cladding systems

Ferrier Point, a 23 storey residential tower block in Newham, East London, became the focus of national attention during the cladding crisis after investigations revealed that its exterior was fitted with aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding, the same hazardous type implicated in the rapid fire spread at Grenfell Tower. In response, Newham Council undertook a full recladding programme, and by 2019 the building had been completely stripped of its ACM façade and upgraded with VitraDual® - an A1, noncombustible precoated aluminium rainscreen cladding system from Valcan. 

One of the largest recladding programmes outside of London has recently been completed at the West Point residential complex in central Leeds. The transformative £24.5 million redevelopment represents a significant milestone in delivering safer, compliant, and future‑proofed façades for high‑rise buildings across the UK.

Latitude 52, located in Plymouth, is a residential development with a maritime heritage. Originally serving as a sailor’s rest centre, the building was transformed in 2004 into 102 modern apartments, including the addition of two extra storeys. While the conversion brought new life to the structure, evolving fire safety regulations and performance standards necessitated a comprehensive refurbishment to ensure long-term compliance and resident safety.

Standing seam cladding systems offer distinct advantages over traditional rainscreen solutions like cassette and rivet fix systems, particularly in terms of performance, aesthetics, and long-term durability. One of the key benefits is their ability to accommodate thermal movement. Thanks to the use of fixed and sliding clips, metal panels in standing seam systems can expand and contract naturally, reducing structural stress and preventing issues such as buckling or cracking over time.

A major step forward in façade safety and compliance has been achieved with the announcement that the popular Brick Effect Render system from EWI provider Wetherby Wall Systems now carries full BBA (British Board of Agrément) certification and achieves an A1 fire rating to EN 13501-1 when installed with stone wool insulation.