Challenge

When architects practice PRP required a solution for a feature on the façade of the building at the heart of the Myatts Field social community redevelopment, they called upon the technical team at Bailey Total Building Envelope.

The concept for the building was a series of window features fixed to the front of the building. PRP had noted a standard product on the Bailey website known as the I-Line feature and were considering its qualities to use for the feature fins. When Bailey visited they suggested creating the fins from an engineered aluminium bespoke system, which would involve the fins being installed using a secret fix system so aesthetics are not compromised. Complementing the specified Bailey façade system, Bailey suggested the fins should be fabricated offsite to minimise the risk of damage.

Solution

In addition to the design challenges there were a number of considerations on how the fins could be installed. How would they be fixed with the scaffolding around the building and how would wind loading calculations impact the solution.

Bailey took all these considerations on board and came up with a unitised solution. This meant that the item was delivered to site ready to lift directly onto the finished building.

Outcome

Templates for the secret fix bracket were supplied to the specialist contractor so all pre-drilling and fixing could be done while the scaffolding was still in place and then, as the scaffolding was dropped, the ‘fins’ were installed which minimised the risk of site damage and enhanced the speed of installation. The time taken to install each item was no longer than 15 minutes. The installers commented that “it was the most effective, easiest installation they had ever done”.Due to the specialist nature of the project and the support already provided, Bailey were the obvious choice. The unitised aluminium feature fins provide a striking architectural feature which has minimal site fixing times, was within the main contractors budget, and has created an excellent result.

Bailey unitised facade feature fins used on Myatts Field

External wall cladding - projects from other companies

External wall cladding - companies

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