BLOCK F: HIGH-END FACADE ELEMENTS
This formulation certainly has a double meaning: it relates to the
high technical demands and the fact that the residential tower is
approximately 140 metres high. With its 35 floors and its distinctive
sculptural architecture, it is a firm landmark of West London.
The building shell comprises about 2,400 prefabricated facade
elements cladded with glass, ceramics or a combination of these
two materials. The elements were realised by a successful interplay
of competencies exhibited by the two renowned specialists
Lindner Fassaden GmbH, D-Arnstorf (in co-operation with its
local partner Lindner Facades, London) and Agrob Buchtal GmbH,
D-Schwarzenfeld (in co-operation with its local partner EH Smith,
GB-Solihull and GB-Brasted).
All elements were manufactured by Lindner Fassaden GmbH in
Arnstorf in Lower Bavaria. Before that, the elements and composite
system were inspected in detail in terms of the requisite properties
such as sealing against air and water or noise protection. The
standardised versions were then manufactured within the framework
of sophisticated line production while special versions such as
wing or corner elements were manufactured in a so-called island
production process. In optimising the material flow, the distinctive
experience offered by the company in areas of lean production and
the Kanban system paid off in practice.
DETAILS ON THE CERAMIC CLADDING (PART OF AGROB BUCHTAL)
The architects PLP Architecture, London, desired a salmon-coloured
terracotta shade in three differentiated nuances and two surface
finishes (smooth and grooved) for the ceramic-clad elements.
DETAILS ON THE ELEMENTS (PART OF LINDNER FASSADEN GMBH)
The warm facade largely comprises elements which are 1.5 metres
wide and 3.25 metres high, whereby the Lindner CW85 system
permitted a certain level of standardisation and therefore improved
feasibility. At the same time, the building’s distinctive silhouette also
demanded individual special solutions. One example is represented
by the staggered eastern side where every second floor forms a step
offering patios for its residents. Furthermore steel balconies were
created elsewhere. This required the use of thermally separated
“wing elements” 2.25 metres wide which not only clad the cold area
but also serve as wind and visual protection. The southwest side is
marked by another typical feature in the form of an elevator shaft
which is visible from afar and where all-glass elements measuring
3.05 by 3.25 metres ensure optimum transparency.