facades

The Ventnor Close development is a flagship initiative within Swindon Borough Council’s strategy to provide high-quality, fully accessible homes for residents with complex physical needs. Beyond meeting essential accessibility criteria - such as wheelchair accessible layouts and adapted wet rooms - the design mandated modern building materials that guarantee longevity, high performance, and exceptional safety standards.

Valcan’s all-in-one cladding systems offer a fully integrated, non-combustible façade solution that simplifies specification, enhances safety, and ensures long-term durability. Ideal for both new builds and recladding projects, these systems streamline the entire process by providing all essential components from a single, reliable supplier.

The construction of two apartment buildings within the ground-breaking Climate Innovation District urban regeneration project in Leeds demonstrates how the EJOT CROSSFIX® system can be used to incorporate rainscreen facades into highly sustainable buildings, without the need to vastly increase insulation depth. 
Developed by Citu in partnership with one of Scandinavia’s leading architectural practices, White Arkitekter, and civil and structural engineers Civic, the Climate Innovation District is creating an entire new sustainable neighbourhood with high quality urban housing. Over 500 low energy homes with integrated amenities have been created to a design that has been PHPP (Passive House Planning Package) assessed.

For those seeking to elevate their architectural projects with a touch of refined elegance, the core Blockleys clay brick portfolio offers a range of solutions. Known for their exceptional quality and reliable production, Blockleys provides a range of premium clay bricks that seamlessly blend aesthetic appeal with durability. Whether for a residential development, educational space or a commercial building, Blockleys bricks deliver both sophistication and performance.

With a suite of sleek, understated shades of grey and black, these bricks lend a refined, modern edge to any façade. Muted greys, such as Bowland Grey and Sterling Grey, along with the deep blacks, including Black Smooth and Kelham Black, create a striking visual impact without overwhelming your designs. For those looking to add a more personalised touch, the Blockleys Synthesis blend allows for the introduction of complementary tones, adding depth and unique texture to the overall appearance.

Since the Building Safety Act came into force in October 2023, the construction industry has seen significant changes across all levels, from the way buildings are designed and constructed, to the types of materials that are used, and even how they are installed.

As is well known, a critical aspect of this is the ability of a material to resist the spread of fire and yet still perform its primary function.  This is particularly important when considering the membranes that are used for sealing around windows and façades.

The conversation around fire safety in high rise developments has never been more critical, and much attention is being given to the building materials used across large expanses such as façades and flat roofs. To achieve regulatory compliance, however, it’s crucial to pay attention to each and every detail. Will Wigfield, Product Manager – Building Envelope, ROCKWOOL UK, examines the fire safety implications of external amenities above ground level such as balconies, upstands and terraces, and discusses product certifications which help stakeholders to achieve the required performance.

James Hardie created fibre cement and thanks to our extensive research and development we are now on our seventh generation of fibre cement technology.  We are the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance Fibre Cement products, which are a composite material made of cement, reinforced with cellulose fibres.

We are a trusted innovator and global industry leader, and our products enable endless possibilities for designing exceptional buildings whilst also delivering protection and long-lasting beauty.