Client: Persimmon (City Developments) and Bellway Homes
Developer: MarCity Developments Ltd
Architect: Nicol Thomas Architects
Installer: Cladding Services, a division of LB Structures
Value: £50 million
Type of works: 4,500m² of aluminium Rigidal Ziplok for award-winning apartment development including Birmingham's first £1 million penthouse apartment in former Lucas building

Over 4,500m² of Rigidal Ziplok have been used to create a standing-seam roof in the award-winning NewHampton Lofts development in Birmingham. Developer MarCity Developments Ltd is building more than 145 apartments, including 40 penthouses for joint-venture partners Persimmon (City Developments) and Bellway Homes. NewHampton Lofts, based at the heart of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, is part of a £50 million award-winning residential regeneration scheme on the 4.4 acre former Lucas site. In addition to the loft apartments, the scheme will include NewHampton Court, 40,000ft² of new retail and leisure space.

Rigidal Ziplok is BBA-approved, advanced zip-up standing seam that provides a continuous weathertight roof, exceptional protection in all weather conditions and excellent resistance to wind uplift. The unique halter design complements the design of the liner in a way that leaves almost no possibility of error in setting out the roof and allowing for fast track trouble-free laying of the profiles. Unlike other standing systems, Rigidal Ziplok can be curved to very shallow or very tight radii and still provide a weathertight roof. Combined with the ability to curve the profiles on site and availability in either aluminium or steel, this gives Rigidal Ziplok a competitive edge in almost any standing seam application.

Commenting on the specification of Rigidal Ziplok, Glenda Frazer from Nicol Thomas Architects said, 'to comply with planning regulations a shallow curve of 1° was required. We specified Rigidal Ziplok because it can curve to this radius and still be watertight'.

The Rigidal Ziplok was installed by Cladding Services, a division of LB Structures who manufactured and erected the building's steel frame. Discussing the use of Rigidal Ziplok, John Sinclair Managing Director of Cladding Services commented, 'Rigidal Ziplok is our preferred choice for standing seam construction because of the superior quality and handling ability of the product. We were greatly impressed by the initial product samples and would have no hesitation in recommending Rigidal Ziplok for any standing seam construction. The level of service provided by Rigidal Industries was excellent, particularly the service received from its Technical Department'.

The award-winning development will boast Birmingham's most expensive apartment, a 4,000ft² £1 million rooftop penthouse with its own private lift and roof garden with dramatic views of the Birmingham Skyline.

On-site facilities include shops, bars, and a health and fitness centre at NewHampton Court, which is located on the ground floor facing Great Hampton Street. The development is just a short stroll from Birmingham's city centre bars, restaurants, cafes, cinemas and theatres.

Rigidal Industries offers an extensive range of aluminium and steel cladding solutions for both new-build and refurbishment projects.