Suttons Wharf, London E2

Case Study

Suttons Wharf, London E2

BETHNAL GREEN

Suttons Wharf is a mixed-use development beside Regents Canal and Mile End Park managed by The Riverside Group. Suttons Wharf South comprises 7 residential storeys, with 169 waterside apartments, above 2 levels of office and retail.

The building is designed in a stunning, double sweeping curve, with the 2 curved residential blocks connected by a large open atrium, covered with a glazed roof.

The multi-finish facade contract comprises:

render on the concave external elevation, designed in panels.
‘weather-board’ style rainscreen – Cedral Lap fibre-cement plank – to the recessed openings on the external facade and to the internal glazed atrium
Zinc standing seam to the entrances, stairwells and lift cores, installed on a backing of galvanised steel trapezoidal decking.

extensive new aluminium decking to the existing triangular balconies
Spandrel panels in grey aluminium, back-painted glass and louvres

A²O was responsible for installing all the facade system packages on the project, which optimised the efficiency and economy of the whole building renovation.

The greatest challenge was the live site, renovating balconies and spandrel panels in fully occupied apartments. However the great teamwork and strong relationships with the Main Contractor and all on site gave a great result.

VISTRY GROUP

"A²O made a great job of installing the different types of cladding.

The render finish is impressive due to the curved building. The Cedral Lap plank, spandrel panels and standing seam look smart and fresh.

A²O had an excellent H&S record on the project. There were no major issues throughout the project. Any minor issues were dealt with swiftly and effectively.

A²O completed our QA process well throughout the project, completing and uploading the multiple requirements for the Golden Thread.

The finish of the building is excellent. This has drawn comment from everyone who has visited the project."

Ryan Stephenson

Project Manager

Challenges

The concave curve of the rendered facade is the key feature of the building, so it was critical the new render had a smooth, seamless and stunning finish.

As-built information was limited, so surveys had to be done once the existing structure was exposed.

A rigorous series of tests with the exact materials and site conditions to underwrite reinstatement of existing facade components.

One of the biggest challenges was the live site, access on to live balconies, and deliveries 250, through a live park used by young families.

Another challenge was to keep to budget despite extra staff required to keep everyone safe.

Another challenge was to deliver building owner and client satisfaction, as well as the residents, working as “One Team” with any minor issues being resolved quickly and collaboratively.

Solutions

A²O designed the render in panels with horizontal movement joints to avoid unsightly scaffold tie hole repairs when striking the scaffold.

A²O achieved a high precision install, thanks to onsite surveys by the design team.

A²O was able to reinstate aluminium cassette panels, zinc planks, louvre spandrel panels and certify the renovation to LPS 1531.

A²O went the extra mile to work amicably with the residents and in training the banksmen to guide deliveries safely through the public in the park.

A²O was pleased to complete within budget, absorbing a few costs for a smooth completion.

The site was very well organised with a great team atmosphere and strong relationships with both client Vistry and building owner Riverside, now moving to the next job with both.