Permasteelisa Group completes stunning façade at London College of Communication, University of the Arts

Permasteelisa Group has successfully completed its work on the cutting-edge façade for a new 12-storey building for the London College of Communication, University of the Arts London (UAL).

Brought to life by the company’s Italian division, Permasteelisa S.p.A., and installed by Permasteelisa Group colleagues in the UK – working closely with main contractor Multiplex, the bespoke 15,700 sqm façade is made from Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) unitised panels and incorporates a range of features to enhance aesthetics, energy efficiency and comfort.

Part of the Elephant & Castle town centre development, the façade was the vision of architect Allies & Morrison. The inspiration for its horizontal and vertical masonry grid was the traditional wooden cases used to store printers’ letterpress type. Designers and engineers carried out specialist research to develop the bespoke solution, which incorporates unique curtain wall detailing and a dynamic system to manage ventilation in the building. At every stage, façade elements were rigorously tested and verified through mock-ups and advanced computational analysis to ensure all performance targets were met.

Michael Waters, Project Director for Multiplex, comments: “To say the experience has been anything but enjoyable, fun, and hugely satisfying would be a wholly unfair statement.

“It’s hard for me to convey just how we feel about the design, manufacture and installation of the façade itself. It’s been an absolute privilege to work alongside Permasteelisa Group.”

Permasteelisa Group’s CEO, Liam Cummins, adds: “UAL is a real demonstration of partnering and what can be achieved with extraordinary teams working together.

“Well done to every single member of our talented team who played their part in this project.”

UAL’s London College of Communication seeks to transform the world by discovering new possibilities in creative communications, and it needed a building to match. The college’s new 12-storey, dynamic building over Elephant & Castle Underground Station will be home to 5,000 students and 500 staff, providing an inspirational, flexible environment for teaching. In addition to cutting-edge learning spaces, the building will house training and conference facilities, a Student Union, the renowned Kubrick Archive, and exhibition and event spaces open to the general public.