A Sto external wall insulation (EWI) system spanning 8,000m² has upgraded the exterior of a waterside residential development in Canary Wharf, London, providing fire-compliant facades.
Pierhead Lock begins with a 12-storey tower by the River Thames, before stepping down to two storeys as it curls round the dock. The scheme also features semi-circular apartment blocks and a rounded tower, all with white facades.
Noviun Architects were responsible for designing remedial works for the exterior cladding. The existing expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS) needed to be removed, so the architects and façade restoration specialist Stoneguard worked with Sto to develop a detailed EWI system specification.
The BBA-certified StoTherm Mineral K EWI system achieves a reaction to fire of A2-s1, d0 in accordance with BS EN 13501-1. The A1-rated mineral fibre insulation boards were fixed to the concrete substrate using StoLevell Duo Plus, with fixings used to secure the insulation boards to the substrate. StoFlexyl, an acrylic-based, fibre-reinforced waterproofing product encapsulated the insulation below the dampproof course, protecting against moisture or water ingress.
The system was finished with StoSilco K1.5 silicone resin render, coated with StoColor Dryonic G and StoSilco G façade paint for robust protection against algae growth.
In the rounded tower, StoVentec carrier board made of recycled glass granulate was installed over the soffit with new insulation.