Sika bonds unity Sentinel Development

SikaTack-Panel structural adhesive used in manufacture of aluminium rain screen feature panels used on the 16 storey commercial Sentinel tower.

SikaTack-Panel structural adhesive has recently been used in the manufacture of aluminium rain screen feature panels used on the 16 storey commercial Sentinel tower, one of the twin towers that make up Rumford Developments stunning GBP60m Unity Sentinel project, that has recently been completed within the World Heritage Site in Liverpool's commercial area.

Built on the site of a 1970's concrete office complex, construction conditions were cramped and difficult, so Schuco curtain wall was specified, fabricated and installed by Dane Architectural Systems.

Specialist fabricators Mettaline were chosen to produce the large, decorative powder-coated panels that formed part of these assemblies.

These panels were required to be permanently fixed, after the powder coating process, to aluminium top hat sections of the frames, without damage to the actual coating.

The fixing needed to be both durable and strong, and able to withstand potentially strong winds coming in off the Irish sea.

This problem was solved by using the SikaTack Panel structural adhesive, a one part polyurethane elastic adhesive from Sika Limited, designed for structural joints subjected to high dynamic stresses.

SikaTack-Panel adhesive is part of Sika's secret fix panel system and will bond to a wide range of panel types as well as wood, metals (including aluminium and anodised components), ceramic materials and plastic substrates.

It remains permanently elastic thus accommodating differential movement, can significantly damp vibrations and is non-corrosive.

The completed frames were delivered to on site to Dane Architectural Systems, sub-contractors to Laing O'Rourke, where they were lifted into place using cranes and hoists to quickly complete the building envelope.

Architect Paul Monaghan of Alford Hall Monaghan Morris designed the Unity Sentinel project, and Faber Maunsell were appointed structural engineers.

This prestigious project will supply 13,935 square metres of Grade A office space, 161 high quality residencies and 836 square metres of retail area, with two floors of underground parking.

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