For such an important landmark scheme, expected to provide a gateway to the vibrant city, developers Taylor Wimpey wanted to create a stunning exterior – and chose a cladding system from market leaders Carea to do so.
As part of the phased regeneration of a 1960s urban development, the scheme will comprise a mix of residential and commercial developments. The Argyle Building’s mixed use composition has been designed by architects Aedas Architects of Glasgow. Built by Taylor Woodrow Construction (now Vinci Plc), the regeneration project responds to the urban fabric of the area.
The apartments, located above basement parking and the ground floor commercial zone, feature balconies that allow the flats to take advantage of the open aspects and spectacular views. To create a stark contrast with the glass, Aedas Architectsspecified 14mm thick Acantha cladding from Carea. Arranged in a more regular pattern, the cladding provides a counterbalance to the randomness of the glass and creates a visually striking facade.
The Carea cladding was fitted by specialist contractor Lakesmere. A key feature of Carea cladding panels is their ease of installation. Supplied with specialised horizontal rails that fit onto vertical cladding supports, the panels have precisely routed grooves on the top and bottom for a simple fix that’s totally seamless – ensuring the good looks of the project.
Architects Aedas specified six different colours of Carea cladding, being three standard colours - white, green lichen and black - and three RAL specific colours. The cladding panels were supplied in three different finishes Riven, Matt and Gloss. Combined, the different colours and textures create a simply stunning facade.
As well as providing an outstanding look for the landmark scheme, the Carea cladding also provides excellent benefits to sustainability. Thanks to its high insulation properties, it helps buildings to optimise their thermal efficiency for a higher BREEAM rating.
Also, because Carea panels are composed of a cutting edge composite – developed over 30 years by the company’s expert technicians – that contains 95% mineral elements, they are highly sustainable and can be recycled at the end of their usable life.
Once installed, the panels offer a range of further benefits. Most importantly for residential schemes, they hold superb acoustic performance. This ensures peace and quiet for residents. The panels are also exceptionally low maintenance. Their non-porous composition makes them resistant to climate and graffiti and they can be easily cleaned.
Modern urban residential projects strive to represent the best in contemporary design. Key to this is creating a positive visual impression that elevates the area, ensuring a good atmosphere for locals. By artfully utilising Carea’s attractive cladding, the designers of The Argyle Building have done just this – and benefited from a host of enviable performance benefits at the same time.
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