The solution
LockMetal developed a bespoke aluminium canopy assembly incorporating supporting frames and intermediate rails, with stone-effect polyester powder-coated (PPC) aluminium cladding to the visible faces. This translated the original design intent into an alternative assembly that could be fabricated to suit the project's requirements.
The material choice offered practical advantages beyond appearance. Compared with the originally specified GRC, aluminium provided a lighter solution, with potential benefits for handling, lifting and installation. Its fabrication flexibility also enabled bespoke components to accommodate complex geometries, including corners, returns and junctions, alongside the supports and interfaces required by the building.
The stone-effect PPC finish was central to maintaining the architectural vision. It provided a consistent, controlled appearance across the canopy faces, complementing the surrounding façade while allowing the stone-effect aesthetic to be achieved with an aluminium assembly.
With the original GRC solution no longer practical within the remaining programme and budget, the aluminium alternative offered a more controllable manufacturing route. Factory fabrication enabled components to be produced to the required dimensions and detailed around the relevant interfaces ahead of installation.
The canopies and window surrounds were developed alongside the wider façade package, allowing LockMetal's design and production teams to coordinate detailing across the different elements and resolve junctions between components.
Results
LockMetal delivered a bespoke aluminium canopy solution that addressed Hill Partnerships' programme and budget constraints while preserving the intended stone-effect architectural aesthetic.
Rather than simply replacing GRC with another material, the team developed a coordinated assembly that addressed the practical requirements of fabrication and installation while retaining the original design intent. The solution combined the lower weight and fabrication flexibility of aluminium with a finish designed to complement the surrounding architecture.
Across the wider development, the coordinated package brought together window surrounds, spandrel panels, canopies and associated architectural components in a cohesive façade treatment. The result reflects the importance of detailed design and interface coordination when delivering a complex package of bespoke architectural elements.
The project demonstrates LockMetal's ability to respond to changing construction requirements with technically considered, commercially practical solutions.
The challenge
The canopies and window surrounds needed to preserve the architectural vision while addressing the practical constraints that had made the original GRC specification unworkable.
This was more complex than simply substituting one material for another. The new solution had to maintain the intended stone-effect aesthetic, complement the surrounding façade and accommodate the structural supports, junctions and interfaces required for manufacture and installation.
It also needed to integrate with the wider façade package, where consistent finishes and carefully coordinated detailing were essential across multiple building elements.
Products delivered
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Window surrounds: Stone-effect aluminium headers, jambs, cills, corner pieces, joint straps and support angles.
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Spandrel and façade panels: Stone-effect aluminium panels coordinated with the surrounding elevations.
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Entrance canopies: Bespoke assemblies incorporating supporting frames, intermediate rails and stone-effect aluminium cladding.
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Cappings and soffits: Aluminium components detailed to suit the building's architectural features and interfaces.
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Column casings and entrance surrounds: Bespoke elements contributing to the finish across key façade features.
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Balcony fascias and headers: Components coordinated with adjacent façade details.
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Door heads and interface flashings: Fabricated details resolving junctions between components.
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Rainwater goods: Aluminium gutters, hoppers, downpipes and associated components.
A bespoke aluminium façade package, including stone-effect entrance canopies developed as an alternative to the originally specified GRC.
Client
Hill Partnerships
Location
Canalside Park, Oxford
Package size
Approx. £1.6 million
Oxford North Phase 3
Other projects
Overview
For Phase 3 of the Oxford North development at Canalside Park, Oxford, LockMetal delivered a bespoke architectural aluminium package for Hill Partnerships. Valued at approximately £1.6 million, the package encompassed window surrounds, spandrel panels, entrance canopies and a range of associated façade details.
A key challenge emerged when the originally specified glass-reinforced concrete (GRC) entrance canopies and window surrounds became impractical within the remaining programme and budget. LockMetal developed an alternative aluminium solution that retained the intended stone-effect appearance while offering a more manageable approach to fabrication and installation.