Aldi enhances trademark grey with a natural slate solution

CUPACLAD 101 Logic was specified as part of the construction of a new Aldi store in Truro, Cornwall. The natural slate cladding product was chosen for an aesthetic that was entirely in-keeping with the surrounding Cornish town, as well as its impressive fire-resistant properties.

Aldi tasked construction consultancy company Kendall Kingscott with designing and overseeing the creation of a new store in Garras Wharf, Truro. Kendall Kingscott became aware of CUPA PIZARRAS and its products after the slate provider presented a CPD to the team in their Bristol office. Keen to utilise the company’s natural slate products, Kendall Kingscott contacted its Technical Sales Manager for the South West, Stuart Black.

“The team at Kendall Kingscott wanted to use natural slate for two reasons,” said Stuart. “Firstly, hanging slate cladding is very popular in the local area so specifying this material would allow the store to blend in with some of the surrounding buildings. Secondly, natural slate scores highly when it comes to fire resistance.”

Consequently, Stuart recommended CUPACLAD Logic 101, which utilises natural slate. At 7.65mm thick, it is a robust slate product and is ideal for locations that regularly experience high winds and heavy rain. Furthermore, natural slate is classed as A1 non-combustible in accordance with the European standard EN 13501-1 – the highest possible fire rating.

Once the 150m² of natural slate was delivered to site – it was installed by Spectrum Building Envelope & Facades. As is required for CUPACLAD Logic 101, the slates were fixed horizontally using self-drilling screws that have been specially designed to optimise installation. Post-application the screws are invisible, to ensure they do not detract from the natural slate’s appealing aesthetic.

Architect James Stanfield from Kendall Kingscott commented: “CUPA PIZARRAS worked closely with our design team to produce a bespoke solution that provides a sharp and contemporary public facing façade.

“The slate provides texture and uniformity to the building frontage, which ties it into the local context. We were very pleased with the finish provided by CUPACLAD Logic 101 and how CUPA PIZARRAS helped to deliver the project and fulfil the brief.”

What’s more, thanks to its natural resistance and durability, slate does not lose its colour over time and it continues to perform. As such, it is maintenance free and guaranteed to last up to 100 years.