As London developers continue to maximise residential opportunities across the city, airspace developments are becoming an increasingly common sight along the capital’s rooftops. Skyline Architectural Aluminium from Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS) has helped create additional living space above two existing blocks in the Victoria Park Conservation Area of Tower Hamlets.

Empire Wharf – a secure, gated development sitting on banks of the Hertford Union Canal – is the latest stunning airspace development designed by AWW Architects and delivered by main contractor TNV Construction for their client, Upspace. The original development was completed in 1994, occupying its popular canalside position near to the 86 hectares of green space offered by Victoria Park.

The latest development involved the construction of new penthouse apartments on top of both buildings at Empire Wharf; and TNV Construction were tasked with the specification of the external facade. The requirement was for a robust solution that could provide long-term security against the elements on the exposed rooftop location, and one that also fulfilled the design aesthetic. Having previously worked with Alumasc on multiple projects, Devshi Siyani, project director with TNV Construction, introduced Skyline to AWW Architects and the client’s design team.

Skyline Architectural Aluminium from AWMS offers a full range of aluminium design solutions, including fascias, soffits and copings, with a fully bespoke capability allowing designers maximum creative freedom. The product range is backed by unrivalled technical expertise, which was essential at Empire Wharf to ensure that the integrity of the existing building was maintained.

The AWMS technical team made multiple visits to site, working closely with TNV Construction and AWW Architects, to provide the required schematics to the project team. The final design was constructed on the rooftops, with Skyline Modular Cladding Panels secured to the framework using a secret-fix system to complement the clean lines and sleek aesthetics created by the panels. The system was finished in a bespoke BBA-approved powder coating in part-metallic pale-bronze RAL1035MET, to ensure a contemporary yet unobtrusive overall result, remaining sympathetic to the building’s original features. The perimeter wall around the Empire Wharf rooftop, was finished using Skyline aluminium copings, also powder-coated in RAL1035MET.

Devshi Siyani of TNV Construction, comments:

“We have a well-established relationship with Alumasc, and knew that the Skyline product and technical expertise would both support the requirements of the Empire Wharf project. Use of modular panels enabled the teams to work quickly and efficiently, helping to avoid displacement of existing residents, and keeping disruption to a minimum. Alumasc’s technical team were regular visitors to site, and engaged pro-actively in development of the final design with the client’s design team. The Skyline product has provided a sustainable and attractive living space, which has remained sympathetic to the appearance of the area. This level of teamwork was essential in delivering the successful ‘upwards revival’ of Empire Wharf, at a time when residential space in the city is at a premium.”

Also specified at Empire Wharf was a complete rainwater package from Alumasc Rainwater’s Flushjoint range. Flushjoint is a contemporary range of extruded aluminium downpipes with concealed spigots which give a smooth, clean finish that perfectly complements the minimalist appearance of the Skyline cladding panels. The Flushjoint system was supplied on the new constructions on both buildings, in a 4 inch square downpipe profile, and finished in the same bespoke RAL1035MET as the Skyline facade.

Ivan Colvil is the senior technical sales manager with AWMS, and worked extensively on the project alongside TNV Construction and AWW Architects. Ivan concludes:

“The Skyline modular cladding panels have been used to stunning effect at Empire Wharf. The project was intensive from a technical point of view, and consistent communication between TNV, AWW and AWMS was imperative to ensure the new airspace development worked perfectly with the existing structure. We provided full design assistance, schematic layouts, take-offs, multiple site visits, and also assisted the supplying builders’ merchant with deliveries and breakdowns. A true team effort.”

AWMS: Leading the way in sustainable drainage

The AWMS ‘Concept to Completion’ process is underpinned by a solid company infrastructure which offers the following:

• UK-based manufacturing facilities and foundry
• national brand-specific sales team and regional support network
• in-house technical team
• design team to fulfil bespoke design requirements
• rainwater and drainage calculations and on-site surveys
• take off and estimations
• in-house, BBA approved powder coating facilities
• unrivalled dedicated UK technical and after-sales support

Skyline Architectural Aluminium sits under the AWMS umbrella, as one of five brands well known for innovation, quality and longevity. The four accompanying brands are: Alumasc Rainwater Gutters & Downpipes, Harmer Building Drainage; Wade Building Drainage; and Gatic Civil Drainage & Access Covers.
Our extensive product portfolio ensures sustainable rainwater and drainage solutions that set the standard for urban water management.
Alumasc Water Management Solutions is part of the Alumasc Group. The Group proudly holds the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which is awarded to companies generating 50% or more of their total annual revenues from products and services that contribute to the global green economy.
For more information call 01536 383810 or visit www.alumascwms.co.uk/brands/skyline/

Images courtesy of WJ Meade Estate Agencies Limited.