stunning new cube-shaped living space and a five storey lift shaft which stands alongside the retained stone cantilevered staircase.
To create a stunning façade that would encapsulate the building’s extension, 5mm thick Alucobond ACM sandwich panels were chosen in an Anthracite Grey finish. Appointed to complete the 275m2 application, specialist cladding contractor Paneltec Services Ltd specified SikaTack Panel Adhesive System to provide a durable, cost-effective and high performance secret fixing system that would deliver stylish aesthetics and reliable, long term performance.
Offering many distinct advantages over mechanical fixings and needing no screws, bolts, clips or brackets, the SikaTack Panel Adhesive application is a simple process. After cleaning all the surfaces, the Paneltec Services’ operatives applied a panel primer to contact points between the Alucobond panels and the vertical ‘L’ and ‘T’ profile rail support system. Sika Fixing Tape was then applied to keep the panels in place whilst the adhesive cured, before the cladding panels were installed.
Efficient to install, SikaTack Panel Adhesive eliminates the need for additional fixings and has been engineered to be applied on site. Fully tested and accredited by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) and DiBT, the system has also undergone rigorous testing, monitored and endorsed by CWCT.
A member of Sika’s Registered Contractor Scheme, Paneltec Services’ operatives have been trained and assessed by Sika and demonstrated consistently high quality workmanship in the installation of SikaTack Panel Adhesive. With this scheme, projects can benefit from the proven performance of SikaTack Panel Adhesive, matched with exceptional technical service from Sika and first class installation from one of the company’s approved Registered Contractors.
Described by Grand Designs’ presenter Kevin McCloud as ‘Tate Modern meets Venetian Gothic’, the project perfectly demonstrates ‘conservation versus new build, and the junction at which they meet’. With its stunning façade, Lambeth Water Tower meets the highest standards of aesthetics and performance thanks to the careful selection of building systems and materials – including the innovative secret fix cladding adhesive system from Sika.
