At the £58 million Caspian Wharf waterside development in Bow, East London, five stunning new multi-storey apartment blocks will benefit from secure and durable weathertightness thanks to more than 8,000 linear metres of Universal Membran – the market leading waterproofing and sealing system from global building product manufacturer Sika.
Built by Berkeley Homes, Caspian Wharf comprises 552 high specification new homes and extensive commercial space on the banks of the Limehouse Cut Canal. Split across a series of six contemporary blocks, the project has been built to an extremely high specification with all products and systems chosen to enhance the buildings’ stylish aesthetics and stunning architecture.
For Phase Two of the Caspian Wharf development – the creation of five apartment blocks ranging from 6 to 12 storeys in height – high performance products and materials was once again a prerequisite. To provide an airtight and watertight seal around the building’s window frames, in line with Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) of the Building Regulations, nearly 8,825 linear metres of Sika Membran Universal, an advanced waterproofing and joint sealing system was specified.
Sika Membran Universal will help to prevent the loss of heated or cooled air from within the building to minimise wasted energy – ensuring the development meets stringent building standards for energy efficiency. Complementing the sealed double glazed windows, the system has also aided the building’s acoustic performance by contributing to the reduction of noise from outside.
The Sika Membran Universal System was specified and installed by specialist subcontractor BR Hodgson, appointed to deliver the complete facade package. Applied extensively across both buildings, the system was used to create a waterproof and airtight flexible seal between the aluminium/timber composite frames and cement particle board.
A versatile EPDM synthetic rubber membrane, Sika Membran Universal has been specifically designed to provide an efficient method of sealing any construction gaps in building facades. Solvent free, durable, UV and ozone resistant, as well as 100% waterproof, it can also be bonded to many building substrates.
Sika Membran Universal regulates and controls the amount of moisture escaping from the inside of a building thus minimising the risk of interstitial condensation. Manufactured in 25m x 0.6mm rolls, Sika Universal Membran is available in a variety of widths ranging from 100mm to 1,400mm. On site it is simply cut to width and length and then fixed in place.
To ensure the membrane was securely fixed in place, BR Hodgson used the world renowned and unique Sikabond TF Plus N sealant to provide a secure and reliable bond. The single part polyurethane-based elastic adhesive eliminates the need for mechanical fixings to provide a seamless, aesthetically appealing finish to a variety of substrates. It also offers a largely primerless adhesion.
The system has a proven track record having been specified on a global basis by some of the largest curtain wall manufacturers and installers and used on some of the world’s most prestigious buildings. It is also supported with Sika’s unrivalled site and technical support.
Elsewhere on the project a roofing system from Sika was supplied. Reinforcing the company’s position as a genuine roof to basement solution provider, Sika Sarnafil single ply roofing membrane was specified. Supplied in G410-EL Light Grey, approximately 900m2 of the multi-layer single ply membrane was installed across several roof areas by specialist roofing and waterproofing contractor Briggs Amasco. Lightweight and flexible, Sika Sarnafil G410-EL offers reliable long term performance and is certified by BBA to have a life expectancy in excess of 40 years for exposed applications.
Now complete and with the stunning apartments attracting interest from all over the world, Caspian Wharf is a shining example of high performance design, build and specification – with Sika playing a vital role in maintaining the building’s stunning external aesthetics and watertightness.