CUPACLAD 101 Logic from CUPA PIZARRAS has been installed as part of an exclusive apartment development in the heart of the historic Northern Quarter of Manchester.
The natural slate rainscreen cladding system was chosen as it can achieve the required Class A1 fire rating and offers a lightweight, aesthetic alternative to heavy brickwork.
Designed by Manchester-based architects stephenson hamilton risley STUDIO, Finlay’s Yard is an exclusive new build comprising 14 modern apartments over 7 floors. The building is a contemporary ‘sculpted object’ that complements the surrounding buildings, including the Grade II listed Finlay’s Warehouse, which the practice also converted into apartments.
Finlay’s Yard is two storeys higher than the neighbouring Finlay’s Warehouse, and as the same client owns both buildings, the architect was able to build up off the warehouse’s parapet. The original design was for the two storeys resting on and above Finlay’s Warehouse to be clad in bricks; however, after carrying out tests on the masonry, it was clear that the warehouse’s foundations would not be able to take the weight of the bricks. The architect contacted CUPA PIZARRAS’s technical team, and after discussing standard details they advised that CUPACLAD natural slate rainscreen cladding would be the best system for the project.
“Due to the very complicated structural gymnastics of balancing a new building on top of a 170-year-old, Grade II listed warehouse, our original brick clad proposal was too heavy, so we needed to go with a lighter alternative,” explained Charlie Egan, Architect at stephenson hamilton risley STUDIO. “A brick slip system at this height would not achieve the required fire rating, so we had to look for an alternative. The surrounding Victorian warehouse roofs were all slate, so CUPACLAD 101 Logic was the natural alternative as it fits in well.”
With Building Regulations now prohibiting the use of combustible materials on external walls, including mansard roofs, over 18m above the ground, natural slate offers a clear benefit over other materials as it is proven to provide excellent fire resistance. The BBA approved CUPACLAD 101 system is non-combustible up to A1 standard and provides an aesthetic and sustainable alternative for façade cladding. The system features natural slates fixed horizontally onto a single aluminium system using concealed self-drilling screws. As well as ensuring optimum cladding installation, the invisible fixings were a further benefit for the architect at Finlay’s Yard as they gave a ‘very clean and crisp finish.’
“This was our first project with CUPACLAD,” commented Gavin Bailey, Director of Sparta Cladding. “We enjoyed working with this product. It’s aesthetically pleasing and easy to install.
“The CUPACLAD system suited this project in particular due to the location of the installation. It was a central stair core and a top floor apartment amongst various neighbouring properties. Due to the size of the slates and system support, it was easy to handle and move to the outside walls.
“Once the aluminium grid system had been set and fixed, the slates went on very quickly! We found it to be a great system and were pleased with the overall finish. We are looking forward to working with CUPACLAD again.”
