We’re providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of our most innovative projects to date.
The Maple factory have been working non-stop as we prepare for a unique project involving the supply and installation of Unitised Petrarch Stone fins onto a housing development in Bedminster Green. The project also involves the installation of Petrarch stone rainscreen cladding, aluminium railings and Juliet balconies.
‘Reconstituted stone’ will be used in the creation of the rainscreen cladding solution and the 242 architectural fins which have been fully engineered by Maples' advanced design facility. The stone foundations mean that both products have an A2 fire rating and the fins have been designed with an integrated rainwater management system for balcony drainage, providing the development with practical as well as aesthetic benefits.
However, along with the many advantages, the sheer size and weight of these systems have created a series of installation challenges for our team to tackle. Each Petrarch stone rainscreen panel is 10mm thick and weighs 80kg which provides a logistic issue given the size of the project and the tightly constrained Bedminster site. This is why Maple have embraced modern methods of construction and are leading contractors in using innovative and efficient construction techniques that deviate from traditional on-site construction methods.
In preparation for these potential challenges, we have used advanced in-house 3D modelling technology to bring the pre-assembled vision to reality. The panel prototype provides us with a detailed view of what the panels with look like which, in turn, will give us foresight into whether they will perform well in reality.
Another key component of Maple’s modern construction methods is the use of unitised stone fins. By pre-assembling the fins before they are sent to site, we reduce external access requirements which brings costs down and increases safety. Furthermore, this method enables us to keep a closer eye on quality.
Keep tuned for our next Bedminster article where we will track the progress of Bedminster Green and provide an inside look at our modern methods of construction techniques in action!