The Compton

The Compton – Lodge Road

THE CHALLENGE

As the first cast façade contract of its scale in Europe, and indeed one of first in the world, this project had numerous challenges to meet and needed highly skilled involvement from all parties. The façade is constructed from cast aluminium with leaf detailing within the region of 2,000 castings, including large, curved panels also forming the balcony balustrades. Given its bespoke nature and the complexity of processing castings to a high architectural standard, a specialist coating system for the cast aluminium substrate had to be provided. Consistency was critical across the 2,000 castings, notwithstanding the challenges cast substrates present to coating. The coating needed to meet not only the colour ambition of the Architect and Client from an aesthetic viewpoint but also of equal importance was the necessary critical corrosion protection, resistance to UV light and being provided with a 25-year warranty. Initial research into the different alloys had to be carried out with samples produced, processed and then tested to various standards for adhesion and corrosion protection, including 3rd party laboratory testing.

THE SOLUTION

Bradleys stepped in to meet the client expectations. Using highly trained individuals and a dedicated Project Manager, we worked closely with the needs of all involved. Further to significant testing, a multi-process system was used to limit out-gassing, provide corrosion protection and ensure longevity. It also included the all-important removal of casting debris and checking the integrity of the castings throughout the process. We were able to accommodate independent inspections and auditing to maintain consistently high quality.

THE DETAIL

The Compton is one of the world’s first cast aluminium clad buildings of this size and was nominated in the 2019 World Architecture News Awards. Designed by Simon Bowden Architects and standing on an area of 800 square metres, the 49 apartments and 3 penthouses are housed within the outstanding façade which not only inspires beauty to the area, but also an engineering feat where the cast panels are being used as self-supporting balustrades for the balconies.

Project Data

Location – The Compton, 30 Lodge Rd, St John’s Wood, London NW8 7ES

Sector – Residential

Completion – 2019

Items Coated – Balcony and Façade Panels

Substrate – Cast Aluminium

System – Powder Coat

Durability – 25 + Year External Durability

Finish – Custom made