Aliva UK was briefed to create an eye-catching, 3D-effect façade for an NHS Trust car park in Manchester. The aim was to transform the brick-fronted building into a striking local landmark for Central Manchester’s hospital complex, which cares for a million patients every year.
The expanded mesh cladding would not only enhance security, but also achieve a minimum 75% natural air-flow to help the building breathe without the need for mechanical ventilation. This was a vital consideration due to exhaust fumes in the car park.
In partnership with architects Sheppard Robson, Aliva UK designed a stunning gold anodised aluminium expanded mesh façade that stood away from the building to create depth and impact. The façade base featured a bespoke, screen-printed urban landscape to attract attention at street level and create a focal point for visitors arriving by car.
Because of the gradient of the building, the fixing system had to be independent of the frame. Aliva UK’s technicians designed a bespoke solution that allowed installers to anchor brackets at slab level and span a vertical structural mullion from slab to slab.
This created a cladding zone of 137mm to allow for the potential impact of a car hitting the restraint barriers on the perimeter, further enhancing security.
Tony O’Brien, Partner, Sheppard Robson said: “Sheppard Robson worked closely with Aliva on the design for this important facade. Using our initial drawings, they undertook early prototyping work to ensure the design intent and quality were maintained all the way through to installation. Aliva assisted us in meeting the technical and aesthetic requirements of the brief.”