Remediation works following new Fire safety legislation.
Completed back in 2014, Marque House’s balconies were initially built using timber decking and balustrade, which unfortunately no longer meet the latest fire regulations.
Recognising this, ISWUK was awarded the complete removal of all non-compliant decking and balustrades with the reinstatement of A1 fire-rated replacements.
Elements & Materials.
- Removal of timber decking
- Installation of A1 rated cement fiber decking
- Removal of timer Balustrade
- Installation of A1 rated aluminium anodised balustrade
Date: November 2023
Value: £360,000
Client: Chas Berger
Decking:
Removal of non-compliant timber decking and design and replace with 433m2 of A1 rated fiber cement decking board with aluminium support structure.
Balustrade:
Remove non-compliant timber balustrade, and design, manufacture and replace with 344m A1 rated aluminium anodised balustrade.
Challenges.
• Adhering to the clients certified BMTRADA Q-Mark Fire Stopping Installation accreditation.
• The cement fibre board could not span the current supports in place, so further support was introduced.
• The balustrade was fixed to the pre-existing posts, which were out of level.
• The cement fibre board is extremely brittle, so small cuts and notches had to be carried out very carefully so not to exceed allowed for wastage.
• Bi-metallic corrosion risk. The use of aluminium support bearers on the existing steel frame had to be taken into consideration.
• Coordinating the delivery and installation of materials and components for various elements of the project within a tight schedule. Working around an occupied building, with a school operating times a strict consideration.
• Waste kept to absolute minimum.
• Occupied apartments.
Solutions.
Collaborative Design Process:
Early collaboration with the engineers and architects to ensure the decking support system was designed to allow the desired product to be used. By designing the balustrade in such a way, we were able to use the existing balustrade posts, saving the client money and time across the project as a whole.
Quality Assurance Protocols:
A pilot balcony was completed first, to ensure the standards set are continued throughout and to the client’s specification. The anodised balustrade panels were fully welded to reduce the risk of any water staining, that can be evident when using anodised aluminium.
Efficient Project Management:
The project was managed in phases, allowing sign off and handover in a much more efficient manner, allowing scaffold to be stuck out ahead of deadline dates – reducing impact to the residents and saving on costly prelims.
Results Achieved.
Successful Completion:
Completed the work to the apartments within the stipulated time frame, meeting or exceeding client expectations. The building is now fully fire compliant, with increased safety for the residents into the future.
High-Quality Finishes:
Delivered balustrades and decking, producing a fire compliant exterior whilst also enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the development.
Future Considerations
Product specification:
Continue to explore products with an A1 fire rating, to ensure clients have a broader choice. This would also enable multiple design choices to be considered, aiding in the installation works.Sustainable Practices:
Explore opportunities to integrate sustainable practices and materials into future projects to minimise environmental impact even more so.
