Brompton Road, Knightsbridge: May 2023

Location

A penthouse terrace in Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, required a decking system that complied with Class A fire rating regulations. The existing timber deck, which was mounted onto timber bearers, had been removed, revealing a complex roof structure with multiple levels and a series of upstands, likely serving as column supports from the structural walls below.

The Problem

The challenge was to construct a secure substructure over the irregular roof deck while maintaining a consistent, level surface suitable for decking installation. Due to the varying height thresholds across the terrace, the solution needed to accommodate both extremely low and high points while ensuring structural stability. 

Additionally, the owner wanted to lay the decking diagonally to the building, requiring precise alignment of the supporting structure. It was also imperative that current fire regulations were met for terraces, requiring Class A1 Fire Rated substructure and decking. 

The Solution

To achieve a stable substructure, Wallbarn MetalPad D adjustable height pedestals were installed with Wallbarn aluminium rails/joists, incorporating both Box Rails and I-Plus beams to accommodate height variations. Where thresholds were minimal, 20mm Box Rails were used with the lowest-height pedestals, whereas higher areas required 100mm I-Plus Beams, doubled up and mounted onto larger MetalPad D pedestals. This approach ensured a level surface across the entire terrace.

The Exadeck ceramic decking boards were installed on a diagonal plane, so the top layer of the aluminium rails needed to be fixed at the same angle to allow the decking fixing clips to be mounted at right angles to the rails. Connector brackets were used at joining points to enhance structural strength. The Exadeck boards, designed with a side milling profile, were secured using hidden wing clips, ensuring a uniform gap between boards for efficient drainage.

Thanks to the precision manufacturing of Exadeck porcelain, rectified edges provided perfectly straight lines, eliminating the risk of warping or inconsistent board thickness. Using Exadeck allowed the team to cut precisely, to achieve sharp, clean lines effortlessly and overcome challenging detailing constraints. 

The result was a stunning, fire-compliant decked terrace with a clean, modern, and natural-looking finish, overcoming complex structural challenges while adhering to the highest fire safety standards.