FastClad A2: The Ultimate Brick Slip System for Buildings Over 18 Metres
Project Light, Canada Water. Notting Hill Housing and Sellar Design & Development.
Architect: StockWool. Contractor: Ardmore Construction
In the quest for innovative, aesthetically pleasing, and safe building solutions, brick slip systems have emerged as a top choice for tall structures. With the tightening of fire safety regulations, particularly for buildings over 18 meters, it's crucial to ensure the materials used are compliant and reliable. Enter FastClad A2—a cutting-edge brick slip system designed to meet and exceed these stringent requirements while offering a versatile and visually appealing finish. Here's how FastClad A2 stands out in the world of high-rise construction.
The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Innovation
FastClad A2 provides a lightweight, factory-bonded real brick facade, making it an ideal choice for residential units, care homes, hospitals, student accommodations, and dormitories exceeding 18 meters in height. By combining traditional brick aesthetics with modern construction techniques, FastClad A2 allows architects and builders to create stunning, authentic-looking brickwork without the hefty weight or cost typically associated with real brick.
Unmatched Fire Safety Compliance
Fire safety is a paramount concern for high-rise buildings. Under Part B of the Building Regulations, cladding systems for buildings over 18 meters must be non-combustible, with an A1 or A2 fire rating as per the European standard EN 13501-1. FastClad A2 is classified A2-s1, d0 for Reaction to Fire, making it compliant with these regulations and suitable for over 18 meters anywhere in the UK.
This classification ensures that FastClad A2 materials provides peace of mind for building owners and residents alike. The system's compliance with the Building Safety Act further reinforces its reliability, ensuring all aspects of installation and performance are meticulously documented and adhered to.
Versatility in Design and Application
FastClad A2’s versatility extends beyond just meeting safety standards. It offers significant design freedom, particularly in challenging applications such as soffits and cantilevered balconies. Its lightweight nature (maximum 53kg/m²) reduces structural load, allowing for more creative architectural solutions without compromising safety or structural integrity.
For offsite volumetric or panelised modern methods of construction, FastClad A2 simplifies the installation process. It can be installed without the need for highly skilled labour, making it an efficient and cost-effective solution for complex building projects.
Durability and Long-Term Performance
Durability is another hallmark of the FastClad A2 system. With a minimum BBA assessed service life of 60 years and robust performance in both hard and soft body impact tests, it’s built to withstand the rigors of public areas and high-traffic environments. Additionally, its thermal conductivity of 0.19W/mK enhances the building's energy efficiency, contributing to sustainability goals and reducing operational costs over time.
Seamless Collaboration and Installation
FastClad A2 emphasises the importance of collaboration from the design stage through to installation. By working closely with architects, contractors, and specifiers, FastClad ensures that the system is correctly specified and installed, adhering to the highest standards.
Advanced construction Systems, manufacturer of FastClad A2, can provided and, easily accessible information and installation instructions with toolbox talks on site our at our factory. This transparency and support help ensuring that all safety and performance standards are met.
Originally designed as a traditional masonry project, it was decided that, due to programme pressures and the shortage of skilled bricklayers in the area, that the 2,500m2 of brickwork would be installed using the FastClad brick slip system.
FastClad was chosen as it meant that the Architects specified brick could be used, in fact both faces were used thereby halving the number of bricks required to complete the project.
Architect: Jestico Whiles
Conclusion
In the rapidly evolving landscape of high-rise construction, FastClad A2 stands out as a premier choice for safe, durable, and aesthetically pleasing brick slip systems. Its compliance with fire safety regulations, versatility in application, and long-term durability make it an invaluable asset for any tall building project. By choosing FastClad A2, you can achieve the perfect blend of traditional brick aesthetics and modern safety standards, elevating your building designs to new heights.