Building Safer, Sustainable Spaces: A Case Study of Lee High Road with Cladmate’s CMS40 System

Located in one of South London’s most desirable neighbourhoods, Lee High Road is a contemporary mixed-use development combining commercial and residential spaces within a modern architectural design. The scheme incorporates flexible commercial units across the ground and basement levels, alongside 17 high-quality residential apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms.

Cladmate was appointed to supply the CMS40 Mechanically Fixed Brick Slip System, delivering a façade solution that combined the appearance of traditional masonry with the performance benefits of a modern engineered rainscreen system. The lightweight nature of the CMS40 system enabled a more efficient installation process while significantly reducing structural loading and overall programme time compared to conventional brickwork construction.

The façade design incorporated a variety of architectural detailing features, including brick slip soffits, balcony interfaces, recessed openings, and carefully aligned brick coursing throughout the elevations. Bespoke rail arrangements and support components were utilised to achieve continuous brick alignment around balconies and window openings, while maintaining ventilation cavities and ensuring accurate installation tolerances across the façade.

Specialist soffit detailing was integrated within the system to allow brick slips to transition seamlessly from vertical to horizontal surfaces, maintaining the authentic appearance of traditional masonry beneath balconies and overhangs. The mechanically fixed nature of the CMS40 system also allowed complex detailing around balcony zones to be completed efficiently while preserving façade consistency and long-term durability.

A key sustainability feature of the project was the incorporation of carbon-negative brick slips within selected façade areas. These innovative slips absorb more CO₂ during their lifecycle than is emitted during their production, contributing to a significant reduction in the building’s embodied carbon footprint while maintaining the aesthetic qualities of traditional clay brick.

The development also integrated a range of NestClad biodiversity solutions designed to support urban ecology and promote environmental enhancement within the façade design. These products were carefully incorporated into the external envelope to encourage biodiversity while maintaining the clean architectural appearance of the building.

In addition to its sustainability benefits, the CMS40 system provided A1 fire-rated performance and incorporated BBA-certified components, ensuring compliance with the highest safety and quality standards. The use of recyclable aluminium support components and efficient offsite-manufactured elements further contributed to the project’s environmentally responsible construction strategy.

The completed Lee High Road development successfully combines architectural quality, sustainability, fire safety, and modern façade engineering, resulting in a durable and visually striking building that enhances the surrounding urban environment.