Leading external cladding supplier Aquarian Cladding Systems has provided the perfect solution for a £17m project in Birmingham.
Main contractor Colmore Tang selected the experienced ALD Group from the Aquarian Approved Installer Network to install Aquarian’s unique insulating brick cladding system Gebrik on the Granville Lofts development.
Overlooking the Birmingham canal network, the seven-storey Granville Lofts development comprises of 112 one-and-two-bedroom apartments in an up-and-coming area within the vibrant city centre.
Chosen for its exemplary aesthetics, reliability and speed of installation, Gebrik was also vital in overcoming several challenges.
With the site situated between the railway and canal, deep foundations were restricted therefore the building was piled which meant the overall construction needed to be relatively light.
Further restrictions were imposed by Birmingham City Council’s Planning Department, who insisted on a masonry façade due to its historic city location.
ALD Group Contracts Manager Andy Wood explained: “With over 3,700m2 of brickwork to install, Gebrik provided a quick and efficient cladding solution.
“Most of the cladding was installed during the autumn and winter, and because Gebrik is not affected by weather, we were able to continuously install come rain or shine.
“Logistically, the city centre site was a real challenge, but with Gebrik arriving in up to 600m2 single loads, vehicle movement and site storage was reduced to a bare minimum, meaning less impact on our neighbours and a safer environment for all.”
The 3,727m2 of Gebrik cladding, plus the fully insulated Fusion structural SFS system, contributed to the completion of the entire scheme in less than 40 weeks.
Aquarian were on hand with their technical expertise, ensuring that insurers and Birmingham City Council’s Building Control were satisfied that the construction complied with the system’s BBA certificate and current fire regulations.
For Aquarian’s Managing Director Paul Richards, Granville Lofts is yet another success story for Aquarian and Gebrik.
“We’re extremely proud of our robust, intelligent and innovative brick cladding system and its ability to adapt and thrive in challenging environments,” said Paul.
“We were thrilled to have been involved in a project as high-profile as Granville Lofts and the installation by ALD was one of outstanding quality. It’s yet another perfect example of Gebrik.”