Chapter Kings Cross

Delivering a Non-Combustible Facade Solution for Fire Safety Remediation

Chapter House in King’s Cross recently underwent a major fire safety remediation project to replace existing combustible spandrel panels within the unitised curtain walling system. The ambitious programme involved the removal and replacement of more than 5,500 panels across two 16-storey student accommodation towers.

Metalline was selected to provide a high-performance solution that would enhance the building’s fire safety while maintaining the distinctive appearance of the existing facade and improving its long-term performance.

The Challenge

The scale and complexity of the project presented several challenges. More than 5,500 existing panels needed to be replaced across two high-rise residential buildings, with the new solution required to integrate seamlessly into the existing unitised curtain walling system.

A key consideration was maintaining the visual character of the original facade. The existing building featured glass spandrel panels, meaning the replacement panels needed to closely replicate this appearance while providing a significantly improved fire performance.

The solution therefore needed to combine stringent fire safety requirements with careful attention to colour, finish and appearance, ensuring the upgraded facade remained visually consistent with the original design.

Our Solution

Metalline supplied its ULTIMA 1 Insulated Spandrel Panels, providing a non-combustible solution designed to deliver enhanced fire performance alongside improved thermal efficiency.

To replicate the appearance of the original glass spandrel panels, the ULTIMA 1 panels were finished in a high-gloss PPC coating across a range of complementary blue shades. This bespoke approach allowed the new aluminium panels to closely match the colour and reflective character of the existing facade, creating a seamless visual transition between the replacement panels and the surrounding glazing.

The panels were specifically designed to integrate effectively with the existing unitised curtain walling and glazing system, providing a practical solution for the extensive remediation programme. By combining non-combustible aluminium construction with insulated panel technology, the ULTIMA 1 system addressed the project’s fire safety requirements while also contributing to improved thermal performance.

The Result

The replacement of more than 5,500 panels has provided Chapter House with a significantly enhanced facade solution, improving fire performance while retaining the building’s distinctive architectural appearance.

The high-gloss PPC finish, applied in multiple shades of blue, successfully replicates the appearance of the original glass spandrel panels, ensuring the extensive remediation works could be completed without compromising the visual identity of the development.

Metalline’s ULTIMA 1 Insulated Spandrel Panels provided an efficient and reliable solution for integrating new, high-performance panels into the existing curtain walling system, supporting the successful delivery of this large-scale refurbishment project.

Project Outcome

The Chapter House project demonstrates Metalline’s ability to deliver bespoke facade solutions for complex refurbishment and fire safety remediation programmes. By combining non-combustible materials, thermal performance and precision colour-matched finishes, Metalline provided a solution that not only addressed the building’s fire safety requirements but also preserved the appearance of the original facade.

The result is a modernised, high-performance facade that delivers enhanced safety and durability while maintaining the architectural character of one of King’s Cross’s prominent student accommodation developments.