Bury Court is an existing residential block in Bedford owned by BPHA (Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association) and formed part of a wider programme of works to improve fire safety, durability and long‑term performance. The project comprised a full external recladding, alongside limited internal remodelling and associated external works, delivering a significant upgrade to the building envelope.

With residential use and occupant safety at the forefront of the brief, the recladding strategy focused on the replacement of existing materials with non‑combustible, Tested and Classified A1 cladding systems. Compliance with current fire safety requirements, robustness and consistent installation quality were key drivers throughout the specification and delivery.

The facade solution combines Vitradual solid aluminium panels with Ceramapanel Classified A1 fibre cement cladding, providing a fully non‑combustible external envelope across the elevations. Vitradual 3mm panels in Snow White were used across approximately 1,200m², delivering a durable engineered rainscreen solution with a clean, contemporary finish.

Ceramapanel Classified A1 fibre cement cladding was installed across approximately 2,300m², with finishes including Natural Textures Raw Rain Cloud, Raw Warm Tile and Raw Light Slate. These materials were selected not only for their aesthetic consistency, but for their Classified A1 reaction‑to‑fire performance, resistance to weathering and low maintenance requirements — key considerations for long‑term residential asset management.

In total, the project delivered approximately 3,500m² of new cladding, representing a significant improvement to the building’s fire performance and external resilience. Installation was carried out by MK Facades, with United Infrastructure acting as main contractor. Architectural services were provided by Arcus Consulting.

The completed recladding of Bury Court demonstrates how the careful specification of Classified A1 cladding panels can support compliant residential refurbishment projects. The scheme provides BPHA with a safer, more durable and regulation‑compliant building envelope, while extending the service life and performance of the existing structure.

ABOUT CERAMAPANEL

ABOUT VITRADUAL

VitraDual is one of the few large format cladding panels that are truly 100% non-combustible achieving A1* to BS EN 13501-1.  Also tested to BS8414-2 for fire performance of external cladding systems and compliant to BR135 requirements - certificates are available which include VitraDual in specific configurations.

Please download the test reports here for full specifications, limitations and criteria.