Panel Systems brings former office building to life

A seven storey nightclub and office building in Leicester city centre now has a stunning new exterior thanks to VIVIX panels, which were cut to size, drilled and supplied by one of the UK’s leading panel fabricators Panel Systems.

The VIVIX façade from Panel Systems means the overclad building is indistinguishable from a new build. Upgrading the existing building structure rather than demolition and new build significantly reduced the capital budget and resulted in a development with a much reduced carbon footprint.   

The building on Allied Place was in need of updating and the architects appointed building contractors JA Ball Ltd of Leicester to carry out the refurbishment to the façade. The building will retain its nightclub on the first floor, with its second to seventh floor converted to one and two bedroom studios for residential purposes.

JA Ball Ltd contacted Panel Systems after finding out about the company’s specialist fabrication services and extensive capabilities to meet this large project.  

Panel Systems supplied 750m2 of 8mm thick Formica VIVIX external cladding panels in three colours – Spectrum blue, White and Grey Tornado, which the company cut to size and drilled on its advanced 5-axis CNC equipment. Suppling the panels fully serviced, ready for rapid installation on site, meant the façade met the requirements of modern methods of construction, including rapid build schedule and more consistent quality.

Jimmy Leeson, Site Manager for JA Ball, said: “The architects had specified particular colours for the exterior and we worked closely with Panel Systems to select VIVIX as the façade cladding solution.  We were really happy with the service provided by Panel Systems, and their prompt delivery and exacting tolerance enabled work on the façade to progress exactly to schedule.”

Chris Hobson, Product Manager for Panel Systems, said: “This project is a great example of how we can turn around a high volume of panels to meet specific requirements within the required timeframe.  VIVIX is still relatively new in the UK but is growing in popularity as a façade cladding material and is perfect as an overclad solution, providing stunning aesthetics.”

Formica VIVIX is a lightweight rainscreen cladding solution that combines excellent weather and UV resistance. It offers enhanced durability and performance.

The panels are resistant to impact and abrasion, as well as stains and water.  VIVIX is a versatile panel, offering low maintenance and it is available in a range of different thicknesses and colours.

VIVIX can be used with a variety of fixing systems and is ideal as an over cladding solution as panels can be installed on top of an existing façade.  

Panel Systems provides a full range of façade cladding solutions, backed up with design and technical support to create aesthetically striking and thermally efficient buildings.