Fixings expert fischer supplied Zykon panel anchors FZP II with nuts and drilling technology to securely install a limestone façade in a high profile London building...
Regent’s Place is a prime site in London’s West End housing international businesses like Facebook, Santander Bank, the headquarters of department store chain Debenhams HQ as well as investment management company Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.
The location, which also houses retail, restaurant and other recreational facilities, has recently undergone an extensive renovation project, not least at 1 Triton Square, where the building will extend from five to eight stories, with four large roof terraces. Covering a whopping 366,000 ft2 (34,000 m2) and increasing space by 127,000 ft2 (approx. 12,000 m2), more room has been made available for retail and office rental. 310,000 ft2 (approx. 29,000 m2) of office space have been pre let to the Dentsu Aegis Network, a global communications and media consultancy firm.
During the refurb, British Land Company PLC focused on the requirements of the building’s users as well as on targeting various client groups. The original character of the ‘90s‐constructed building has been maintained during updates, with one of the main factors being the design of the building envelope. This contract was awarded to façade specialist Josef Gartner GmbH of Gundelfingen, Bavaria, which belongs to the Italian headquartered Permasteelisa Group. The task involved maintaining the object’s familiar features while giving it a fresh and modern look. The single‐leaf façade made of glass and natural stone was refurbished and expanded on a total surface of 120,500 feet2 (approx. 11,200 m2).
The majority of the existing façade and extension was reused and partially refurbished, which corresponded with the project’s sustainable BREEAM‐certified approach. New façade surfaces were also added over the course of the building’s extension – facade panels were installed over a surface of approx. 2,300 m2. The panels consist of the French “Val de Nod” limestone and measure 900 x 450 x 40 millimetres. The limestone panels were securely installed in the anchor base using approx. 24,000 fischer Zykon‐panel anchors FZP II. The under‐cut anchors were supplied with nuts featuring a custom geometry. The façade system consists of stainless steel (A4) and is therefore corrosion resistant. The Zykon panel anchors FZP II are installed in natural stone without expansion pressure.
“To begin with, conical drill holes are created before an undercut hole is drilled,” says Detlef Postler, Project Support fischer Façade systems. “Next, the anchors simply need to be expanded using the setting tool before being connected with the substructure. We offer complete systems with the corresponding accessories from a single source for this purpose.”
This technique offers many advantages, explains Steven‐Henrik Maier, Market Manager fischer façade systems: “In comparison to edge fastenings, the load‐bearing capacity increases and the bending stress of the panel is reduced by up to 50% by attaching the anchors to the reverse side in a structurally optimised position, the so‐called 1/5 point.
“And that’s not all, as the undercut anchors also provide optical advantages in comparison to edge fastenings by providing a harmonious look between the gaps without any visible fixings elements.”
Postler adds: “We offered the right solution for the project, consisting of undercut anchors, nuts and drilling technology. Also thanks to local expertise at our national subsidiary fischer UK, we were able to provide not only prompt engineering support for those involved with the construction project, consisting of planning and calculation services, but also on‐site assistance by our local ACT expert Jeff Holmes. We will continue to do so until the project's successful completion.”
This article was first published in Torque Magazine. Don’t get the mag? You can apply for a free subscription online today. Or take a look at back issues in the Torque Magazine archive.
