Following the international recognition of the Broadcasting Tower building in Leeds that in 2010 won the CTBUH “Best Tall Building” award and became an industry referent, when Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios were given the arduous task of designing The Atlas building in Vauxhall, they knew that the World was watching and that their next joint venture with Downing Construction couldn’t be anything less than a statement and Argeton terracotta cladding was selected as the material of choice for yet another prestigious project.

FCB Studios and the Lambeth planning committee wanted to portray the essence of Lambeth’s strong pottery and ceramics industry and of the site’s past which once was home to the Royal Doulton ceramic factory. Argeton Terracotta provided a solution that offered the versatility to respond to the technical challenges of modern high rise construction and ease of installation that would allow to meet a tight programme, whilst answering to the aesthetic requirements and fitting in the concept sought.

Industry leaders independent façade engineering consultants Wintech worked on the project from its birth and during the development of the scheme ensuring, all of the engineering challenges were overcome and they worked together with FCB Studios in developing an algorithm to randomly distribute a mix of glazed and unglazed ceramic finishes, to resemble the speckles often found in traditional pottery. Argeton Terracotta cladding provided a range of colours and finishes to meet the scheme requirements including a specialist hand-fired finish with special glaze for the lower areas of the scheme. 

Alumet’s record of outstanding delivery of full envelopes for some of the most reputable main contractors nationwide, combined with their over 20 years of expertise led them to be nominated façade contractor for the new build student accommodation tower which they delivered on time and on budget thanks to the cost effectiveness and ease of installation of the Argeton system.

Terracotta is one of the cladding resources of choice in the market because it is a natural and versatile material that gives architects freedom of expression whilst it gives cladding and envelope contractors the advantages of a quick and easy installation process. This material allows for a refinement in colour to reflect the tones of London stock bricks found within the conservation area, and the terracotta cladding being further refined by the addition of differing colours, glazes and vertical modules. The plinth becoming predominantly comprising of red tiles, giving the building a strong identity at street level and referring back to the red building found in the local context. The mid-section of the building is a more subtle palette with less variation between tiles. Warm buff tones to reflect the London stock brick surroundings. The top section is the most reflective to address the neutral colours of the tiles. The Argeton system is one of the principal terracotta systems used Worldwide not only because it is a natural and versatile material but also because it offers a technical and cost-effective solution for the residential, commercial and health and education sectors. Argeton is CE and UKCA marked and one of the most tested systems in the market including a BBA and an EPD. NHBC approved and not subject to any restrictions on building height or proximity to boundaries thanks to its Euro-class A1 Fire certification, it is no surprise Argeton is one of the materials of choice not only in new builds but also for refurbishment or re-clad. Durable and fully recyclable, ISO 14025 and EN 15804 (European BREEAM equivalent) certified, sustainability is at the heart of Argeton’s values.