Recladding revamps iconic Tesco London landmark

Sorba UK Business Manager, Mel Noon, “We were commissioned to investigate, survey and complete the whole of the external refurbishment works, with Rockpanel forming a valuable part of the various cladding systems installed. We had already used Rockpanel on a previous large scheme (Bedford University Student Housing Luton) so we were already experienced in the product, and its capabilities.

“The project, like all large schemes, especially when designed and installed over a long period, had its challenges, but that is where our relationship with Darren Gormer and the Rockpanel team, together with its fabricators, is so important. Many thanks to the whole team at Rockpanel for their support throughout.”

A portfolio demonstrating versatility

The building’s various elevations servce as a portfolio demonstrating Rockpanel’s versatility. Due to planning constraints, all replacement facades were required to closely match those that were replaced. Rockpanel achieved through its wide range of surface designs, including unlimited colour matching.

Rockpanel Specification Manager, Daren Gormer, “This innovative recladding programme saw 8,000sqm. of Rockpanel installed, all using a secret fix solution which eliminates the need for surface fixings, adding to the visual quality and aesthetics of the project. We are proud to have played our part in enabling the creation of ventilated rainscreen systems, which allow air circulation to manage moisture while protecting the building envelope, delivering a crisp, engineered solution that will last for years to come, benefitting owners, occupants and community.”

An unrivalled array of surface designs

Swathes of street-facing structure feature six storeys of horizontal bands of colour – from bright yellow, through orange and two tones of green, to silver grey – in varying depths, creating vibrant, contemporary facades that contrast powerfully with the more monochromatic vertical design sections alongside. Due to its Center for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) test certification, Rockpanel were also able to meet the impact requirements for use at ground level.

For the residential zones, which are formed around internal courtyards and gardens, Rockpanel is used in large sections of white to deliver a minimalist and elegant aesthetic. Elsewhere within the complex, sections of RAL-matched Rockpanel in yellow are used. In the service areas, routed panels in RAL 7021 dark grey were expertly routed by specialists Vivalda to closely match the original panels, using a the most advanced CNC technology.

The design ensured compliance with thermal and acoustic performance standards, with panels pre-fabricated to exact specifications, minimizing on-site adjustments and enabling successful installation and precise integration into the building's existing form. In addition to its outstanding performance characteristics, Rockpanel is light and easy to transport to and through site – a major advanatage for busy large-scale, urban developments.