Morrison Court, Westminster

Morrison Court, Westminster has recently undergone a complete refurbishment of its external façade and the first project in the UK to benefit from the Wetherby A1 System.

Morrison Court is a six storey residential block containing 24 flats managed by Network Homes Housing Association. Network Homes engaged with John Rowan and Partners and International Fire Consultants to investigate the original external wall system in line with Government guidance to improve fire safety and energy performance. The report concluded a number of defects and fire safety issues to the current external façade including the poorly fitted and missing cavity barriers which are vital in the prevention of fire spread. With resident safety at the forefront of this project, remedial works were scheduled as high priority.

Specialist cladding contractor, Hamiltons were appointed to complete the project due to their vast amount of experience in external façades. When it came to the replacement external façade system, Wetherby’s A1 external wall insulation system was chosen due to achieving the highest possible European fire classification to the BS EN 13501-1 standard.

Wetherby’s A1 external wall insulation system incorporates a non-combustible stone wool insulation, reinforcing mesh and basecoat. The long-term compressive strength and high impact resistance of Wetherby’s A1 system provides maximum thermal efficiency meaning energy bills are dramatically reduced, creating significantly warmer homes. The system also benefits from excellent acoustic performance making it ideal for absorbing and regulating noise in the residential area. Due to its non-combustibility and fire performance it has met all Building Regulations and has provided the residents with superior fire protection giving them piece of mind that they can feel safe and secure in their homes.

The system was finished with Wetherby’s Heck ED Mineral Render Heck Silicone Paint in white. It was important for the aesthetic to resemble its previous design to keep it in line with the surrounding community and the nearby St Nicholas Church.