Cladding solution provides modern touch for Townhouse project

Specialist external brick and terracotta cladding systems supplier Aquarian Cladding Systems has provided a perfect modern construction solution on the historic Dulwich Estate in South London.

Designed by Syte Architects and built by Aspect Construction for specialist developer Lightbox, Edward Milner Terrace is a collection of five-storey townhouses built using modern building techniques and laden with smart tech features.

With strong emphasis on the Georgian and mid-century aesthetic of the area, the contemporary townhouses with were clad with the Gebrik Brick Cladding System, courtesy of Aquarian, combined with copper, zinc and large feature windows.

Originally, Lightbox specified another brick cladding system, but the fire at Grenfell Tower underlined the importance of only using correctly detailed solutions that were proven to be safe regardless of height. Neither the developer nor architect were satisfied with the information provided by the supplier, and so instead opted for the Gebrik solution, which had more robust and extensive fire test data, including five successful BR135 Classification Reports. Its performance was also supported by Aquarian’s responsive and professional technical service.

In addition, with a range of over 700 brick finishes to choose from, project architect Rob Whitlock was able to specify a cream handmade textured brick that met the sensitive planning requirements for a site that included 21 protected trees.

Matthew Horn of Lightbox explained: “We wanted a product that reflected our modern approach to construction and Aquarian offered the perfect solution of Gebrik, a modern building solution that suited the constraints of our steeply sloping, wooded site.

“We required an externally insulated cladding system that ensured we had maximum internal room sizes on our concrete structure, was quick to install and easy to use. The lightweight and compact nature of the product was also an important feature on our complex site.”

The thickness of the product worked extremely well for the scheme and as no cutting of the brick on reveals was required, there was a saving on time and money thanks to speedy installation. The Gebrik system could also be fixed directly into the concrete of the end units, which had exposed textured walls. With a U-value of 0.19W/m2K on a 328mm total wall thickness, SAP issues were also greatly reduced.

Aquarian were on hand with their technical expertise and support, and Matthew added: “A key driver in our shift from our original supplier was the responsiveness of the Aquarian team. Our architects were given the information they required to drive the project at concept stages, and it gave us confidence to see the project through in liaison with Aquarian.

“The Gebrik system has been easy to use, fast and cost effective, and the Aquarian team have been responsive and informative throughout.”

For Aquarian’s Sale’s Director Jazz Rigden, Edward Milner Terrace is yet another success story for Aquarian and Gebrik.

“The development is hugely impressive, and we’re delighted Lightbox found Gebrik to be the perfect solution at Edward Milner Terrace,” said Jazz.

“Our systems are tried and tested, and they guarantee simpler, faster builds that require little or no maintenance, performing precisely as they should.”

Aquarian Cladding, based in North Somerset, supplies brick and terracotta cladding systems to the UK construction industry across a wide range of sectors, from residential to commercial. For more information call 0808 223 9080.