Metalline has revolutionised architectural design by delivering over 1,000 square metres of cutting-edge rainscreen cladding for a landmark project. Featuring a dynamic combination of Gold Anodised Perforated UNITY TF panels fixed to the specially engineered ULTIMA 3 spandrel system, this project presented both aesthetic and technical challenges. The intricate perforated pattern of each panel seamlessly fits into the building’s design, transforming the entire facade into a work of art. This bold, innovative cladding solution not only enhanced the building’s visual appeal but also set a new benchmark for complex rainscreen systems.
The perforated pattern on the UNITY TF panels was carefully distributed across all sections of the building, giving the entire facade a seamless, interconnected look. Each panel was not just a decorative feature but a functional piece of a larger puzzle, with its design contributing to the overall visual cohesion of the structure. Behind the gold anodised rainscreen panels was a black PPC inverted tray spandrel panel, enhancing the contrast of the perforation and providing an added layer of aesthetic depth. The outer rainscreen panels were anodised in Europe to achieve the desired premium finish, giving the building a distinctive appearance that stands out in its urban environment.
One of the most significant challenges faced during the execution of this project was the size and weight of the panels. Due to their intricate design and robust material composition, each panel had to be carefully engineered for both structural integrity and ease of installation. Metalline overcame this challenge by ensuring that each panel was equipped with its own lifting block and pre-drilled anchor points, facilitating precise alignment and safe handling during installation. Given the limited space available on the construction site, this careful planning and the use of specialised lifting apparatus were critical to ensuring the smooth progression of the build. The panels were lifted and positioned with minimal margin for error, ensuring that the entire system fit perfectly within the building’s glazing system.
The UNITY TF Through Fix Rainscreen System used in this project is a non-combustible solid aluminium rainscreen that is designed for both new builds and re-cladding projects. The system’s compatibility with either the CLAD-LINE CL1 or Floor 2 Floor Framing Systems made it a versatile and easy-to-install solution. In terms of safety, the UNITY TF system has undergone rigorous testing to verify its fire and structural performance. The anodised aluminium version of the panel achieves an A1 classification to BS EN13501-1, while the powder-coated version holds an A2-s1,d0 classification and has successfully undertaken BS 8414-2:2020 testing, ensuring the highest levels of fire safety. Powder-coated panels were tested to BS EN13501-1 under real-world conditions, including being mounted onto aluminium rails with horizontal and vertical joints, adequate ventilation, and a mineral wool substrate. These tests covered the full range of colour options, making the UNITY TF an ideal choice for high-performance, durable cladding with extensive design flexibility.
In addition to fire resistance, the UNITY TF system demonstrated superior impact resistance, with both soft and hard body impacts fully tested to CWCT TN75/76 standards. The panels were also tested for wind resistance, dynamic water resistance, and UV exposure, ensuring their long-term durability even under harsh environmental conditions. Moreover, the system’s easy installation and cost-effectiveness made it a practical solution for replacing non-compliant cladding panels in existing structures, further broadening its appeal.
Behind the rainscreen, Metalline’s ULTIMA 3 insulated spandrel panels provided essential structural support and thermal performance. Available in both A1 and A2-s1,d0 fire-rated options, the ULTIMA 3 panels are constructed from high-density mineral wool insulation sandwiched between two aluminium skins. This design ensures that the panel meets both fire compliance and structural integrity standards while maintaining the appropriate glazing edge thickness for aesthetic and functional consistency. In the A1-rated version, the outer sheet is made from anodised aluminium and is mechanically fixed to the inner aluminium tray. In contrast, the A2-rated version offers a powder-coated outer aluminium sheet with a mill-finished aluminium or pre-galvanised steel inner sheet. Both options use a Fabrock Insulation core and foil-encased Rockwool mineral wool insulation bonded to the back for enhanced thermal performance.
Further bolstering the design’s robustness, the ULTIMA 3 panels are fully tested for wind resistance and impact resistance, meeting CWCT standards. With a variety of colour options available, the panels also offer low-maintenance durability and can be fitted seamlessly into structural glazing systems without visible fixings, maintaining the clean, modern aesthetic that was a key design goal for this project.
Overall, this project demonstrated Metalline’s ability to deliver a complex cladding solution that balanced high-level design requirements with rigorous safety and performance standards. The combination of the UNITY TF system and ULTIMA 3 panels created a striking visual effect while ensuring the building met the highest standards of fire safety, impact resistance, and weather durability. This unique cladding system has set a precedent for future projects, offering a new benchmark in both aesthetic appeal and functional performance.
To discover more about Metalline’s architectural fabrication capabilities, visit https://www.metalline.co.uk/ or contact the team on 01543 456 930.