Verdo-Kew Bridge

Introduction

The speed of installation and improved build quality of the Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray System has played an important part in the construction of a major new high-rise residential development in West London and at the same time help meet and exceed regulatory requirements.

Overview

Located close to the Thames in Brentford West London, Verdo – Kew Bridge is a new mixed use development which forms part of a major new regeneration scheme that includes the new community stadium for Brentford FC. Designed by Broadway Malyan and built by developer EcoWorld, it comprises of 487 new one, two and three-bed homes alongside retail and business spaces, public green spaces and community areas.

In order to safeguard the future of the development, Keyfix supplied 765 metres of Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Trays (NCCT) along with 2490 Corner Units, 4000 Pier Units and 5000 Weeps on blocks E,F,G and H of the development.

Challenge

One of the key challenges for Keyfix was the brickwork build programme which required early completion at the lower grid line levels of one to six. This was due to the scaffolding needed to be stripped away because it was blocking a walkway at Brentford Stadium and therefore needed to be cleared prior to the start of the new football season.

Solution

Working to a tight schedule, the offsite fabrication and preforming of bespoke non-combustible cavity tray units in line with the brickwork set out drawings saved time for the installation team at brickwork contractor DWG. This one-piece NCCT system allowed for a very simple and very efficient install, enabling the brickwork façade to continue at a fast pace.

The Keyfix stainless steel NCCT was specified due to its self-supporting system which doesn’t need fixing back to the internal concrete frame and clips together for fast and easy installation. It is essentially a ‘Fix & Forget’ solution with no additional fixings, sealants or onsite fabrication required by the brickwork contractor. Therefore, installation of the trays did not impede the speed of bricklaying even when compared to traditional DPC. Installed in the outer leaf with no connection with the inner skin, this innovative cavity tray system does not create a thermal bridge and eliminates all issues associated with differential movement.

Furthermore, the NCCT is manufactured with integral Stop Ends on each cavity tray to ensure water is trapped and channelled outwards via a Keyfix Non-combustible Weep (NCW). The integral Stop Ends also facilitate perp joint width adjustability of +/- 3 mm between 7–13 mm if required.

With a lifespan of 125+ years it is the only non-combustible cavity tray system that does not rely on tapes and mastics to make watertight joints, therefore eliminating one of the main reasons for product failure.

Commenting on the project, Kieran Coyle, Keyfix Technical Sales Manager said: “Verdo – Kew Bridge was the first project in which we created and used a Component Schedule and this is now the same component schedule template we use on every project. It allows installers to use new Component Codes to identify the different components and install the system to its full integrity.”

Holding an A1 Fire Rating, the Keyfix non-combustible cavity tray solution exceeds the minimum standards set out in ADB (Approved Document B), whilst ensuring this major new development meets and exceeds the latest regulations. If the regulations become stricter, it will also be futureproofed maximising the whole-life value of the development.

Set to make its mark on West London, Verdo – Kew Bridge is on track for completion, with the Keyfix Non-combustible Cavity Tray meeting the contractors requirements and enabling the creation of a development that has safety built in.

For more information about the Keyfix range of non-combustible solutions download the product guide, visit https://keyfix.com/or for technical support call 028 8676 7508 or email info@keyfix.com