Specialist external envelope contractor Prater has recently completed one of its most complex projects to date at the £20 million landmark scheme - The Fold, in Sidcup, for main contractor United House.
The first project of its kind in the UK, The Fold comprises five different hard metal applications by Prater – rhomboids, rectangular shingles, horizontal angled seam, vertical angled seam and perforated mesh.
Situated in a prime position next to Sidcup Station, The Fold forms part of a larger regeneration project in the area and includes a 98 unit residential tower, a restaurant, two office buildings as well as a central plant room; containing gas boilers and a combined heat and power unit, which will offset 20% of the carbon emissions on the site.
As one of only a handful of specialist contractors in the UK that can legitimately claim to offer a total envelope package, Prater was selected to provide a complete external envelope package along with an in-house hard metals (copper, brass and zinc) design capability.
Among its package of works, Prater completed the stunning curved brass façade, which now completed has made for a striking feature within the urban landscape. The building's brass façade is manufactured from 63/37 alloy separated by a TECU gold feature band on the exterior. The TECU gold is also the same material used in the centre of a 2-euro coin and will retain its original colour, while the brass will eventually oxidise and darken to a deep chocolate brown colour.
Gavin Hamblett, Pre-Construction Director at Prater concluded: “Although on first inspection the way that the brass is folded and fixed bears some resemblance to a standing seam metal roof, there are only a very few very skilled craftsmen who can do such work; and the way the elevations to The Fold curve and overlap required that the setting out was of the highest standard.”
Prater’s other works at The Fold include: structural waterproofing, paved roof finishes, structural backing wall, windows, doors, louvers and abseil railing. By carefully selecting its package of products and systems, Prater was able to exceed the enhanced Part L requirements; enabling the Fold to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3.
“We opted to work with Prater as they were able to deliver the full external envelope package – which enabled us to reduce risk and enhance our control over costs and build time," commented Greg Hale, Quantity Surveyor at United House.
"Furthermore, with such a complex job and one that had never been tried before - we could rely on Prater's experience to move the project from the architect's concept to the actual working reality, while making sure all the aesthetic and performance requirements were met.”