Principle Architect: BoonBrown
Main Contractor: Fairview New Homes
Subcontractor: Tudor May
Products used: Knauf ThroughWall, Knauf Drylining Systems
An exciting project is currently underway at the site of the former London City Airport Ibis Hotel. Due for completion in July 2025, The Silverton development by Fairview New Homes, is set to be transformed into three new buildings comprising 150 private and affordable flats along with amenity space, parking, landscaping and other associated works.
The new homes are conveniently located in the heart of London’s Royal Docks, an area currently undergoing significant residential-led redevelopment. Once an industrial hub, the development of thousands of new homes and a 20-acre Thames Barrier Park will lead to a thriving residential community that can benefit from the excellent transport connectivity in the area.
TudorMay, established and professional subcontractors with over 20 years of experience in providing drylining, façade and recladding services are working alongside Knauf to install Knauf ThroughWall and Drylining systems throughout the development.
The Knauf ThroughWall system is BBA-accredited and provides a complete system solution, made up of Knauf Plasterboards, Steel Framing Sections (SFS), Insulation, Windliner and RainScreen Slab.
The Knauf ThroughWall system offers a comprehensive, single-brand solution crafted to achieve necessary building performance standards while permitting a variety of external finishes. This approach ensures enhanced traceability and minimises the risks linked to using multiple manufacturers. Ideal for structures over 18 metres tall, the system’s diverse build-up options enable compliance with a number of regulatory requirements. Additionally, Knauf ThroughWall includes a complete (SFS) design service and provides expert assistance throughout each phase of the project.
A range of Knauf’s Drywall systems are also being installed, including Knauf AQUAPANEL® Indoor Cement Boards that provide enhanced durability in indoor areas that experience increased moisture levels.
The overall footprint of the former Ibis hotel site is small, which meant space was an obstacle to overcome, especially when large amounts of materials are due to be installed whilst other trades are also working on site at the same time. However, a comprehensive cutting and delivery schedule of SFS from Knauf meant that materials did not take up unnecessary space and the SFS could be installed in stages without any delays.
Bobby Pagu, Contractors Manager for TudorMay highlighted the benefits of a (SFS) pre-worked cutting schedule on site: “When we liaise with Knauf at the beginning of a project they always provide very detailed drawings and a comprehensive breakdown of parts, including specific stud sizes which is really helpful. This, along with a well-organised cutting schedule saves us a lot of time and space as we are not required to take up space by storing materials when we are not yet ready to use them. This was really valuable for the Ibis site because of the small site footprint.”
With the collaboration of experienced subcontractors like TudorMay and manufacturers like Knauf, the installation of Knauf ThroughWall and Drylining systems has overcome space constraints and ensured a smooth progression of work. Knauf looks forward to continuing its partnership with TudorMay and working together on many more projects.