Rockpanel delivers safe, chic styling at urban Grand Exchange

Among many similar new-build projects completed or underway across the country, non-combustible Rockpanel is providing stunning facades for this eye-catching, contemporary urban living in Bracknell, Berkshire, while meeting the stringent regulations regarding fire-safety in high-rise residential structures.

Consisting of 242 apartments divided across two distinct angular blocks of up to 11 storeys, this residential scheme promotes itself as heralding a new era in luxury living for the region. The wedge shaped blocks are placed at angles to create a broad, elegant thoroughfare where seating invites residents and others to linger and enjoy the landscaped surroundings. Stepped elevations allow for generous terraces to one block while the acute angle formed on another results in striking feature balconies. The mix of sleek white render contrasts well with the Rockpanel Woods facades which add a natural, organic warmth.

Meeting challenges to create a landmark development 

The Building Design Group were architects for the project. With offices in Birmingham and Tamworth, BDG has evolved from its inception more than 45 years ago, in to a dynamic, forward thinking practice. Describing the development, they said, “BDG were appointed following a successful planning process to develop this project further to tender stage and beyond. The site itself presented numerous challenges in terms both of access and existing constraints located above and below ground. However, we believe we succeeded in progressing the technical design to the extent that our client's aspirations could be met, both in terms of cost and the desire to establish a landmark development for the future.”

Vascroft Contractors Ltd were main contractors for the development. The London-based firm has grown from its founding in the 1970 by two brothers, into a thriving concern made up of four divisions working on projects across all major building sectors. 

Around 2500sqm of facades were installed at Grand Exchange, using a mix of Rockpanel Alder and Slate Oak surface designs from the manufacturer’s super realistic Woods range, along with RAL 2010 colour-matched deep orange accent panels. 

Versatile, resilient and sustainable design freedom 

Lightweight and highly versatile, and without the need for additional edge sealing, Rockpanel can be curved, perforated, engraved or routed, and will last for decades with minimal maintenance. Protect Plus further protects the panel surface from everyday wear and tear. The facades deliver outstanding performance characteristics which include fire safety, supreme durability, weather, temperature and UV. And when the time comes for a Rockpanel facade to be replaced, in fifty years or more, the removed panels can be recycled into new boards with no loss of quality. 

Versatile, resilient and sustainable design freedom 

Lightweight and highly versatile, and without the need for additional edge sealing, Rockpanel can be curved, perforated, engraved or routed, and will last for decades with minimal maintenance. Protect Plus further protects the panel surface from everyday wear and tear. The facades deliver outstanding performance characteristics which include fire safety, supreme durability, weather, temperature and UV. And when the time comes for a Rockpanel facade to be replaced, in fifty years or more, the removed panels can be recycled into new boards with no loss of quality. 

Stoneguard Managing Director, Nic Constantinou, spoke about the project, “Vascroft approached us early on in order to begin the design process and ensure the smooth delivery of panels throughout the build. The 11mm Rockpanel FX-Xtra System specified by the architect, with grooves at 300mm centres achieving the effect of wood planks perfectly, meeting the aesthetic requirement for the project, while offering the long-term performance and low maintenance advantages of Rockpanel. Although the majority of panels were cut off-site, the flexibility of Rockpanel meant the more complicated architectural features of the build could be cut to size on site easily. The lightweight nature of the material ensured it could be distributed swiftly around the complex shaped build.” 

The ultimate facade system

The facades were fixed to a concrete frame with bespoke Protec SFS system infill, which Stoneguard design and manufacture themselves. The project also utilised FSI cavity barriers and ROCKWOOL Duo Slab® insulation, which offers great thermal and acoustic values and achieves European fire class A1. Combined with Rockpanel A2 and an aluminium or steel substructure it fulfils the most rigid fire safety requirements and is required in achieving A2-s1,d0 Euroclass rating to secure the ultimate protection and safety for the building’s users.

Rockpanel facade panels and ROCKWOOL insulation products share common characteristics, including their inherent sustainability and non-combustibility, which is due to the naturally occurring and replenishing volcanic rock used in the manufacture of the stone wool that forms their core. 

Grand Exchange Building Manager, Adam Spiers, “I must commend the design team for their outstanding work on the facades of the building. The exterior looks stunning. The attention to detail and the architectural finesse are truly commendable. The residents are exceptionally pleased with both the building and its exterior. Their positive response reaffirms our belief that the Grand Exchange has not only met but exceeded expectations in terms of design and functionality.”

Rockpanel offers specifiers design freedom, enabling virtually unlimited colour matching and an unrivalled range of surface design finishes, from the super-realistic natural Woods used at the Grand Exchange, through Metals and Stones collections to specialist ranges including unique, transformative Chameleon, which changes hue depending on the way light hits its surface and the angle of view.