Redcliffe Quarter Bristol

At Redcliff Quarter — a landmark build-to-rent / residential renewal in the heart of Bristol’s historic Redcliffe district — the façade demanded a solution that could balance regulatory compliance, cost-efficiency, structural logic and design ambition. The development, encompassing hundreds of apartments and mixed-use units across multiple blocks, called for a façade system that could meet demanding performance and aesthetic requirements while keeping costs and build-up practicalities under control.

For the residential blocks, DryKlad® was selected as the rainscreen support system: its lightweight aluminium bracket structure provided robust support for façade panels while reducing structural load and simplifying build logistics across repeating modules.

Meanwhile, for the feature façades communal elevations or accent zones requiring a refined finish DryKlad Datona® was specified, enabling a clean, modern aesthetic that complements the surrounding historic context and contemporary urban ambitions.

A key benefit of the DryKlad® solution on Redcliff Quarter was the use of the A2-rated isolator pad, which allowed a significant reduction in the depth of the cladding zone. By reducing the need for high-performance insulation or over-specified substructure, design flexibility was increased and the overall material demand dropped.

This translated into substantial material cost savings compared with conventional rainscreen systems making the scheme more economically efficient from early design stage, while retaining compliance with fire safety and thermal performance requirements.

The result is a façade strategy that balances modern performance standards with architectural clarity. DryKlad® and DryKlad Datona® deliver a durable, weather-resistant, lightweight envelope that supports the densification and regeneration aims of Redcliff Quarter helping transform a long-standing brownfield site into a vibrant, contemporary urban community.

By aligning engineered façade technology with cost-effectiveness and design ambition, the Redcliff Quarter scheme demonstrates how modern rainscreen systems like DryKlad® can add value to large-scale residential developments benefiting developers, residents, and the urban fabric alike.