Overclad solution for 1960s social housing block

The 10-storey block at Saxton Gardens has been developed by Urban Splash, working with architects Union North.

The building was stripped back to its concrete shell, with new infill walls being created using Structural Insulated Panels (SIP), which contained 100mm of foam insulation.

These were then overclad with Natura panels fixed to an aluminium frame system using Marley Eternit's colour matched rivets.

Marley Eternit's Natura with a Pro coating was specified by Union North in Black, Beige, Cool Grey and Natural Grey to enhance the appearance of the building, with the Pro coating providing protection against various types of staining during construction as well as graffiti.

Natura has a tactile, smooth surface that allows the texture of the fibre cement to show through, creating visually engaging facades.

Fibre cement is a lightweight yet strong material that has one of the lowest levels of embodied energy of any cladding material.

Contractors Laser Claddings of Stourbridge, who installed both the cladding and replacement windows on this refurbishment project, initially suggested the Marley Eternit overclad solution to the architects.

The company's Works Director Michael Digger says: 'We suggested Natura from Marley Eternit because of its low maintenance and wide choice of colours - it also fulfilled the client's requirement for a Class 0 material for fire performance'.

Natura is available in a choice of 22 colours with practical qualities including A2-s1, d0 non combustible to EN 13501-1 fire performance, durability, strength and an installed life expectancy of at least 50 years.

Marley Eternit fibre cement cladding can achieve an A+ rating as defined in the BRE Green Guide to Specification based on generic rating for autoclaved fibre cement single sheet - (Element Ref: 80623042, 806230422, 806230447, 806230450).