2019
London

Sika Tackles the Lifelong Learning Centre in London

Sika's revolutionary secret fix, SikaTack® Panel Adhesive, has afforded Barking’s pioneering Lifelong Learning Centre the stunning appearance it deserves, providing it with a seamless ‘metallic’ cladding finish. The £10 million centre is the first phase of a £100 million regeneration scheme set to provide valuable assistance in helping locals find rewarding work. 

 

 

Set within a new Arboretum, the development is designed by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, built by main contractors Ardmore Construction Ltd for developer Redrow Regeneration. It has seen the complete redevelopment of Barking’s central library plus two apartment blocks comprising 246 homes situated above.

As a scheme that aims to transform the town centre into a vibrant and creative hub, it was essential the new buildings displayed a bold appearance. For this, 5km2 of stylish Metallic Trespa Meteon Rainscreen cladding was specified for the building’s exterior. Utilising a MTK rainscreen cladding support system from Eurofox Engineering and with SikaTack® Panel holding the cladding firmly in place, not a single fixing nut or bolt invades the aesthetic.

Having used SikaTack® Panel Adhesive extensively, specialist contractor Cladding UK Ltd was well equipped for installation. Utilising innovative elastic bonding technology to secure panels to the structure, SikaTack® Panel requires no screws or secret fix brackets.

“We have a lot of experience with the SikaTack® Panel Adhesive product having used it on numerous projects previously. As such we have total confidence in its performance and we know that it will enable us to create a seamless cladding finish", said Tony O'Brien of Cladding UK. Following preparation and priming of all surfaces, the Rainscreen panels were temporarily fixed in place using Sika's specially made 3mm thick double-sided tape, whilst the SikaTack® Panel Adhesive got to work. When set, the panels were fully bonded to the structure. One of the biggest advantages of this secret fix is that it simply cannot be seen. This meant the architect’s vision of a smooth, metallic effect exterior could be realised without any metal fixtures spoiling the view.

 

 

Products Used

SikaTack® Panel Adhesive

SikaTack® Panel Primer

SikaTack® Double Sided Tape

 

Project Participants

Architect 
Allford Hall Monagan Morris

Main Contractor
Ardmore Construction

Specialist Contractor
Cladding UK Limited

Developer
Redrow Regeneration

Sika Organisation
Sika Limited