CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD 101 Random natural slate rainscreen cladding has recently been installed on the façade of a new 85-bed Travelodge hotel, near Bristol.
Shortlisted for the Façade Awards UK 2024, the project prioritised a premium finish and quality design in all regards.
As a result, CUPACLAD represented the smart choice for the facade, delivering the timeless finish of natural slate alongside market leading fire safety and environmental credentials.
Located on the edge of a new retail park just north of Bristol, the Abbey Wood Travelodge was designed by architects at Stride Treglown as one of the company’s new Budget-Luxe Hotels. This new typology reflects the findings of extensive customer research carried out by the hotel brand, which highlighted style as one of three essential criteria for its customers.
The external finish of the façade was considered particularly important, as it plays such a fundamental role in first impressions of the hotel. As such, Stride Treglown designed a striking exterior that encompassed two linked volumes, each clad in a contrasting yet complementary material, with the monotone slate setting of the business branding.
CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD 101 natural slate rainscreen cladding was selected as the ideal cladding solution as it aligned with the design team’s ambitions for the project, whilst delivering an A1-fire rating – the highest possible fire rating – at a competitive price. This was partnered with aluminium panelling in three shades of green for the second volume, offering contrasting colour vibrancy. What’s more, unlike some of the alternative rainscreens considered, CUPACLAD did not have a prohibitive minimum order.
“CUPACLAD fitted perfectly with the elevation strategy for the hotel and helps to convey the aspirations of this new hotel typology,” commented Juan Lopez, Associate Architect at Stride Treglown. “We wanted the two interlocking volumes of the hotel to be easily distinguishable and the dark, uniform colouration of the natural slate – combined with its rough texture and the size variation created by the Random system – really helps to set it apart from the coloured aluminium panels of the other volume.”
CUPACLAD 101 Random uses three different sizes of natural slate to create a more varied and visually diverse façade. However, despite the appearance of increased complexity, CUPA PIZARRAS’ simple installation process guarantees a smooth and easy installation.
Tim Gray, Director of A2O Facades, the company responsible for installation, said: “We have been operating for over 20 years and this project is the first time we have installed natural slate. CUPACLAD, with its innovative fixing system and ease of install and versatility, is a highly fire-resistant rainscreen system using a natural material with incredibly resilient qualities. A²O is always on the lookout for value engineering opportunities and CUPACLAD fits the bill for working towards low carbon value engineering.”
Utilising an aluminium subframe and pre-drilled holes in the slate, CUPACLAD was designed for a hassle-free installation. The process was streamlined even further by A2O’s use of 3D modelling to optimise installation and design out waste during the construction process.
Juan added: “Architects rarely need an excuse to specify a natural material but in this case we had an added incentive, as CUPACLAD enabled us to use slate in an alternative way to the traditional pitched roof. Sustainability was another element that favoured the choice of natural slate; having been invited to visit CUPA PIZARRAS’ quarries in Spain last year, I had a much clearer idea of the extraction and production processes involved.”
Unlike ceramic or metal alternatives, natural slate requires no heating or chemical application at any point during its production. As a result of this, and its sustainable business practices, CUPA PIZARRAS has achieved Net Zero certification, EcoVadis Gold and BRE global verification. These sustainability credentials were a key consideration in the specification process, delivering a low carbon façade system that is enhanced by the social value of creating a successful and sustainable rural economy.
Finally, Marshall Building Contractors acted as the main contractor on site for the Abbey Wood Travelodge project. Construction Manager Bruce Gray concluded: “Not only has the natural slate façade added a striking and unique aesthetic to the project, the ease of installation and support from CUPA PIZARRAS played a key role in keeping the project on track.
“We are very pleased with the final result and would definitely recommend natural slate rainscreen cladding for future projects.”
