Watermark Place is located beside the River Thames close to the heart of the Financial District of London. The development offers 12 storeys of high quality office space and boasts the largest public riverside area in the city, being host to multiple cafes, bars and restaurants.

Sustainability and maintaining the vast heritage of the site were key fundamentals for the Main Contractor during the construction. The building went on to win the London Civil Engineers Merit Award 2009 for its minimal impact on the environment.

Clear Line was appointed as façade installer on the project. The project consisted of four interlinked individual buildings. There were a number of different curtain wall systems used including; double skin façades, atria glazing and customised wooden brise soleil louvers. The sun shades were made of special Canadian Cedar and were required to be handled with the utmost care in order not to stain or damage them in anyway before installation.

The inspiration for the cladding was taken from the location and the Architects vision of keeping the maritime theme throughout. The mottled cladding was devised by using a computer fragmentation of water images. A specialist glass was then used to create colour to the outside of the building by reflecting its surroundings. The sophisticated glass also helped to shade and thermally protect the interior of the building. All of this was possible without compromising the spectacular riverside views.

There were many technical challenges: some panels were 8 metres long and installation of the internal cladding for the Fire Station building had significant access issues. Clear Line solved this by designing bespoke access and lifting solutions. To get the materials in the correct position for fixing involved hoisting them down the entire length of the facade. They were then lifted near to the elevation with the tower crane and a vacuum lifter was attached to the inside of the unit. The vacuum lifter was suspended from a chain block via a temporary suspension plate within the building. This was then manipulated along the elevation into its final install position ready to be fixed in place. Approximately 20 panels were installed via this method.

The entire installation process was lengthy but was completed successfully, on time and to programme.

Clear Line is an experienced façade installer and can offer entire building envelope solutions across the nation.

Please Contact Us to find out more.