Rockpanel enhances fire safety for Portsmouth residents

Meeting challenges together 

Rockpanel was very pleased to continue its association with the Lawtech Group. Founded in 2004, the firm has become a leading principal contractor, specialising in cladding remediation, and fulfilled the roles of architect, main contractor and installer for the project.  

Lawtech Senior Designer, James Krause, spoke about the process, “Working with Rockpanel is a positive experience. Their technical team have always responded quickly and provided us with precise, well set out and easy to follow calculations. Lead times for the panels were very good with no delays, allowing us to keep to our programme.”  

Rockpanel’s Rob Shirville, “The building’s proximity next to a rail line meant the reflective glare of the facades needed to be below a certain level. We were able to supply information in relation to this, which eased the planning process. In common with many city centre projects where space and access can be a challenge, the lightweight nature of Rockpanel eases delivery and movement through the site, minimising the impact caused to residents while saving construction time and costs.” 

James Krause, “Our design team provided Rockpanel with a cutting schedule, the panels being expertly cut by FGF Limited, with each one referenced to allow for easy installation. The installation process was relatively simple. We used 9mm Rockpanel in a chequerboard design using three colours – RAL 7001 – Silver Grey, RAL 7012 – Basalt Grey, and RAL 9011 – Graphite Black – which were face-fixed using colour matched rivets onto a helping hand and rail backing.” 

Rockpanel and ROCKWOOL ensure ultimate protection 

The project utilised ROCKWOOL RWA45® insulation, offering excellent thermal and acoustic characteristics. When combined with Rockpanel and an aluminium or steel substructure, it meets the most stringent fire safety requirements in achieving A2-s1,d0 Euroclass rating to ensure ultimate protection for the building’s users. 

Rockpanel facade panels and ROCKWOOL insulation products share a common characteristic, their inherent non-combustibility, which is due to the naturally occurring and sustainable volcanic rock used in the manufacture of the stone wool that forms their core.  

Rob Shirville, “As with many similar remedial projects, we are helping protect the owner’s asset while providing the building’s occupants with facades that deliver inherent fire safety. Often, a consultation process takes place where residents are invited to learn about the remediation process and any questions about disruption or performance characteristics can be addressed. We are always keen to play an active role in that.” 

An unrivalled portfolio of surface designs 

Rockpanel offers specifiers design freedom, enabling unlimited colour matching plus an unrivalled portfolio of surface design finishes. The panels are virtually impervious to the weather and will last for many decades with minimal maintenance. Then, when it’s time for them to be replaced, they can be recycled into new boards with no loss of quality.