CUPACLAD is the logical choice for striking leaning housing block

CUPACLAD is the logical choice for striking leaning housing block

London-based architect, WHAT_Architecture has specified CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD 101 Logic as the ideal rainscreen cladding system for a new and unusual housing block in Peckham. Crucial to this decision was the system’s ease of installation and its natural aesthetic, which helped the contemporary design to also complement the surrounding and traditional urban landscape.

WHAT_Architecture looked at a variety of materials during the planning process, before selecting natural slate. A completely natural material, slate provided imperfections and rough edges, which suited the desired aesthetic for the housing block. In addition, the slate helped to reflect the character of the surrounding, more traditional buildings.

Antony Hoete, Director of WHAT_Architecture commented: “We have used slate here to do things that brick just could not do. The brick components of the building weigh about 150 kg per square meter, whereas the slate comes in at just under 30 kg per square meter. By using lightweight slate, we have been able to create the leaning effect we desired with an incredibly robust building material.

“Furthermore, the metal-bracketed CUPACLAD system allowed us to hide the services behind the cladding and also reinforced our idea of connecting the contemporary with the traditional.”

CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD 101 Logic slate rainscreen cladding uses a single aluminium fixing system with self-drilling screws designed to ensure an optimum cladding installation, while remaining invisible to the eye, to avoid impacting the overall design. The 7.65mm slate used is a robust and weatherproof roofing material, which has passed the British Board of Agrément (BBA) certificate for impact testing, ensuring that the slate has long-term durability and will remain watertight.

“CUPACLAD is a modern and easy installation system. We chose the CUPACLAD 101 Logic as its design layout also reflects that of the brick base, without actually using brick,” said Diana Kulacka, Project Architect from WHAT_Architecture.

Terry Collins, Specification Manager at CUPA PIZARRAS commented: “When approached to help find a solution for Costa Street, we started by undertaking a site visit and survey to ensure we would absolutely understand the architectural vision and how to make it a working reality with slate.

“It’s incredibly important to us to have a close and collaborative process, as this helps to ensure the finished project is exactly as desired. Helping us to achieve this is our London showroom, which is a valuable space where architects can view the materials and talk to our experienced team.”

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Cupa Pizarras

CUPA PIZARRAS is the world leader in natural slate. Their 16 quarries and 22 processing plants enable them to offer the widest range of products with the highest quality.

CUPA PIZARRAS' slates are timeless and adapt easily to any project,...
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