Meridian One

The Challenge: Overcoming Roof Terrace Paving Issues at Meridian One

At Meridian One, a prestigious residential development, the initial inspections of the first block revealed significant problems with the roof terrace paving. The site team identified multiple issues: many pavers were loose and unstable, with oversized gaps forming, even before occupancy. This was not only a safety concern but also a potential aesthetic and functional setback for the project.

A detailed site visit by RYNO uncovered the root causes of these problems:

Insufficient build-up:

The 50mm concrete pavers used on the terraces, combined with a minimal build-up height of only 50mm in some areas, left no room for pedestals, leading to instability.

Improper mortar use:

Wet mortar had been applied in certain areas to make up for the lack of space and to accommodate drainage gullies. This led to further instability, as the mortar could not adequately support the pavers.

Lack of perimeter spacers

The absence of spacers or spring clips around the paving edges allowed for creeping and the formation of gaps over time.

Setting out issues:

The layout of the pavers, particularly with the small 450x450mm format, resulted in awkward cuts at door thresholds, compounding the existing challenges.

The Solution: A Comprehensive Approach

To address the multifaceted challenges presented by the failing roof terrace paving, RYNO collaborated closely with the site team to develop a comprehensive solution. The core of the strategy involved implementing a robust pedestal system (TerraSmart® Pedestal Paving System IGNO: Fixed Head) combined with careful product selection and expert installation.

Optimizing Build-Up Height:

One of the primary concerns was the inadequate build-up height, which limited the available space for traditional paving support. To resolve this, a 20mm porcelain paver, Quadro Crema, was selected from RYNO’s extensive range. This choice satisfied both the functional and aesthetic requirements of the project. By reducing the paver thickness by 30mm, sufficient space was created for the installation of the RP-FR Non-Combustible Adjustable Paving Support Pedestal, starting at 25mm.

Streamlining Installation:

To streamline the installation process and minimize waste, a larger 600x600mm paver format was adopted. This decision significantly reduced the need for complex cutting around the terrace edges, thereby ensuring a cleaner, more efficient installation.

Maintaining Stability:

To prevent movement and maintain even spacing, the ESC Edge Spring Clip was incorporated into the system. This innovative product created a consistent gap between the paving and the wall, effectively countering outward pressure and ensuring proper drainage.

Reinstallation and Quality Assurance:

The existing problematic areas were carefully dismantled and reinstalled using the new system. The first block has been successfully completed, and the solution is currently being implemented across the remaining blocks.

Key Learnings: The Importance of Early Involvement

Both RYNO and the site team gained valuable insights from this experience. It became clear that the early involvement of a specialist manufacturer in the design phase is crucial to avoid time, cost, and hassle later in the project. This proactive approach ensures that potential issues are identified and addressed before they become major problems, leading to a smoother construction process and a higher quality end product.

A Word from Vistry

“I have to say that the products that they’ve recommended have been absolutely superb. We have used them across the whole project, and it’s been absolutely fabulous. Easy to manage my job. The tradesmen find it easy to use as well. The follow up visits from RYNO have been great. They’ve been very supportive, checking how we use the product, including advice, where we need it. So, keep up the good work!”

Maria Butzki-Vogel, Site Manager – Vistry Partnerships