The Century team were delighted to win first prize at the Tylers & Bricklayers Triennial Awards 2024, for our work at College Road, Croydon. The award was specifically for installation of bespoke terracotta tiling on the feature columns running through the colonnade, as can be seen pictured above.
The award was presented to Century's Operations Manager, John O'Kane, pictured third from left in the top left hand photograph shown above. Commenting on the award, John said "this project was proposed to the worshipful company not only for its outstanding quality and striking aesthetics, but was also a celebration of the collaboration between all the parties who had the interest in turning the artistic concept into a manufactured and installed reality".
Century also designed and installed terracotta cladding, metal cladding, and glazing to both towers. Working for our client, Tide Construction, the College Road scheme, now known as Enclave, consists of two towers at 35 and 50 storey's constructed using volumetric modular methods supplied by Tide sister company, Vision Modular Systems.
https://tideconstruction.co.uk/projects/college-road
Century Facades Limited is pleased to announce that Jake Fisher has joined the Century pre contract department as bid manager, as a further addition to the estimating team. Jake brings his experience in systemised product and will support the pre-contract team on commercial glazing, window systems, curtain walling and unitised frames.
On appointment of his new role, Jake commented that “I am excited to join a progressive company where I will be stepping up my knowledge and skills. I am at a stage in my career where I am looking to progress and I am delighted that I have been able to join a leading façade company”. Image above shows Century bid team, with pre contract manager, Denise Lim centre stage formally welcoming Jake to the team.
High Rocks Country Manor in Tunbridge Wells was once again the chosen venue for Century's summer party. Held on Sunday 14th July 2024, Century team members attended with some of their family members, so it made for a wonderful afternoon. Once again, the weather was superb whilst we enjoyed the sounds and smells of the steam trains passing by on the Spa Valley railway line. It's always lovely to get everyone together in a relaxed environment, enjoying good food, good company, and maybe the odd Pimms! We look forward to the next one!
We are delighted to announce that we have secured a £13m façade contract with our key client, Tide Construction.
The site, formerly the location of The Castle Public house, is located in North Acton, an area which has undergone major regeneration over the past few years. Earlier this year, developer Tide, successfully closed a deal to build the 32 storey tower with partners BlockRock Private Markets and Outpost management. The scheme, designed by HTA Design LLP, will create 462 co-living apartments to be marketed under the Enclave brand, in addition to creating a new setting for The Castle public house on the ground floor of the tower. The project will be delivered utilising volumetric construction manufactured off-site by Tide’s sister company, Vision Modular.
Century’s scope of works includes large format glazed terracotta cladding, architectural feature metal cladding, and high performance Reynaers windows and curtain walling. The Century team is excited to be working with Tide on another prestigious project, with façade installation due to commence on site later this year.
Today we celebrate International Women's day with our wonderful Century ladies. From L to R; Jonna, Taissiya, Denise, Danni, Joanna K, Becky and Joanna. Also a big shout out to those ladies not in the office today, namely our Sue, Nazneen and Claire. May we take this opportunity to thank you all for everything you do for the team!
With Reynaers windows installed off site by Century, the modular unit install on site at Walthamstow Mall is well advanced, with cladding installation also now underway. Century commenced with installation of cladding rails and high glazed large format terracotta supplied by NBK, working from double stacked mast climbers.
We will keep you posted as the project progresses!
It's always enjoyable to have everyone together for a Christmas lunch to get into the Christmas spirit (literally!). For some reason, the more mature members of the team get sat together on one table! Wonder who was responsible for the table plan?
Century Facades is delighted to have completed the facade package on College Road Croydon, a building known as Enclave. The 49 storey modular structure sits right next door to 101 George Street Croydon, a building known as Ten Degrees, also delivered by Century. The facade package on Enclave included white glazed terracotta cladding, aluminium rainscreen cladding, aluminium windows and curtain walling.
Between Ten Degrees and Enclave, Century has successfully delivered in excess of £40m of facade, a truly remarkable achievement by the Century team. The buildings have won multiple awards and stand as testament to the delivery team at Tide Construction Ltd, their supply chain, architect and consultants.
Never mind the Brazilian Grand Prix, several members of the Century team decided to go racing last weekend at Capital Karts in Docklands. Our very own James (Jenson) Woodthorpe claimed first prize!
Earlier this month, Century Facades was delighted to be supporting a wonderful charity at the 2023 Dragon Boat Race staged once again, in the beautiful setting of Bewl Water located in the heart of the Kent countryside. The World in Need Christian Charity supports the welfare of children all over the world. We were blessed with good weather for the event matched only by the enthusiasm shown by the Century team! Really great work by all those who attended and took part.
We are very proud of our sister company, Innovate Facades Ltd, which recently completed a £4.5m reclad project on a live residential/retail/commercial property in Bermondsey. We were delighted to receive the following testimonial from the client's representative.
Innovate Facades were appointed to remediate a building with a combustible external wall system in its entirety. From start to finish Innovate Facades provided a dedicated design team who were meticulous in developing the Stage 3 design through to completion. When faced with challenges on site they were proactive providing a solution rather than just presenting an issue for the client team to resolve. The site was complex with restricted access given its location which was a mixture of commercial and residential units of around 100 stakeholders. The site team of Luke, Sergejs and Mubeen were able to resolve various issues that arose on site and deliver works that have significantly improved the building.
I would have no hesitation working with Innovate again and would like to thank them for their hard work delivering the works.
Chris Jackson MRICS
Cogent
Associate
Century Facades Ltd is committed to working together with our clients, suppliers, and our team to build a sustainable future. Our goal is to meet the needs of the present time without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
To explore how we can do things better, we were delighted to welcome Jodie Tan from the University of Bath to develop a sustainability tool kit to establish a baseline carbon footprint for a facade contractor. The research will support Jodie in her MSc dissertation.
To welcome Jodie, we invited Century team member Chao Chu, who many years ago also studied at the University of Bath to complete his MSc in Modern Building Design Architecture. We are proud to announce that Chao recently completed his 2nd MSc in Facade Engineering. Century Facades continues to support every member of the team in their journey to develop skills and attain qualifications.
Originally occupied by Lloyds Bank, and formerly known as Blackhorse Tower, the office-to-residential conversion by developer, Chase New Homes, will be known as One One Six Cockfosters. Located within easy walking distance of Cockfosters underground station, the development when complete, will comprise 226 one and two bed apartments, complete with roof top terraces, gymnasium and large screened cinema. Following the successful completion of the low rise blocks, Century were delighted to be awarded the contract for the high rise block plus new build extension due to commence on site later this year.
Work at the world's tallest modular building is nearing completion. College Road, to be known as 'Enclave' Croydon, is conveniently located close to East Croydon Station and will become home to 817 co-living apartments and 120 affordable units. Developed by Tide Construction, this impressive building has been clad in large format glazed terracotta and aluminum rainscreen by Century Facades. Century's scope of works also included the installation of Reynaers high performance windows. The above photo image shows 49 storey Enclave standing proudly next to sister block (known as Ten Degrees) located in George Street, also developed by Tide and clad by Century. The Enclave building completes the redevelopment of this previously overlooked area of Croydon.
Photo image courtesy of: Nick Short Photography
We were delighted to welcome representatives from the World in Need Children's Christian charity to our head office this morning. An insightful presentation was made to our team which provided an insight into the charity's fantastic fund raising efforts to support children's welfare in different parts the world. Two years ago, Century supported this charity by raising £2,500 at the annual Dragon Boat Race at Bewl Water in Kent. We will be doing the same this year and look forward to raising even more money for this wonderful and worthwhile charity.
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Located deep in the Kent countryside, High Rocks country manor was the chosen setting for our Century 2023 summer party held on Saturday 20th May. The gathering of Century team members and families made for a wonderful afternoon, and to top it off, the weather was kind to us. It was lovely to see everyone in a relaxed environment enjoying good food, good company, and maybe the odd tipple! We look forward to the next one!
We are delighted to announce that we have secured a £20m façade contract, successfully negotiated with our key clients, Tide Construction and Vision Modular Systems.
The site, located in Selbourne Road Walthamstow, originally owned by Capital & Regional PLC, has been acquired by Longharbour who appointed Tide and Vision to deliver the scheme comprising two landmark towers of 27 and 34 storeys.
The two towers will house 495 one and two bed apartments, connected at ground floor by an expansive amenity space including reception, concierge, lounge, and café. There is also a resident amenity space at roof level which will include a lounge and shared kitchen for hosting social events with a view!
The façade includes high specification glazed terracotta cladding from NBK, architectural feature metal cladding, and high performance Reynaers windows. Curtain walling forms the main entrance in the ground floor link block.
Commenting on this project win for Century, Design Director Marcin Bara said “we have been working incredibly hard over many months with Tide’s design team and Assael Architecture to achieve design intent, whilst ensuring budget parameters were strictly adhered to. Our teams in pre contract, operations, and design collaborated superbly at all stages.”
Tide Construction will deliver the scheme using its Vision modular system, which allows both companies to fulfil the programme faster, safer, and more sustainably than using traditional methods of construction. As with Tide’s other developments, the carbon emissions of the construction process could be cut down by up to 45% with its innovative technology.
Century Facades is due to commence on site Summer 2023.
The Century team were delighted to achieve a successful PC at our Chapter Kings Cross project. The client stakeholder team were present on site 1st March 2023 to award the PC certificate to Century senior project manager, Nigel Richards. Commenting on the project Nigel said "every single member of the Century team has performed extremely well on this project, and we are delighted to have delivered a major re-cladding project to the complete satisfaction of our client, Greystar Properties, and we are now looking forward to the next one!" Century Construction Group provides a full design and build package in the capacity of principal contractor for re-cladding projects in the London region through either Century Facades Ltd, or sister company, Innovate Facades Ltd.
Century Construction Group subsidiary, Accord Engineering Ltd, recently took delivery of a fully electric vehicle, further increasing the number of EV's in our group fleet. Further additions to the fleet are planned for 2023/4, and to support the move towards electric vehicles, a number of EV charging stations are being installed this week at the Group's head office in Tonbridge.
It's a rare treat to get the team in one place at the same time, and on this occasion, it was to celebrate Christmas together with a lovely meal and drink (or two!). It's been another challenging year, but we're all set for 2023 looking forward to delivering more large scale facade projects for our clients.
Here's wishing our clients, supply chain, and anyone else connected with Century, a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!
Work is progressing well on the recladding of two occupied residential towers in central London.
As principal contractor for the project, Century Facades is leading the complex scheme to replace the external cladding as part of the fire safety works at Chapter King’s Cross for Greystar Kings Cross Unit Trust to ensure the structures meet current building regulations.
The buildings - part student and part private rented/affordable housing - comprise two interlinked 16-storey towers (height 59m). Located just 10 minutes from King’s Cross Station, the towers were constructed in the 1970s as offices for NatWest Bank before being converted into student accommodation in 2007. Working with the façade and envelope consultants Arcadis, quantity surveyors Stace LLP and structural engineer Waterman Group, Century Façades were appointed to design, supply and replace the existing blue and grey spandrel glass sandwich panels on both towers, leaving only the clear vision glass undisturbed.
The replacement cladding is a bespoke blue/grey aluminium composite panel that is being glazed into the existing Schueco unitised curtain wall system. Similar in appearance to the original glazed spandrel panels, it complies with current building regulations. Planning approval was achieved by Greystar following a lengthy review with Islington Council to ensure an acceptable colour match between the original glass spandrel and the new aluminium composite spandrel panels. With circa 5,000 panels to be changed, most of which are located at a high level, suspended access cradles were deemed the only way to conduct the works externally without causing disruption to Chapter King’s Cross business.
“We are operating 11 cradles around the building at any given time. Cradles have their own constraints, be it the weather or safe working loads, which had to be considered when deciding how best to remove and replace the panels using suspended vacuum lifters. But once the operatives got used to the methodology, the works ran smoothly and progress increased” explains says Senior Project Manager, Nigel Richards.
The location and accessibility of the site also presented some challenge initially. “The towers are fully occupied so coordination was key to client/student relations and the assistance of Melisa Cubillos (Chapter Kings Cross Community Manager) and her team was vital to works progressing well. We also engaged with local business and the wider community each month to ensure good two-way communication and to minimise disturbance” he says.
The project sits on a red route, there are traffic restrictions on the narrow side streets leading to and from the site and a junior school lies just north of the project. “We implemented a detailed logistics plan with directives of our traffic movements and restrictions that our supply chain strictly adhered to in order to prevent works impacting the school’s activities” says Nigel.
“As principal contractor we are enrolled on both the Considerate Constructors Scheme and CLOCS Scheme to thoroughly risk-assess the project’s potential impact on the community. These schemes ensure site arrangements enable the safest fleet operations including ‘last mile’ routing, level access/egress, stable loading/unloading areas, effective delivery management systems and competent site access traffic marshals. We achieved a very high standard during both our Considerate Constructors Scheme and CLOCS audits, again minimising the impact on the local community.”
To further reduce the inconvenience and disruption of large vehicles in and around the locality of the site, 90 per cent of all the project’s materials were initially delivered to the Century Facades Logistics Centre in Edenbridge, Kent. From here, they were transshipped on small vehicles each day or as the project required, as just in time deliveries to minimise the impact on the community. This also ensured materials were always available in advance at Edenbridge for call off to site to meet the stringent time schedule of the project.
The project is due to complete in spring 2023.
The College Road project in Croydon, south London, is being built on the site of a former college car park. Designed by HTA Design LLP, it comprises two towers. The tallest of these stands 49 storeys and will house 817 co-living homes, while 120 affordable residential units will be located in the smaller 36 storey tower.
The innovative scheme is being developed by Tide Construction, who appointed Century to deliver the façade element after the complex building façade specialist successfully designed, supplied and installed the envelope at Tide Construction’s sister development - 101 George Street. Located next to College Road, 101 George Street is the current holder of the world’s tallest modular building title comprising two linked towers of 37 and 44 storeys.
At College Road, the building envelope is due to take less than 52 weeks to complete. Century’s scope of works includes windows, firestopping, cavity barriers, curtain walling, pressed metal work and installing large format high glazed terracotta tiles from NBK.
The project is progressing with impressive speed. Century Facades is working with Vision Modular Systems to pre-install Reynaers’ aluminium windows at the VMS factory into modular units so they can be installed quickly on-site resulting in improved quality control, less building waste, and a faster site programme.
Utilising its own logistics centre in Edenbridge, Kent, Century is assuring the quality of all components before delivering to site in the sequence of work for greater efficiencies and productivity compared to traditional construction.
The Century team is also maintaining a strict focus on quality control guaranteeing 100 per cent Quality Assurance on site and documenting every stage of the project, supported by photographic evidence.
“We’re proud to have reached the halfway point on this ambitious scheme. It’s an impressive feat and is testament to our team’s experience of delivering challenging building façade projects and the unique benefits of being able to control the supply and quality of materials to site. It’s great to see the project progressing so quickly and we’re looking forward to our next milestone – the completion of the building envelope – in 2023,” said Raja Youchaa, Senior Site Manager at Century Facades.
CenturyFacades has secured its third phase of façade work for an apartment block in London’s largest build to rent scheme.
The building envelope specialist is working with client Tide Construction on the ambitious Greenford Quay project for Greystar. Located on the Grand Union Canal in West London, the development aims to meet the highest sustainability targets and as such is utilising modular building technology to reduce its carbon footprint.
Modular construction continues to gain traction in the UK. And it’s no wonder because off-site construction can reduce embodied carbon by up to 40 per cent, while providing exceptional quality and speeding up the overall project programme.
From next month (October 2022), Century Facades will be working with Vision Modular Systems to install windows at Vision’s factory in Bedford.
The façade installation will get underway on the Greenford Quay site in Q1 2023. The mixed façade comprises Raynaers’ commercial curtain walling, windows and doors with high quality aluminium rainscreen cladding to the tower. The main façade will be traditional brickwork.
MarkHarris, Business Development Manager at Century Facades, says: “We are delighted to have been awarded yet another exciting project for one of the biggest build to rent developments currently underway in the UK. We have worked with Tide Construction and Vision Modular Systems for more than 10 years and are looking forward to partnering with them on yet another successful scheme that showcases the benefits of modern off-site construction.”
To coincide with the 10 year anniversary of Century Facades Ltd, we entered the CN Specialist Awards this year for the first time, and were delighted to be shortlisted in the envelope specialist of the year category, which was new for 2022.
We are extremely proud of our achievements over the past decade, and continue to encourage and nurture the next generation of team members across all disciplines. This event was a fantastic opportunity for some of our graduates and younger team members to experience such an event for the first time.
Our Joint MD, Tim Lovell, was delighted to join the guys for the evening.
Photograph courtesy of EMAP Publications
The Century Express gets ready for loading at our own logistics centre located in Edenbridge, Kent. We provide our clients with a safe and secure storage facility for bulk materials off-site, checked for quality before delivery to site, often on a 'just in time' basis.
Fantastic progress at College Road, a second modular high rise project to be delivered by Century in Croydon. Working for our client, Tide Construction Ltd, the main façade treatment consists of large format high glazed terracotta from NBK. Windows are installed by Century off site at Vision Modular Systems. We are incredibly proud of the entire Century team, all of whom have worked tirelessly to deliver another high quality product. The College Rd project surpasses the previous George Street block by five storeys stealing the crown of being the world's tallest modular building!
Originally occupied by Lloyds Bank (and affectionately named Blackhorse Tower), the office-to-residential conversion by developer, Chase New Homes, will be known as One One Six Cockfosters. Located within easy walking distance of Cockfosters underground station, the development when complete, will comprise 226 one and two bed apartments, and will bring this once unoccupied office building back to life, complete with it's roof top terraces, gymnasium and large screened cinema. Century is due to commence on site in the next few weeks, delivering a façade package including windows, doors and rainscreen cladding. Commenting on the recent contract win, Century director Tim Lovell said "we are absolutely delighted to be working with the team at Chase New Homes, and we look forward to developing a long term relationship with them. This project sits extremely well within the Century portfolio, and we hope the Cockfosters project will be the first of many with Chase".
Century Construction Group has continued to invest in it's businesses which is why we are excited to announce that we have re-located to new offices in Tonbridge.
Our new home, Wharf House, was acquired by the group in 2021. We have spent the last few months carrying out an extensive internal refurbishment to create a facility with sufficient space and technology to take the business well into the future. We have also incorporated a superb cafeteria area for Century team members to relax away from their desks, and this area will also provide a sociable meeting space for clients and supply chain partners, when perhaps the formal surroundings of a meeting room are not necessary!
Wharf House sits alongside the River Medway in a beautiful setting and boasts ample parking underneath the building. Our new postal address is detailed on the press release shown above.
Century Facades is delighted to have been appointed by Greystar to carry out the re-cladding of two sixteen storey student accommodation blocks in Kings Cross. With planning approval granted, works can now commence. The Century team will be led by senior PM, Nigel Richards. Century will undertake the project in the capacity of principal contractor. Century was delighted to add this £8m contract to it's growing portfolio of recladding projects.
As part of our commitment to nurture a new generation of talent, we have recruited two exceptional graduates to the team.
Matthew Hedgergrace and Noah Bickle are honing new skills and benefiting from our more than 200 years’ experience in high specification building façade projects as they work across key areas of the business.
Noah, who achieved a distinction in BSc Design and Construction Management at the University of Greenwich, is assistant site manager on Chapter Kings Cross, one of our new recladding projects.
“Century has provided the perfect place to kickstart my career in construction - an SME that is growing rapidly and investing heavily in its team promising fast career development and strong salary growth,” he says.
“The role is very dynamic and challenging; there’s no chance of me getting bored.”
Meanwhile, after securing a Bachelor of Engineering with First Class Honours in Civil Engineering, Matthew is working as assistant site manager on our Greenford project where he is managing the logistics on site. He has already spent time in our scheduling department, logistics centre as well as on our successful College Road project in Croydon - the site of the world’s tallest modular building.
“I am enjoying being exposed to a variety of roles and interacting with professionals from all disciplines within the industry. This has allowed me to develop abroad knowledge for someone with my level of experience. What I enjoy most is being at the forefront of a new and innovative accelerated development scheme in a rapidly developing company and the valuable experiences and opportunities that come with this. I’m also grateful for the close relationships I’ve made with the directors and senior managers and the amount of support and attention I get from them, which is especially rare in larger companies,” says Matthew.
We have also recruited three of the best A-level students from the local area. James Dunn, Danni Taylor and James Woodthorpe are due to start part time degrees in quantity surveying within the next two years as part of our training programme.
“There is a huge skills shortage in the UK construction industry, so it’s imperative that we continue to invest in the future of the sector by putting strategies and programmes in place that help recruit, engage and retain the very best talent. We’ve been blown away by the quality of our latest recruits and look forward to supporting them in their future careers,” says Graham Hackley, Director of Century Construction Group.
We are delighted to announce our sponsorship of professional triathlete, Lydia Dant, as she prepares to qualify for the Ironman World Championships this year. The 30-year-old from Cheltenham made her professional debut in 2021, just three years after taking up the sport.
“I am incredibly grateful and humbled by the support from Century Facades. This sponsorship has opened doors and allowed me to consider opportunities that would have never been possible at this stage in my athletic journey,” says Lydia. The support from Century Facades has allowed Lydia to invest in racing and vital equipment.
“Starting off a professional career is hard. I’m confident in my ability but just knowing I have this backing will help me go into a race with a totally different feeling. This really does make a difference and I know that being able to race this way will probably lead to a better outcome as a result,” she says.
Working with Passion Fit, a triathlon coaching community, Lydia is committed to a process that aims to continue to unlock her potential. She typically trains for 15 to 25 hours a week and has maintained her training programme throughout the pandemic which has seen an uplift in her performance levels.
“Like many others, the pandemic changed my perspective and during this time I made the life-changing decision to leave my corporate job and launch my own bike fitting and cycling consultancy business called Phoenix Evolution.
“One of my key reasons for wanting to race as a professional athlete is to use the platform to inspire others with my journey. The better I can race, the bigger platform I can create to do this. I am really excited to have the support from Century Facades heading into 2022.”
Tim Lovell, Joint Managing Director of Century Facades, says: “We are delighted to support Lydia as she embarks on her professional career. We were inspired by her commitment to excellence and continual improvement - both qualities that we employ in our work at Century Facades. We wish her the very best in her events this year and in qualifying for the World Championships.”
Our sister company, Innovate Facades Ltd, is carrying out a £5m re-cladding contract at Bermondsey Square, working in the capacity of principal contractor direct for the client. Our site team can be seen here, Mubeen, Luke and Sergejs doing a fantastic job!
Century Facades entered a team for the annual Dragon Boat Race held last month at Bewl Water in Kent. The team, named the Centurions, did a fantastic job raising in excess of £2,500 for World in need International. Great work guys!
Century Construction Group invests in the future of façade engineering
As the skills shortage continues to impact the construction industry, we are delighted to welcome the latest cohort of graduates to our popular placement programme. Three of the best-performing students from the University of Bath’s MSc Modern Building Design have been selected to kickstart their careers at the UK’s leading façade engineering and building façade contractors.
The six-month programme will see the graduates work alongside experienced engineers, develop state-of-the-art solutions and learn best practices that can be applied across the industry. They will also have the opportunity to build a compelling portfolio of work and develop their skills via ongoing mentoring to help them thrive in the workplace.
The students will combine their placement with a dissertation related to the use of Total Quality Management and Building Information Modelling in all phases of construction.
Jeremy Choy has joined the Pre-Contract department to assist the bid manager with 3Dmodelling, access package and tender package preparation. Sravya Devireddi is working with the Quality Assurance team, while Mubeen Zafar is experiencing all aspects of the company’s Logistics and Operations process.
“Investing in future talent is critical to addressing the sector’s skills gap, while driving standards and innovation. Our placement programme is designed to create independent and adaptable learners, who have the freedom to stretch and challenge themselves in an open and supportive environment,” says Graham Hackley, Director of Century Construction Group.
“Guided by some of the most experienced specialist engineers in the UK, graduates on our placement programme grow both their skills and confidence, while making areal contribution to the dynamic field of façade engineering.”
Two years after the last fishing trip, four Century team members away for a long weekend in Riba-roja d'Ebre, southern Spain!
L to R: Graham, Christian, Craig and Fowad.
Façade and building envelope specialist Century Facades Limited is nearing completion on the world’s tallest modular student building.
Part of the ongoing regeneration of Lewisham and the wider Lewisham Gateway development, Lewisham Exchange provides 758 student rooms and 67 affordable homes over two towers of 35 and 20 storeys. The buildings are connected at lower levels to provide retail and commercial space, amenity areas and an entrance to the future Bakerloo line extension. Designed by architects JTP, the development is constructed from volumetric 3D structural modules, which were manufactured offsite to ensure a higher quality finish, a faster construction programme and 90 per cent less waste than traditional construction methods.
As a key supply chain partner to principal contractor Tide Construction and a specialist in high rise building facades, Century Facades was appointed to fit high performance window screens at Tide’s associate company Vision Modular Systems’ industry-leading modular factory in Bedford, as well as design, procure and install a complex architectural building envelope at Lewisham Exchange.
The architects specified natural brick finish for the building envelope to ensure the towers remained in keeping with the local architecture. Century Facades was tasked with identifying a suitable lightweight brick slip that lost none of the architectural intent, while offering all the benefits of a lightweight, non-combustible and fully-tested cladding system.
The building envelope specialist also delivered2,000sq m of aluminium systemised cassette rainscreen featuring a striking bronze finish to complement the architectural brick, in addition to some fine examples of glass rainscreen to the crown of the buildings and brick slip arches at the ground and first floor levels.
Tim Lovell, Joint Managing Director of CenturyFacades, said: “We are proud to have successfully delivered the building envelope for this innovative development in less than a year. Our client's expect the very best, and Lewisham Exchange is another example of where our commitment to innovation has resulted in the delivery of a very quick building envelope of the highest quality, providing a welcome addition to Lewisham’s town centre and one of the largest regeneration schemes in the South East.”
In recognition of 'freedom day', some of the guys decided to celebrate with a boat trip up the River Medway. A lovely time was had by all!
The Century team is absolutely delighted having secured a £21m façade contract for a new co-living scheme in College Road, Croydon. Following the success of George Street, Croydon (pictured on the left hand side in the CGi image), works have already commenced on site next door in College Road. George Street, at 44 storeys, achieved the status of being the worlds tallest modular building, however, this record will be exceeded by the College Road scheme at a staggering 49 storeys. Like George Street, the new co-living scheme in College Road will have a beautiful terracotta façade.
Great progress being made at our Lewisham Exchange project, Mechslip brick cladding installation from double stacked mast climbers. As always, fantastic work being carried out by all Century team members working together achieving an excellent end result!
We are delighted to announce having achieved accreditation under the FIRAS certification scheme for the installation of cavity barrier products. This was achieved through the diligent work carried out by our QA and operations teams.
We are delighted to have secured another phase of work at the Greenford Quay. The development, situated beside the Grand Union Canal, will include residential, communal and commercial areas. Century's £4m contract includes windows, doors, curtain walling plus architectural cladding elements. Century's work is due to commence on site early summer.
Good progress is being made at our Lewisham Exchange project - two high rise residential blocks centrally located in Lewisham town centre. Working from double stacked mast climbers, installing Mechslip brick cladding system, windows, doors, curtain walling and pressed metalwork. Great work being undertaken by the Century team!
We were delighted to see our Spitalfields project featured as part of an article in Fire Magazine on the new draft Building Safety Bill released last year. On the Spitalfields project, we were contracted to remove the existing ACM cladding and replace with solid aluminium panels, fabricated at our in-house fabrication facility based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Tenants were able to remain in occupation during the works, with the building remaining fully operational.
A few months following completion of works to the tower, our Sister company, Innovate Facades Ltd, (which has been set up specifically to work in the capacity of principal contractor), also worked on the same building, but direct for the end user client, re-cladding the podium level.
Century has launched a Graduate Training Programme across all disciplines. This represents an amazing opportunity for individuals to join a truly dynamic company.
November 2020 saw the Century team complete on a fast track student accommodation project known as The Valentine. This new student hub, perfectly located in Gants Hill, affords easy access into central London. Century installed aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling, plus all architectural feature metalwork. The Century team were presented with numerous challenges this year resulting from Covid-19, but overcame them all to deliver a high quality product, to programme. Century was delighted to work with Tide Construction again on another modular project.
Great work by the Century team over the past few month's continuing to build during the difficulties presented by Covid-19
We were pleased to see that following a period of closure due to the Covid-19 crisis, work has now re-started at Great Eastern Quays.
Main contractor, Vistry Partnerships, has introduced strict new health & safety rules to ensure safe working on site. See here our project Manager, Raja Youchaa, instructing the Century installation team on the new rules for observing strict social distancing on site.
The Century team were pleased to secure the contract for a new student block in Gants Hill. The 321 bed purpose built block is located centrally in Gants Hill, just 30m from the underground station. Demolition of the existing Valentine public house was completed last month, allowing construction to get underway in March. Century's £2.5m contract includes aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling, and an extensive feature metalwork package.
The Lewisham Exchange scheme consists of two high rise blocks of 35 and 20 storeys, linked at lower levels to provide retail and commercial space, as well as amenity areas. The lower level will also provide an entrance point for the new Bakerloo line extension. The residential part of the scheme will provide both student and affordable housing. The form of construction is modular.
Century's £16.5m contract includes windows, curtain walling, doors, brick slip clad facades, aluminium rainscreen, and associated feature metalwork. Work is due to get under way on site later this year.
To all clients, suppliers, and associate companies
Following guidance provided by the Government and Public Health England, Century Facades Ltd has put measures in place to minimise the risk of the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The health, safety and wellbeing of all those involved with Century’s day-to-day business is our No.1 priority. Indeed, some of the Century team are now working remotely, and interact on a daily basis with colleagues and clients via video links. This is working extremely well and is allowing Century to operate as effectively as possible in these very difficult times. We are tremendously grateful and proud of our supply chain, all of whom have risen to the challenges presented by this COVID-19 outbreak, and continue to fully support us.
Thank you.
We have taken steps to limit non-essential travel, however, we remain committed to providing our clients with the best possible service, and our site teams are doing an amazing job in maintaining productivity at good levels, whilst keeping everyone safe. Great job guys!
It goes without saying that everyone in the UK and around the world is of course hoping that we can return to normal as quickly as possible. However, during this period of uncertainty, should you have any concerns or questions regarding Century, please do not hesitate to contact our head office in Tonbridge on 01732-317030.
Thankyou
Senior Management Team
Century Facades Ltd
The directors of Innovate Facades Group Ltd have formed a sister company to Century Facades Ltd, a new division set up specifically to carry out specialist refurbishment projects. The new business, Innovate Facades Ltd, will target work in the London region. Innovate Facades Ltd was delighted to secure it's first contract working direct for the client, Greystar International, to re-clad the podium level at Spitalfields Tower. Sister company Century Facades originally carried out the re-cladding of the main tower in 2018. The £1.1m podium contract will commence on site in February 2020, with Innovate Facades Ltd acting in the role of principal contractor.
Century working on multiple blocks at Great Eastern Quay for Vistry Partnerships (formerly Galliford Try Partnerships).
The wraps are almost off at South Thames College in Wandsworth, revealing the brick clad building in all it's glory. A stunning development, with the main façade design based on Corium brick slip cladding
Chair of judges, Century's very own Graham Hackley, seen here presenting awards to the winners of the 2019 Society of Façade Engineering Projects of the Year. Another great success, with a number of informative and imaginative presentations during the day by industry leading figures, followed by the awards ceremony, and of course the Glass Supper. This year's event was held on 10th December 2019 at London's Guildhall, a stunning setting exuding history.
Our George Street Croydon project looking absolutely stunning, fantastic work by the Century Team, and a happy client!
Another high quality finish by the Century team on the Greenford Quay project, large scale residential development working with Tide Construction.
Century Senior Project Manager John O'Kane and QA Manager Zhanna Nazarenko, present a QA award for outstanding workmanship to two worthy winners.
Century team members Denise, Raja, Christian and Graham went off to Elphicks Fisheries just outside Tonbridge last weekend for a spot of fishing!
But who caught the biggest fish?.........…...….......you decide!
Greenford Quay, Century working with Tide Construction for developer Greystar. When all phases are complete, the development will provide nearly 2,000 new homes.
Century project Albion Wharf Ipswich is nearing completion, and stands as testament to the brilliant team lead by our Luke and Raja in delivering a high quality façade installation.
101 George Street Croydon, modular units up to floor 24, terracotta cladding chasing up the building!
Rich green high glaze large format terracotta, looking beautiful. Stunning architecture.
Some of the Century crew out for a beer (or three) helping our Craig Scott celebrate his 21st birthday!
Bollo Lane completed project, terracotta cladding, curtain walling and windows.
The Century team of Jack, Mike, Kaman and Bikash are delivering a fantastic project for our client, United Living.
£9m Corium brick slip package, looking absolutely stunning!
The Century family continues to grow with two new additions to the team:
Daniele Marques - Site Manager
Hugh Ross - Senior Designer
We wish them every success in their new roles at Century!
Our Albion Wharf Ipswich project has been superbly executed by the Century team - well done Luke, Raja and all involved. The waterfront development of 150 apartments, overlooking the River Orwell, once complete will include one of the tallest towers in the Ipswich area, standing at 19 storeys.
Our Croydon project is progressing well, see photograph showing modular units being installed. Next update will show cladding following up the building!
Century extends a really warm welcome to new team members in April 2019, all of whom are joining our Croydon project.
John O'Kane - Senior Project Manager
Steve Faulkner - Stores Manager
Sam Shoebridge - Assistant Stores Manager
Above photograph shows the lift cores towering above the Croydon Skyline
With spring in the air, we welcome new recruits joining the growing team at Century!
Amy Stevens - Accounts Assistant
Zhanna Nazarenko - Design Engineer
The Century family continues to grow, watch this space for a further announcement next month!!
Century was delighted to see Mapleton Crescent win the Architects Journal award in February 2019 in the category off-site fabrication.
Century installed aluminium windows off-site into modular units, and then continued on-site with cladding the structure with large format
green glazed terracotta cladding. The judges were particularly taken with the fact that normally, volumetric buildings are easy to spot,
but admitted that this was not the case with Mapleton Crescent!
Due to continued expansion, an opportunity for a Senior Façade Designer has arisen in our busy design department. Full job description shown above.
If you think you could meet the challenge, please send your CV and details of salary expectations to sales@centuryfacades.co.uk
Great work by Luke, Raja and the team at our £5.6m Albion Wharf project, scaffold strike underway, job looking fantastic, happy client!
Century start 2019 with the announcement of three new members to the team:
The Century team extends a warm welcome to Helder, Akshat, and Kiyomi Denise, and wishes them every success in their new roles.
Project image shown: work in progress at Bollo Lane, Chiswick
This year's chair of judges was Century director, Graham Hackley, seen here on stage at the Roundhouse in Camden, a stunning venue for the 2018 Glass Supper held on 6th December.
Century is delighted to announce two new appointments to the team;
Jack McCormack - Contracts Manager
Daryl Bowd - Supply Chain Buyer
Full details of Century management and team structure can be provided on request.
The Century team were delighted to secure their biggest ever contract, a £20m façade package for a new high-rise residential development in Central Croydon.
The scheme located close to East Croydon Station, consists of two joined towers of 38 and 44 storey’s. The method of construction is modular (off-site) with this scheme being the tallest of its kind throughout Europe.
This joint development by Greystar Properties and Tide will house 546 apartments, social areas, retail and commercial space, plus café and art gallery.
The main façade design includes a stunning green unique designed terracotta cladding, GRC, curtain walling, windows, doors, glazed balustrades and feature metalwork. Century has commenced the design phase, and plan to start on site early 2019.
Some of the Century team along with other contractors attended an ILM (Institute of leadership & management) course hosted by United Living, with whom we are currently working at South Thames College.
Century's Holloway Road project is nearing completion, absolutely first class installation of Corium brick slips!
Century Facades is fully committed to training at all levels throughout the business. Here are some of our guys on site undergoing a manual handling course.
Century Facades has been appointed by Tide Construction to carry out the contract to design, supply and install aluminium curtain walling, feature metal work, and balustrades. With the project being based on volumetric construction, Century has also supplied and installed aluminium windows to modular units off site. Window installation is already underway, site works are due to commence early 2019. Century's contract value is £3.7m
Century Facades hosted a team get together and summer party in August at High Rocks in Tunbridge Wells, set in the beautiful Kent countryside alongside a local railway line, complete with visiting steam trains on the hour! Everyone had a fantastic day, wonderful setting, good company, great humour, and truly a day to remember!
Century's co-owner Graham Hackley has been given the honour of Chairman of Facade 2018, the latest iteration of the SFE's international competition designed to reward and promote excellence in the key discipline of facade design, engineering and application.
The competition is created, managed and judged by some of the world’s leading exponents of façade engineering including Graham. The FAÇADE competition is increasingly regarded as a serious and highly desirable accolade. This years competition will be held at the highly prestigious and exclusive Glass Supper and an audience of some of the World’s leading architects and building engineers. For this year the event takes place on Thursday 6th December at The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm, Camden, London.
We were pleased to gain a new client in the shape of Galliford Try Partnerships, securing a £2.2m contract for phase two at Great Eastern Quays, Royal Docks in East London.
The scheme for end user client Notting Hill Housing Partnership, consists of several low level residential blocks with a total of 468 new homes.
Century has been appointed to carry out the complete design, supply and installation of the bespoke architectural metalwork package. Century has commenced the design phase, and plan to start on site autumn 2018.
Wharf House
Medway Wharf Road
Tonbridge
Kent TN9 1RE