Gary Court is nine-storey, mixed tenure, high-rise building that is home to 150 residential apartments and a mix of commercial units in Croydon. The residential properties are a mix of leaseholders and social housing, managed by the Hyde Group, who are freeholders for the building and who applied for funding from the Building Safety Fund when it was confirmed that the original building materials were non-compliant with regulations introduced following the Grenfell Tower Fire.

Valcan’s A1 VitraDual cassette system was specified by Lead Designer Martin Arnold for 25% of the façade works. The Aluminium Cladding is manufactured to EN485-3 and A1 rated to BS EN 1350-1. It is a high impact resistant solid panel providing exceptional durability and mechanical benefits. It is CWCT and BBA Accredited, making it one of the highest-quality and safest cladding products on the market.

VitraDual A1 panels were specified to replace the non-compliant Zinc cladding, fixed to combustible materials. These panels, with a thickness of 3mm, were specifically chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal and were fabricated by MSP (Scotland) Limited into a cassette fix system - “tray” panels with returns on all 4 sides, with the colour matched fixings then installed in the joints/reveals to give a ‘discrete’ fixing system.

Valcan’s VitraFix subframe fixing system was also used, colour matched to the cladding panels in the same Riddle Grey. The VitraDual panels, along with the VitraFix subframe system enhances the overall look of the building and provides excellent weather resistance and durability.

Lead designer Martin Arnold specified the systems and products with the primary objective of achieving the highest possible EWS1 rating for the building. Rather than opting for a like-for-like replacement, the decision was made to utilise Valcan Vitradual (VV), chosen specifically to enhance the building's EWS1 rating.

Since this project involved recladding rather than starting from scratch with new construction, the initial step involved dismantling the existing facade. However, this process was complicated by historical administrative issues, particularly the absence of comprehensive 'as-built' information.

Due to this lack of detailed records, a significant amount of traditional surveying and measurement work was necessary to accurately define the final layout for all the different systems involved. This involved collaborative onsite sessions with the lead designer, Hamilton and Valcan.

The replacement rainscreen facade, which replaced the previous zinc cladding, was meticulously designed by hand following rigorous onsite planning and development sessions.

Subsequently, the various systems were installed in accordance with the method statements provided by the respective manufacturers. Weekly inspections were conducted by the appointed clerk of works to ensure that the highest installation quality standards were consistently met and maintained throughout the process.

As well as offering ongoing support via CPDs (Continuing Professional Development) and on-site toolbox talks, VitraDual cassette system manufacturer, Valcan, conducted regular visits to the construction site to oversee progress and ensure compliance with project specifications.

Through this hands-on approach, Valcan significantly contributed to the project's successful conclusion, ensuring that their facade solutions, VitraDual and VitraFix, upheld the utmost standards of quality and performance.

The success of the project can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved, from the principal contractor to the residents themselves. Through effective communication, meticulous planning and strategic execution, minimal disruption was experienced by both residential and commercial occupants, ensuring a seamless transition throughout the project's duration.

Toby Green, Business Development Manager for Valcan said:

“Hamilton has excelled in the installation of our cladding on Gary Court! They have ensured precise installation throughout this construction and this project again showcases Hamilton's commitment to quality and they have exceeded expectations.”

Valcan have were shortlisted alongside main contractor Hamilton Construction in the category of Best Refurbishment Project for Gary Court, Croydon in the Façade Awards 2024.