Customer - Crown Student Living
Developer - RG Group
Architect - LSI
Installation Contractor - JML Building Services
Product - Aliva Ariacovering (aluminium) system and Termok8 Minerale clay slip system

The brief
The redevelopment of this central site into contemporary accommodation for up to 700 students required a complete renewal of two 1960s brutal concrete tower blocks. In addition to transforming the aesthetics of the building, the client needed the new façade to be installed from top to bottom in accordance with the original programme schedule.

What Aliva did
Aliva responded to the brief with the Ariacovering system, consisting of 4,500 sqm of aluminium face panels backed by a honeycomb core and complimented by the Termok8 Minerale system (1,200 sqm) comprising of non-combustible mineral wool insulation and finished with a 14mm clay slip. Both systems achieve an A2 fire classification which complies with UK regulations for buildings above 18 metres. The designs had to also consider detailing the need to accommodate structural movement. Each Ariacovering panel was manufactured to cover one-storey and to combine seamlessly with a separate curtain wall system that had previously been installed on site.

What makes it special
With the floor-to-floor bespoke design and honeycomb strengthening, this vertical system has greater resilience and resistance for movements to the structure over time. The Aliva Termok8 Minerale clay slip system enhanced the rainscreen systems using a smooth cream brick which integrated with the dark grey aluminium to provide an aesthetic contrast.