Case Study: Brook House – Cladding Lightweight Steel Balconies with FastClad

Project Overview: Brook House is a residential development characterised by its modern architecture and sophisticated design elements, located in the bustling urban environment of London. One of the standout features of the project is the integration of lightweight steel balconies that have been clad in situ using FastClad brick slip systems to seamlessly match the building's primary brickwork. This combination of traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge construction methods provided both functional and visual harmony with the reinforced concrete (RC) frame of the building.

Challenge: The project required a cladding solution that would not only blend aesthetically with the main brickwork but also reduce the weight burden on the balconies while maintaining high performance in terms of durability and compliance with building regulations. Additionally, the system needed to be efficient in installation to keep up with the fast-paced construction schedule of a large-scale development.

Solution: The FastClad system was selected for its proven versatility in cladding balconies and façades, particularly in high-rise or urban residential projects. FastClad’s lightweight brick slip system was ideal for the steel balconies at Brook House, offering a real brick finish that perfectly matched the building’s main structure, all while minimising the additional load on the steel framework.

The system, known for its ease of installation and factory-controlled quality, ensured that the project could meet its tight deadlines without compromising on finish or safety. The cladding was applied in situ, after FastClad collected bricks from site and cut them into 15mm slips which were then factory bonded to the patented backing boards before returning to site to create a seamless connection between the balconies and the main building’s RC frame. This eliminated the need for complex on-site brickwork, ensuring consistent quality and reducing reliance on skilled labour.

Results: The use of FastClad allowed for a visually cohesive façade, ensuring the balconies appeared as an integrated part of the overall structure rather than add-ons. FastClad’s lightweight nature also helped in reducing the engineering demands on the steel balconies, while still offering the desired traditional brick appearance.

This project highlights how FastClad can combine aesthetic goals with technical requirements, offering a balance between form and function, especially in complex developments like Brook House.