For a Chapter Living refurbishment project in King’s Cross, London, Powdertech developed two shades of blue gloss powder coating to match original blue glass that was being replaced as part of the building refurbishment.
The project
Chapter Living student accommodation in King’s Cross has undergone an extensive overhaul inside and out. The previous building had made a colourful statement with windows in two shades of blue glass. Although this would have to be replaced by clear non-combustible glass the designers were keen to retain the shiny blue shades which would reflect the vibrant character of the King’s Cross area.
A major part of the refurbishment was recladding the two sixteen-storey blocks. Century Facades was appointed to carry out this work. It was imperative that all materials used should be non-combustible conforming to EN 13501-1, rating of A1 or A2-s1, d0
Colour matching advice and powder development
The blue shades, formally in the glass, could be replicated within areas of the rainscreen façade and spandrel panels across the accommodation blocks by high gloss polyester powder coating in those shades.
Powdertech was sent shards of blue glass from the old windows, to match with a powder coating both in shade and gloss level. Working in close contact with the client Powdertech directed one of its powder manufacturers to make two unique shades of blue to match the old glass in both colour and gloss. The spandrel panel systems for the facade were manufactured and supplied by Metalline Architectural Fabrications. Powdertech coated 4500 sq m of metal, made up of aluminium spandrel panels of sizes ranging from 350mm by 2.5 m to a larger size of 900mm by 4.5mm.
The non-combustible cladding panels are designed to help prevent fire damage quickly and easily spreading as part of the system. They perform to technical criteria, sound insulation and thermal performance and reduce environmental issues. Powdertech’s powder coatings and application techniques all conform to reaction to fire rating A2-s1,d0, thus contributing to the fire safety of the panels.
The Benefits of Powdertech powder coating
- Striking finish achieved through using polyester resins system.
- Expertise in colour matching and selecting the most suitable powder manufacturer for bespoke shades.
- High performance corrosion protection and weather resistance
- High level of colour and gloss retention
- Conform to A2-s1,d0
- Fast and efficient lead times
- All powders are Qualicoat class 1 or class 2 approved
- Conform to BS EN12206-1
