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.”
