Kencar Limited

Kencar supplied a range of architectural metalwork for the landmark Barts Square development in the City of London. Our scope included perforated panels, insulated spandrel panels, copings and flashings, all manufactured in aluminium and anodised in a variety of Anolok colours.These bespoke elements formed part of a carefully detailed facade package, blending seamlessly into a scheme that combines traditional brickwork with modern design. Kencar’s contribution helped deliver the high-quality finishes required to respect the historic context of St Bartholomew’s while creating a durable, contemporary development.

Wandsworth, known for its vibrant history and dynamic community, now boasts a modern marvel – The Bronze. A testament to architectural ingenuity and the unwavering commitment of companies like Kencar. This iconic structure not only stands as a testament to design brilliance but also serves as a symbol of triumph over the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.The Bronze building in Wandsworth is a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality. Its striking facade, clad in a specially crafted bronze colour, pays homage to the area’s rich heritage of textile dying and copper processing. The architects envisioned a structure that not only stands as a contemporary masterpiece but also reflects the cultural essence of Wandsworth.Featuring state-of-the-art facilities and adjacent to King George’s Park, Bronze consists of 79 apartments in a 11, 18 and 20 part storey.The cladding of the Bronze posed a unique challenge, particularly during the tumultuous times of the pandemic. Kencar, recognised for it’s excellence in architectural fabrication, took on the responsibility of providing a crucial portion of the building’s cladding.The construction industry faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, with the furlough scheme leading to nationwide construction delays. However, Kencar, understanding the urgency and importance of the Bronze project, swiftly adapted to the changing circumstances. Kencar demonstrated unwavering commitment to the project’s success. We, prioritised the safety of our workforce, resumed operations promptly, creating a safe working environment while adhering to stringent health protocols. One of the standout features of the Bronze is its distinct bronze colour, specially made to represent the heritage of Wandsworth. This thoughtful choice in colour not only adds visual appeal but also connects the modern structure with the rich history of the surrounding community.Kencar’s dedication and resilience shone through, as we beat the challenges posed by the pandemic-induced delays. Our commitment to a safe working environment, combined with efficient project management, ensured the Bronze building was completed without any further setbacks for the client or installer.The Bronze building in Wandsworth stands tall, not just as a modern architectural gem but as a testament to resilience and commitment in the face of unprecedented challenges. Kencar’s integral role in providing a full range of facade products (including rainscreen panels, insulated spandrel panels, soffits, flashings, cills, copings) and overcoming Covid-induced hurdles showcases our dedication to contributing to a projects completion.

Kencar was selected to supply rainscreen cladding for the Greenwich Peninsula Plot 19.05 – Peninsula Gardens, a residential-led development forming part of the wider regeneration of the Greenwich Peninsula. Working closely with the façade contractor, Kencar provided a bespoke solution using the Imbris Hook-On Aluminium Rainscreen Cladding system, delivering clean architectural lines and a durable, low-maintenance finish suited to the urban riverside environment.The Imbris system was chosen for its ease of installation, precision-fit design, and ability to integrate seamlessly with the building’s complex geometry. While Kencar’s scope on this project was targeted, the implementation of our hook-on system contributed to the project’s high-quality façade aesthetic and long-term performance.

Orchard Wharf consists of two main buildings; a 23-storey tower and stepped blocks of 20, 17, 14, and 11 and an eight-storey element, linked by a two-storey podium at ground level, creating a cascading effect.The contract saw us provide over 3000m² of insulated panels with a PPC RAL 7021 Matt finish, as well as copings, cills, fascias, soffits, and planters scheduled over a period of 18 months.A great deal of the contract was completed during the COVID pandemic. This created some challenges as storage on site was very limited, and deliveries scheduled between us and the site contractors’ scheduling team had to be made on a ‘Just in Time’ basis, working closely to ensure dates were met and when needed, call-off orders were developed.Having delivered goods sitting around for long periods of time during the pandemic, created an increased number of reports regarding the blanching of aluminium products on development sites in the UK.Blanching is a common issue associated with film wrapping services. It can happen during certain seasons of the year, generally during summer months, when the film wrapped over products sits on powder-coated aluminium for extended periods of time. This results in a process of whitening, folding, or cracking of the film leaving a white residue on the powder-coated aluminium known as blanching, when the colour of the film material begins to lighten and break down from the intense temperatures. When blanching occurs, quality is compromised, and goods will need to either be replaced or repaired.Tom Kenney, the Managing Director of Kencar Limited, wanted to find a solution to this problem. With the aim to minimise and ideally stop this blanching issue from occurring for future projects. Tom looked into a solution that utilises a thick UV-resistant film that can be left on for longer, although we still recommend it be removed within 3-4 months, and can withstand outdoor exposure, reducing the risk of blanching.Using this thicker UV-resistant film is now standard practice for us at Kencar, ensuring the issue of blanching is significantly reduced and avoided. Using this film also reduces the risk of scratches on all powder-coated goods. The Orchard Wharf project was the first to benefit from this solution. After finding the answer to rectify the situation, we have also paved the way to reduce the same issue occurring on all future projects ensure high-quality finishes.

Kencar was proud to contribute to the new 700 sqm Elm Sports Centre at Simon Balle School by producing bespoke perforated aluminium panels. The panels were fabricated in 3 mm aluminium and powder coated in a metallic fine texture finish (YW387I), featuring a unique tree design pattern that provides a striking architectural feature to the building’s entrance.This bespoke facade element complements the surrounding environment while giving the sports centre a distinctive visual identity. The project highlights Kencar’s expertise in custom perforation technology, where functional cladding doubles as an artistic statement—setting the tone for a facility that will inspire both students and the wider community.

At Kencar, we are incredibly proud to have been part of the £440 million regeneration of Oxford’s main shopping centre, Westgate Oxford. This ambitious project transformed a dated 1970s building into a vibrant, modern retail hub at the heart of the city.Our team was excited to contribute by producing all the cills, pressings, and brackets for the project. The cills were powder coated in RAL 7037 – Dusty Grey, ensuring they withstood the rigorous demands of daily use and traffic. Spanning over 800,000 square feet, the Westgate Oxford Shopping Centre now features 100 shops, 25 restaurants and cafes, a cinema, and 61 flats. This blend of retail, dining, and residential spaces now creates a bustling environment for a wide range of visitors.We’re particularly proud of the project’s commitment to sustainability. Westgate Oxford achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, marking it as one of the most sustainable retail centres ever built. This rating reflects our shared dedication to environmentally responsible practices, from sustainable design and construction to everyday operations. Being part of a project that prioritises sustainability so highly is a significant point of pride for us at Kencar.Looking back, our involvement in the Westgate Oxford Shopping Centre project was more than just another job. It was about contributing to a vision of a modern, sustainable, and vibrant Oxford. Although our part in this project may seem small, we’re proud to have played a part in creating a landmark that will be enjoyed for years to come.