Make Architects has specified EQUITONE [natura] fibre cement facade to help create a striking aesthetic on part of a new residential and commercial development in Greenwich, London.
EQUITONE [natura] is a low maintenance, highly durable fibre cement material with a tactile, smooth surface, which made it highly suitable for the Greenwich Square development enabling the client to achieve a modern, sophisticated exterior. Greenwich Square is a £215m scheme located on a three hectare brownfield regeneration site that features 645 new homes, restaurants, shops and leisure facilities.
Each of the development’s four blocks offers a unique exterior, with Block 2 clad in Etex (Exteriors) EQUITONE [natura].
Colour Anthracite was selected from a range of 26 appealing colours within the EQUITONE [natura] range. This colour was felt to best complement the development’s location on the former Greenwich District Hospital site.
The dark Anthracite colour of the fibre cement panels, which allow the textures of the fibre cement to show through, enabled Make Architects to create a statement contrast between the facade and the natural timber cladding and metal balconies.
This approach of mixing facade materials helps to unify the four blocks so they are seen as belonging to one family, while ensuring that each building has its own identity and appearance.
Sustainability was a key requirement on this project and the architects took into account that EQUITONE fibre cement facades can achieve an A+ rating as defined in the BRE Green Guide to Specification based on generic rating for autoclaved fibre cement single sheet – (Element Ref: 80623042, 806230422, 806230447, 806230450).
John Man, Architect at Make Architects, said: “EQUITONE [natura] was the perfect facade solution for this project as it provides a robust, solid-looking facade that responds to the development’s sustainability agenda. We became aware of the materials properties and benefits from other architectural projects in similar sectors, and after doing some further research on the product we decided it was right for Greenwich Square.”
