Husk Architectural have supplied the UK’s first façade system of its kind to a new landmark development in Islington, London.

250 City Road, situated in a prime location between the financial district and Tech City, has been fitted with anodised Alpolic A2 panels made from aluminium composite material (ACM).

Over 3000 m² of panels have been fixed to the mixed-use, high density, low energy development on the former site of a 1980s business park.

The five and a half-acre scheme consists of seven blocks, including two residential towers of 42 and 36 storeys with ground level shops and cafes. The premium luxury apartments built by Berkley Group are priced from £885,000 to £1.9 million.

The 4mm thick Alpolic panels are non-combustible thanks to their mineral-filled core and meet the strict requirements of the fire regulations. Furthermore, they provide an impact-resistant, modern weatherproof façade solution.

The panels were manufactured at the firm’s 200,000 sq ft Shropshire facility.

According architects Foster + Partners, the buildings are designed to naturally conserve energy. The buildings’ mass provides protection from the noise and pollution of City Road, as well as blocking northerly winds, and the towers have been designed to minimise down draughts to create comfortable public spaces.

The progressive environmental strategy incorporates a combined heat and power plant, which could potentially be connected to the local grid. In addition, photovoltaic panels will provide renewable energy, green roofs will encourage wildlife, and rainwater will be harvested and used for irrigation.

Aluminium is an environmentally friendly solution for construction project materials, being both 100% recyclable and maintenance free.

Husk Architectural can fabricate solid aluminium with anodised, pre-painted and PPC surfaces in addition to ACM’s, fibre cement boards and high-pressure laminates, with or without an accredited framing system.