Geoffrey Woolley House, London

Project Overview

Geoffrey Woolley House is a high-rise residential refurbishment project located at 5 Pollard Street, London E2 6LY. The scheme forms part of a wider building fabric upgrade programme focused on improving fire performance, durability and thermal continuity across the external envelope.

Wetherby Wall Systems was appointed to design and supply a non-combustible, system-based external wall insulation (EWI) and façade solution, supported by structured technical oversight and post-installation quality assurance. Installation was delivered by MK Facades under the main contract with United Living.

Design and Specification Objectives

The façade specification was developed to:

• Provide a non-combustible external wall system suitable for high-rise residential application.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with current fire safety and building control frameworks.
• Deliver a durable, weather-resistant façade with long-term performance assurance.
• Integrate system compatibility across mixed substrates, including steel frame and masonry construction.
• Achieve consistent architectural finish across complex elevations and interface zones.

Early technical engagement between Wetherby Wall Systems, United Living and MK Facades ensured the system build-up, fixing strategy and detailing were aligned with both regulatory and constructability requirements.

System Specification

The installed façade system comprised the following system build-up:

Substrates

• Steel Framing System (SFS) sheathed with cement particle board (12 mm Y-Wall)
• Masonry and concrete construction

Sheathing / Carrier Layer

• 12 mm cement particle board, providing a non-combustible, stable and durable backing for the EWI system where SFS was present.

Insulation

• Non-combustible stone wool insulation, selected for its fire performance, vapour permeability, acoustic benefits and thermal efficiency.

System Build-Ups

• 180 mm stone wool insulation with 14 mm brick slip façade system (approximately 732 m²)
• 140 mm stone wool insulation with HECK 4S silicone render system (approximately 161 m²)

Fixing Strategy

• Direct mechanical fixing into steel frame studs and masonry substrates.
• Fixing density and layout validated through mechanical pull-out testing, confirming minimum performance thresholds prior to system installation.

Reinforcement and Base Coat

• Reinforced basecoat incorporating alkali-resistant mesh to ensure impact resistance and long-term system stability.

Finish Systems

• Brick slip façade finish, delivering a traditional masonry appearance within a lightweight, system-based build-up.
• HECK 4S silicone render, providing a vapour-permeable, weather-resistant and durable rendered façade finish.

Thermal and Fire Performance

The system specification prioritised:

• Non-combustible insulation performance, suitable for high-rise residential application.
• Thermal continuity across mixed substrates and interface zones, supporting improved building fabric performance.
• Vapour permeability and moisture management through the use of breathable insulation and silicone-based finishes.

System performance data, fixing validation and detailing guidance were issued in line with Wetherby Wall Systems’ technical specification and installation requirements.

Installation and Technical Delivery

Installation was carried out by MK Facades, a Wetherby recognised and carded installer, under ongoing technical oversight.

Key quality assurance measures included:

• On-site inspection by Wetherby Technical Support Manager, confirming system compliance across substrates, fixings, reinforcement layers and finish application.
• Verification of fixing strategy, corner detailing and opening perimeters, including stainless steel fixings and maximum 300 mm centres at critical zones.
• Review of reinforcing mesh overlaps, stress patches and basecoat thickness to ensure impact resistance and system continuity.
• Confirmation that ventilation openings remained free from obstruction.
• Validation that all previous inspection actions had been resolved.

The final site inspection confirmed 100% project completion and full compliance with Wetherby’s system specification, with no remedial works required. MR-1950 Site Report - Geoffrey

The project is covered by a 10-year Wetherby system guarantee, issued following:

• Confirmation of full system compliance
• Submission of proof of purchase and installation records
• Verification of trained, carded operatives on site
• Completion of mechanical pull-out testing and final inspection sign-off Wetherby Wall Systems Guarantee

Performance Outcomes

• Delivery of a non-combustible, high-rise appropriate façade system.
• Integration of brick slip and silicone render finishes within a single, compatible EWI framework.
• Verified installation quality through structured technical inspection and sign-off.
• Long-term assurance supported by a 10-year system guarantee.
• Enhanced durability, weather resistance and architectural consistency across all elevations.

Architect and Specifier Value

This project demonstrates the application of a stone wool-based, system-led EWI solution on a high-rise residential refurbishment scheme. It highlights the importance of:

• Early validation of fixing strategies through mechanical testing.
• System compatibility across steel frame, concrete and masonry substrates.
• Integration of brick slip and rendered finishes within a unified technical specification.
• Structured quality assurance and third-party-style inspection processes to support compliance and guarantee issuance.

Project Significance

Geoffrey Woolley House serves as a reference scheme for the specification of non-combustible, stone wool EWI systems on high-rise residential buildings. The project demonstrates how performance-driven façade design, technical oversight and system-based specification can deliver compliant, durable and architecturally refined refurbishment outcomes supported by long-term assurance.