Removal and replacement of non-compliant timber cladding and decking
Hamilton acted as main contractor for this safety critical project on a six-story residential building in Bolton town centre.
The front and rear elevations featured timber cladding from floors one to five. Timber clad steel sliding sunscreens were also installed to all balconies.
In November 2019 a fire broke out at neighbouring student accommodation, The Cube. The rapid spread of fire severely affected the building, which featured a High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) external wall cladding system.
In response, and as part of the post-Grenfell roll out of fire risk assessments on high-rise buildings, Irwell Valley Housing Association carried out thorough tests and investigations and found that the timber cladding, timber battens, breather membrane and cement particle board used in the timber clad areas were non-compliant by today’s standards.
The association appointed Hamilton to remove and replace the non-compliant timber cladding and we worked with Wetherby Building Systems, which produced a Project Specification for their EpsiBrick External Wall Insulation System to complement the surrounding buildings.
Hamilton teams carried out the façade removal and replacement and a striking red brick finish, which replaced tired and faded timber, has had a hugely positive impact on the aesthetics of the building.
The Picture House was a rewarding project to be part of and, as Main Contractor, we successfully overcame several challenges along the way. Irwell Valley Housing Association’s investment in this safety critical project has provided a great deal of reassurance to residents. In addition, it has given the iconic building a new lease of life and complements the wider regeneration plans in the area. We’re delighted with the results and it is another job well done for the Hamilton team.
Robert Storton, Hamilton Managing Director
