Performance and aesthetics for student living in Birmingham

Hampshire-based TSL spoke about the process,  

“In the early phases of the project, it was discovered that the existing building substrate and detailing were beyond standard building tolerances and quality, this resulted in additional remedial actions to bring the substrate up to a suitable standard for fixing and for fire protection.” 

Specifying for performance and aesthetics 

Due to planning constraints, the outward appearance of the building needed to closely remain resembling its original form. When the design team considered the different cladding options available, a mix of two cladding types provided the perfect solution, due to their performance characteristics, quick installation times and visual similarity to the replaced cladding. The combination of materials, which featured two Rockpanel design surfaces, achieved the required aesthetics while delivering compliance with the relevant building regulations and fire safety requirements. 

Rockpanel’s Robert Shirville spoke about the project. “Rockpanel embodies intrinsic non-combustibility, that and the unrivalled breadth of surface finishes we offer, make us a go to option for new build and remediation projects across all sectors. Two Woods designs were specified for Jennens Court, Merbau from our standard range and a bespoke design created to match other replaced panels. They each replicate the organic warmth of timber without the associated maintenance and deterioration.”  

At Jennens court the panels follow a pattern of vertical rectangular shapes in differing widths to fit with the tall, slim, grey framed, windows – the whole creating an impression of upward energy and power to the building. 

Optimising efficiency, minimising disruption 

SBS Cladding supplied the panels and ancillaries. SBS Cladding offers a wide range of products including framing systems, insulation and fire breaks, as well as a number of services including project take offs, scheduling and optimisation. They said, “SBS Cladding were able to assist with optimisation, ensuring that as little product was wasted as possible when cutting the boards to the specific sizes needed for the design. Once cutting was complete, the boards were delivered to site, safely wrapped and with each panel labelled.”  

As part of the remidiation, all the spandrel panels were changed, ensuring they had adequate cavity barriers and non-combustible insulation, creating a barrier between the floors. Once installed, the panels were fixed with colour matched rivets, enabling them to blend into the facade. The Rockpanel team is always on hand from conception through to completion, to share technical expertise and offer advice. 

The accommodation remained occupied by students throughout the recladding works, so it was important that as little disruption was caused as possible. TSL’s ability to work with minimal disruption was heavily leaned on throughout construction. They liaised extensively in order to minimise the impact on residents. Because of changes in work scope, sequencing and logistics, there was an evolving completion target, managed by working openly and honestly to develop solutions agreed by all.