A full Knauf system specification is being used in a landmark development on the site of the former Athletes’ Village in Stratford that was a centrepiece of the 2012 London Olympics. Now known as East Village, the site already accommodates more than 6,000 residents across 2,818 homes.
The first element of phase two involves constructing two residential towers of 30 and 26 storeys which will contain a total of 482 apartments. The project is unique as it involves using the innovative “jump factory” method. The self-contained factory is constructed around the outside of the new building. Inside, the residential tower is constructed floor by floor and when one is completed, the factory is ‘jumped’ up 3.3m to the floor above to repeat the process, revealing the completed building below.
Main contractor Mace appointed subcontractors Conneely and AT Plastering to complete the drywalling and plastering elements of the project and chose to use Knauf Fill & Finish, Knauf Joint Filler, Knauf Airless Finish and Knauf Plasterboards as a full system specification.
Dean Phillips of Conneely said: “I always use the full Knauf system for projects so was already familiar with using the products. I find the spray plaster very quick and easy to apply.
“A representative from Knauf always comes to visit us on site to provide assistance with the product application. They are able to provide us with clear, easy to understand information and I’ve not had any problems with using the full Knauf system specification.
“Overall, using Knauf was a good experience from start to finish in East Village and I’d definitely use them again for my next project.”
Andrew Mansfield from AT Plastering agreed. “Normally for a project this size you’d need 30-40 plasterers, but using the Knauf system we only need 15 spray plasterers. There is also no need to have the typical 6-8 labourers to clear up wastage as using Knauf Airless Finish means there is almost zero waste”.
He added: “It’s also much easier to use compared to traditional plastering methods. The fact it is pre-mixed is a big plus for us as normally you’d have to wait for around two weeks after plastering before painters can come on site due to the cold temperatures and moisture associated with completing a construction job during the winter months.”
Knauf Airless Finish only requires ventilation and a little bit of heat whereas traditional plaster requires all the moisture to be drawn out before paint can be applied. The spray plaster method allows us to expedite the whole process and helps reduce overall costs for projects due to the savings gained from reduced time and labour.”
Manufactured from crushed and milled marble together with polymer and organic binders, Knauf Readymixed Finishing Solutions eliminate the need for a direct water supply on site. The significant reduction in product wastage is achieved through the ability to recycle any excess plaster back into the hopper to be used again.
“It’s definitely the way forward,” says Andrew.
East Village is due to be completed next year and Get Living London will manage the apartments upon completion.
To discover more on how the Knauf Technical Services Team can assist with your next project, call 0800 030 4135 or alternatively email technical@knauf.co.uk.
