Aurora Apartments Aberdeen - WINNER of the Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year 2023 Awards Rainscreen Category
Aurora Apartments Aberdeen - WINNER of the Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year 2023 Awards Rainscreen Category
Client: Co-proprietors of The Aurora Apartments Building c/o Trinity Factors fully funded and monitored by the Scottish Government
Description: Aurora Apartments is a Scottish Government flagship project. The main scope of the works was to remove and replace the existing wall cladding and material build-up with a specified fire rated non-combustible products to meet the new fire regulations which were launched following review of the fire at Grenfell Towers, London.
We were appointed by Brooker Diamond Charted Fire Engineers who specialise in EWS1 surveys (External Wall Cladding) which are required for buildings of this type to market their properties. As they could not approach the developer to rectify the works, the owners came together to approach the Scottish Government for funding with assistance of Trinity Factors and advise from Diamond & Co. This was a lengthy process which they started in 2018. However, their successful collaboration led to this project being the first fully funded residential high-rise block of flats in Scotland to have its cladding replaced.
The specification for the project was based on some investigative works and the building warrant drawings as there were no Construction drawings filed with the Factor to reference. Even with a 3D scan of the building the information was not accurate enough to get true fitting sizes or cutting list of the panels. Therefore, logistically we had to plan carefully how to achieve the most economical use of the panels and the best layout while conducting the installation in sections around access and road closures.
While conducting the works the building was fully occupied, some by owners, others tenants and holiday homes covering 22 apartments. We had a site manager on the ground who was always contactable. Keeping the residents informed and maintaining a good relationship with the residents was key to the success of the project.
Products used: The Design and specification of the new wall cladding system and carrier system was through Benx Group who’s partner company RCM were the main appointed supplier for the project. We removed the existing Trespa wall panels all timber framing within the cavity under the panels and cut out the existing plywood or OSB. This was replaced with an A1 non-combustible cement board (Y-wall, by RCM) back to the steel frame and covered with a fire rated membrane (Wraptite, by Proctor Group). The Allface carrier system through RCM was fitted back to the steel frame and covered with the A1 fire rated Rockpanel façade
Additional works were to remove and replace the timber decking on balconies with a fire rated aluminium decking by Alideck.
"Our relationship with the residents and how we collaborated around the logistics’ of the project was a great success. Maintaining good communication with the residents was key to keeping the project running smoothly. At pivotal moments in the project we would message an update and the residents would send encouraging responses back to the site team. It was also greatly appreciated at the end of the project residents who sent messages of thanks. The feedback received from the Factors, individual owners/residents and Diamond & Co highlighted the quality workmanship and the efforts made to keep the residents informed throughout"
Jacqueline Hacking MD North East Contracts Ltd.
