Rainscreen cladding offers non-combustible compliance

CUPACLAD 101 Logic natural slate rainscreen cladding has been installed as part of a seven-storey building refurbishment in Blackfriars, London. Selected to comply with the latest building regulations as a like-for-like replacement for the mansard roof with an A1 non-combustible fire rating, the natural slate solution also delivers a sustainable and attractive finish. 

Originally built in the early 20th century, the newly refurbished mixed-use building at 30-34 New Bridge Street, London is home to both commercial office space and retail units and features green living walls as well as an expansive roof terrace with beautiful river views. 

The building’s two-storey mansard roof originally featured Westmorland slate fixed to timber battens. However, as part of the refurbishment, a new non-combustible solution was required for it. 

Approved Document B recommends that “in relation to buildings of any height or use, consideration should be given to the choice of materials…used for the external wall…to reduce the risk of the spread of fire”.  

Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018/1230 classifies a mansard roof as a wall, so a non-combustible fire rated solution was sought for the refurbishment of the building’s mansard roof. 

The architect specified CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD rainscreen cladding system as, thanks to its handcrafted natural slates, stainless steel fixings and aluminium alloy brackets, it has an A1 non-combustible fire rating – the highest rating possible. Readily available via the local merchants’ network, CUPACLAD also possessed a high-quality appearance equal to that of traditional slate cladding, which was desired. 

Furthermore, handcrafted from highly durable tectonic natural slate, with no chemical products or additional treatment required, CUPACLAD is an environmentally friendly cladding solution, requiring very little water and energy consumption to produce. As well as being fire resistant, it is also able to withstand high wind speeds and impacts, and has an incredibly low level of water absorption. 

The contractor tasked with the building’s renovation had worked with CUPACLAD before. Victor Wakefield, Company Director at Roof Brothers, said: “The CUPACLAD system always exceeds expectations and we never fail to receive positive feedback once a CUPACLAD project is complete. The design, quality and natural appearance of the product makes it more appealing than other cladding systems. The team at CUPA PIZARRAS are professional and approachable and the support we have received has been exceptional.” 

Easily installed with invisible stainless steel fixings, CUPACLAD 101 LOGIC works to ensure that the natural slate is the main attraction of any project. BBA certified and maintenance free, the natural slate will also retain its colour and sheen throughout its 100-year lifespan. 

www.cupapizarras.com/uk