Solution: Elastic Bonding
Architect: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
Contractor: Ardmore Construction
Sika’s revolutionary secret fix, SikaTack Panel Adhesive, has afforded Barking’s pioneering Lifelong Learning Centre the stunning appearance it deserves, providing it with a seamless ‘metallic’ cladding finish.
The £10 million centre is the first phase of a £100 million regeneration scheme set to provide valuable assistance in helping locals find rewarding work. Set within a new Arboretum, the development is designed by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, built by main contractors Ardmore Construction Ltd for developer Redrow Regeneration. It has seen the complete redevelopment of Barking’s central library plus two apartment blocks comprising 246 homes situated above.
As a scheme that aims to transform the town centre into a vibrant and creative hub, it was essential the new buildings displayed a bold appearance. For this, 5km2 of stylish Metallic Trespa Meteon Rainscreen cladding was specified for the building’s exterior. Utilising a MTK rainscreen cladding support system from Eurofox Engineering and with SikaTack Panel holding the cladding firmly in place, not a single fixing nut or bolt invades the aesthetic.
Having used SikaTack Panel Adhesive extensively, specialist contractor Cladding UK Ltd was well equippedfor installation. Utilising innovative elastic bonding technology to secure panels to the structure, SikaTack Panel requires no screws or secret fix brackets. Following preparation and priming of all surfaces, the Rainscreen panels were temporarily fixed in place using Sika’s specially made 3mm thick double-sided tape, whilst the SikaTack Panel adhesive got to work. When set, the panels were fully bonded to the structure.
One of the biggest advantages of this secret fix is that it simply cannot be seen. This meant the architect’s vision of a smooth, metallic effect exterior could be realised without any metal fixtures spoiling the view.
“We have a lot of experience with the SikaTack Panel Adhesive product having used it on numerous projects previously,” commented Tony O'Brien of Cladding UK. “As such we have total confidence in its performance and we know that it will enable us to create a seamless cladding finish.”
SikaTack Panel Adhesive also provided the project with significant cost savings. Without extensive stainless steel fasteners and taking considerably less time to install, unnecessary outgoings were eliminated.
Rigorously tried and tested to extreme conditions and back, the SikaTack Panel system has been officially proven to perform without any reduction in performance. This means the Lifelong Learning Centre’s decorative rainscreen panels are certain to remain safely in place.
Now complete, Barking’s town centre is well on its way to a bold, new change, with a structure that not only offers homes and job opportunities, but a vibrant appearance that uplifts the entire area.