Projects using Ash & Lacy systems were successful in two key categories at the RCI Magazine Facade Awards 2022 ceremony held in Manchester earlier this month.
Birmingham’s Perry Bar Station, featuring a variety of perforated and finished VariAL rainscreen cladding solutions installed by Precision Projects, won Best Use of a Rainscreen System Using Aluminium.
The Best Use of a Brick Slip Cladding System category was won by Thurrock Civic Centre in Grays, Essex, featuring our MechSlip solution, installed by A2O.
Perry Bar Station
Safety, quality and performance are of paramount importance when being specified for a public transport hub, such as Perry Barr station, which is located within the Athlete’s Village on the site of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Associated Architects, the lead designers of the project, therefore had safety front of mind when designing and developing their client’s vision.
With an A1 fire safety rating at the top of their wish list, a search of cladding manufacturers led to this website, where our images of Wolverhampton Girl’s High School (see our project gallery), featuring bespoke perforated, powder-coated aluminium panels caught the eye of the project team.
The concept was to develop the school design and have appropriate cladding bedaub the station, with the spirit of the Games leading the visual aspect. Ash & Lacy offered consultation throughout the design stage of the project, producing digital design proposals and physical prototypes, which culminated in the design of three symbolic freeze-framed athletes: A Swimmer, a Sprinter and a Cyclist.
Following design development, it was decided that the VariAL range provided the flexibility to incorporate multiple cladding panel types and configurations seamlessly using just one unified support system. At this point, all parties agreed that a combination of VariAL CF (concealed-fix), H (hook-on secret-fix), TF (through-fix) and MF (expanded mesh) systems would be specified to deliver on all the client’s expectations. Installation was by specialist roofing and cladding contractor Precision Projects.
With Ash & Lacy located in the heart of the West Midlands, less than 10 miles from the project – the overall carbon footprint associated with the project has been reduced. Manufactured, coated, distributed and installed all in the West Midlands.
The VariAL range of rainscreen systems offers ultimate flexibility; panels can be fabricated from a spectrum of different materials, such as aluminium and can be fixed to our AxiAL range of adjustable carrier systems.
The unique mounting system accommodates a multitude of panel shapes and configurations, offering flexibility in aesthetic design. Independency of panels allows efficient installation around service areas, and individual demounting for maintenance and repair requirements.
Click here to view more images of Perry Bar Station in our project gallery.
Thurrock Civic Centre
The new 3-storey Civic Centre, designed by LSI Architects, built by Kier Construction (Eastern) and installed by specialist cladding contractor A2O, incorporates a Council Chamber, cafe, registrar service, staff offices, committee rooms and service area for the public. The brick slip-clad property kick-starts huge regeneration plans for the town of Grays.
LSI Architects considered the mechanically-fixed, non-combustible MechSlip brick slip cladding system, supplied by Aquarian Cladding, as the best solution to achieve an attractive, durable façade and meet the budget and programme requirements of the main contractor, whilst enabling the designer to achieve the ‘statement building’ to set the tone for the regeneration of the town.
The brick tiles are mechanically fixed to the light-gauged steel frame infill as a rainscreen, using Ash & Lacy’s Axial aluminium support brackets and rails, also supplied as part of the MechSlip system. The system is not only BBA-certified and tested to meet demanding fire and weathertightness standards, but it also comes with a 25-year warranty, giving the client complete peace of mind that the system is built to last.
Mechslip is a genuine brick innovation that allows architects and specifiers to use real brick slips with the inspired efficiency and versatility of a mechanically fixed brick slip cladding system.
Available in over 300 Ibstock brick finishes, the MechSlip Brick Cladding Systems offers more than integrity of design. Featuring tough, yet lightweight 6063T6 grade aluminium support rails, it exceeds the rigorous testing standards set by the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT).
Whether you simply want to match an existing brick finish, or push your design to a whole new level, MechSlip can help make it happen using real brick slip.
Click here to view more images of Thurrock Civic Centre in our project gallery.
