Premier Inn Docklands - Finalist for the INCA Awards 2023 in the REFURBISHMENT HIGH RISE - EWI with Render / Traditional Finish category.
Principal Contractor - A2O
EWI System Designer - PermaRock
Delivered services
Remove existing insulation and cladding | Install mineral fibre insulation and silicone 1.5mm aggregate render
Premier Inn Docklands is a popular waterfront hotel set close to the ExCeL Centre and London City Airport. In 2022, the owner, Whitbread, commissioned a re-insulation and re-cladding project. The brief required that the replacement system should replicate the colours and appearance of the original design and, given the height of the building – over 11 metres – it would also need to be fire-safe. A2O was appointed as the main contractor and PJ Mear was selected as the EWI specialist installer.
The objective was to install a hard-wearing system while preserving the original appearance of the building, and either matching or improving upon the performance of the system that had been removed. The architect, Axiom, specified a system comprising PermaRock Mineral Fibre insulation in various thicknesses, together with PermaRock’s SiliconeULTRA K Finish. PJ Mear applied the system over RCM Y-Wall sheathing board, making all the associated adaptations. The combined external wall insulation systems have all been shown in tests to achieve an excellent reaction to fire performance, and an A2-s1,d0 classification in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009.
The project was delivered successfully notwithstanding the additional environmental difficulties of installing during the winter months, observing strict noise control measures for the benefit of guests, and causing the least disruption to the hotel staff needing to perform their daily activities.
Commenting on PJ Mear’s performance, A2O managing director Martin Coupe said: “A key challenge with any re-cladding project is dealing with the unknown; being sufficiently flexible, capable and proactive to deal with the unforeseeable issues that only become apparent when the façade is stripped away. This is something that PJ Mear did very well. They not only delivered on the main objective to install the EWI system but they also had the skills and confidence to manage the remediation to the blockwork superstructure. It was an excellent result, managed very competently.”
To view the full award entry, please go to www.inca-ltd.org.uk where you will find the details under Case Studies.