The Bath House
The Bath House (Kent Street Baths), a brand-new BTR residential development in Birmingham city centre highlights Caxton Façades’ expertise in delivering innovative façades on a grand scale.
Located on the historic site of Birmingham’s first public baths, this project seamlessly blends modern design with sustainable living, creating a vibrant community comprising 504 homes. Main contractor, Winvic set out to develop a sustainable environment, and Caxton Façades played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life.
Stofix Brick Slip Panels
Caxton Façades installed 16,500 square metres of Stofix pre-pointed, panelised brick slip cladding across four buildings up to 18 storeys, featuring four different brick types and unique three and four-sided boxed columns.
Scott Millington, Operations Director at Caxton Façades explains, Our team tackled the challenge of integrating a complex façade design that met Howells Architects‘ aesthetic vision.
Bespoke Design
“The installation of the three and four-sided box columns over multiple floors required a combination of innovative thinking and precise coordination. This element added depth and a striking architectural element to the façade. These features were a first for Stofix pre-pointed brick slip cladding, pushing us to innovate and collaborate closely with all partners to achieve the desired outcome. The installation of the four-sided box columns over multiple floors, especially at higher levels, was a new challenge for us. This required a combination of innovative thinking and precise coordination to bring the design to life while maintaining structural integrity”.
Stofix Specialist Installers
“Partnering with Stofix UK was essential,” Scott continues. “Their expertise in brick slip façade systems, combined with our knowledge in installation, allowed us to install the system efficiently delivering a high-quality finish. The Keratwin flashing panels we designed played a crucial role in ensuring the buildability of the Stofix panels and our mounting system, enabling a smooth and efficient installation process.”
Leveraging Technology and Overcoming Challenges
Digital tools and automation: Our in-house designers worked closely with the Stofix design team and aluminium design companies. The use of design and scheduling technology ensured the brick slip panels were manufactured and delivered to site in the correct sequence.
Installation techniques: Stofix product could achieve both speed and guaranteed quality due to its innovative design and manufacturing process.
Pre-pointed panels: Due to the Stofix product being manufactured and pre-pointed in panel format within a controlled environment, the quality of the product is guaranteed to be of the highest standard.
City centre location challenges – Our teams worked diligently to coordinate deliveries from the manufacturer to the site in a well-planned and timely sequence. With access to an off site facility, materials were delivered on a ‘just in time’ basis, ensuring efficiency and minimising site congestion.
Reflecting on the project, Scott adds, “This project has set a new benchmark for us. It underscored the importance of collaboration and advanced planning in successfully delivering complex projects. This development will undoubtedly guide us in future projects, as we continue to excel in façade installation and contribute to creating sustainable, vibrant communities.”
Read more from Winvic. Contact us to find out more about Caxton Facades.
View The Bath House project gallery. Click the image to enlarge.