Francis Bacon House, Hertfordshire, UK

Project Overview

The Jubilee Square development in St Albans features two five-storey buildings with a mix of commercial and residential spaces. 212 Solutions Ltd upgraded the terrace roof with Dura Deck Aluminium Free-Drain in Anthracite complementing the site’s panoramic views.

Compliance with modern regulations for new-build balconies.

Located on Victoria Street in the heart of St Albans, the new Jubilee Square development comprises two five-storey detached buildings which are a mixture of commercial and residential accommodation, strategically positioned in one of the city’s most prominent areas.

212 Solutions Ltd, a highly respected construction firm with over 30 years of experience in the industry and based in Hertfordshire, was tasked with improving the existing walking surface on the terrace of the new development. The existing surface was unsightly, whilst the uneven levels created a potential safety concern and compromised the aesthetic value of the space.

The redesign needed to meet the Enhancing Fire Safety for Balconies in High-Rise Residential Buildings. Our A2 fire-rated Dura Deck Aluminium Free-Drain in Anthracite provided the perfect choice, meeting the stringent safety requirements but also complementing the panoramic views that the location offered. Additionally, it provided a cooler deck surface, making it ideal for roof terraces.

Having evaluated several flooring options, 212 Solutions Ltd chose to install our Dura Deck Aluminium Free-Drain dues to its intelligent design which provides efficient water drainage and compliance with modern regulations for new-build balconies. The decking was installed on our full A2 fire-rated substructure system, including waterproof pedestal base plates to protect the roof surface. Compared to timber subframes, this system offers a simple, long-lasting alternative that reduces maintenance and enhances safety.

The Dura Deck Aluminium Free Drain product used on this project is 18mm thick and achieves an A2 fire rating, spanning 850mm centre to centre based on a 2kN Point Load or 5kN/m2 Uniformly Distributed Load. Its rapid free draining capability helps prevent flooding and overspill for draining water. It has been tested in a UKAS accredited laboratory as flooring on a horizontal plane to A2-fl s1 and also to A2-s1, d0, making suitable for use in multiple areas of tall buildings, including terraces and balconies.

At 212 Solutions Ltd, we take great care in selecting only the best materials for our projects, ensuring long-term durability, compliance, and aesthetic appeal. For the Jubilee Square development, it was vital to choose a decking solution that not only met the fire safety standards but also provided a sleek, modern finish in keeping with the location. After thoroughly assessing various options, we selected Dura Deck Aluminium Free-Drain due to its A2 fire rating, drainage performance, and robust substructure system. The end result is an attractive, low-maintenance terrace that really enhances the space.

Richard Masters

Director of 212 Solutions Ltd

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