Two renowned Alumasc brands, Harmer and Wade, were recently specified and installed for a new striking residential development in London.
Newfoundland Tower, also known as “The Diamond Tower”, due to its unique diamond shape and diagonal structure, is a build-to-rent development in Canary Wharf, London. Harmer SML Cast Iron above ground, and Wade gullies and linear drainage were installed to provide an effective water management solution.
The Harmer SML lightweight cast iron pipework system is dry-jointed, BBA & Kitemark certified, and has a proven track record in above-ground drainage. With its comprehensive range of fittings and accessories, Harmer SML is the ideal soil and waste system for above and below-ground drainage, including rainwater installations, and is fully compatible with other Harmer and Wade drainage products.
“Harmer was chosen primarily for its longevity,” said Gary Zumeris - Area Sales Manager – Harmer SML, South. “It’s also easy to install and has excellent acoustic qualities. It’s a very quiet system, which is especially good in apartments or other high-density housing as you can’t hear fluids flowing down the pipes.
“The Harmer system was also chosen for its fire-resistant properties, which is an important aspect, due to current legislation. Cast iron is highly specified in London currently, where most buildings incorporate cast iron for increased fire safety.”
Harmer SML has the highest product reaction to fire classification possible, which is A1 for BS EN 13501-1, as well as a system fire classification of A2 for BS EN 13823 Single Burning Item A2, s1-d0.
Wade gullies and channels were also specified for this project. Installers Estuary Plant chose a bespoke Wade Stainless Steel channel system, as it not only fit the design brief but is also easy to maintain, highly durable and does not discolour. The complex design of the development however, meant installing Wade channels were a challenge.
“Wade channelling was very technical and difficult to install because we had different grates and shapes in the ground,” said Brian Holden-Earl, Area Sales Manager, “The drains were long and complex, so it was technically challenging but a brilliant job to be involved in.
“I don’t think there’s anybody in the market that could’ve competed with Wade in this context of design and technical support, because of the challenges that the project posed.”
Wade is as a leading manufacturer of quality drainage products with over 50 years’ experience. It offers a comprehensive range of floor gullies, including the Wade Stainless Steel Channels, which are available in a range of standard and bespoke designs, including faceted and curved channel systems.
The finished installation was well received by the installers: “They know we make excellent products,” Brian concluded. “We installed a great quality product, and we are very competitive in the industry.”
The 58-storey building comprises 636 new apartments and includes residential amenity areas, restaurants and retail units. The development recently won the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) Award of Excellence – Best Tall Building 200-299m.
