Sheffield based Panel Systems, developer QED Sustainable Urban Developments and offsite manufacturer CargoTek, have worked together to alleviate the level of homelessness in Ealing, with homes built from former shipping containers that feature attractive facades manufactured from Aluglaze panels.
The development of 60 units, known as Meath Court, Hope Gardens, provides safe, comfortable accommodation for nearly 290 people in Ealing. The joint project between QED and the local council is the latest step to address the need for emergency housing in the capital.
Ealing Council has 2242 households residing in temporary accommodation and a steady decline in the availability of suitable options. Hope Gardens was previously an underused brownfield site which has been identified for long term redevelopment post 2024. QED has invested £4.3 million in the construction of Meath Court, whilst Ealing Council covers the rent costs.
The units were built offsite by CargoTek, the specialist subcontractor of shipping container buildings, to meet a strict deadline. As well as the temporary homes, Meath Court also includes a communal space, onsite management office, laundry and refuse storage. All aspects of the development were constructed in 24 weeks.
Specified by QED, Panel Systems supplied 144 Aluglaze panels with externally projecting trays. The manufacturer fabricated the panels with a high performance insulation core to achieve a 0.35 W/m2K U Value.
The Aluglaze panels were supplied in five main colours, each of which was specified in various shades including three tones of green, blue and red and two tones of orange and yellow. Each block features one colour in the varying shades, achieving a dark to light rainbow effect.
Ross Gilbert, Managing Director of QED Sustainable Urban Developments said: “We originally looked at using opaque coloured glass to achieve the rainbow effect, however these would not provide the U Values required to ensure the homes were energy efficient. The extensive range of Aluglaze colours and finishes, along with Panel System’s fabricating capabilities, meant we were not only given a better choice of shades and a more premium finish, but the panels also provide better insulation and energy efficiency.”
He adds: “Panel Systems ticked all of the boxes for us. The company went out of their way to ensure that the panels reached us within a tight timeframe. The company’s excellent machining facilities also meant each panel was delivered cut to shape, rebated and ready to install.”
A spokesperson for Panel Systems said: “Aluglaze panels are popular for use on a number of applications, but we haven’t seen them specified for anything quite as unique as the Meath Court development. However, there is demand from offsite manufacturers for insulated panels and we expect to see specification of the material rise within this sector. Aluglaze panels are an ideal choice for the units at Meath Court as the powder coated surface can withstand harsh exterior elements, such as UV light and wind driven rain. This means the vibrant rainbow façade will retain its aesthetics for many years to come.”
Aluglaze is an insulated glazing infill panel comprising polyester coated aluminium bonded to a high performance insulation core and then balanced with either steel or aluminium. The premium quality panel is typically specified when aesthetic considerations are paramount.
The panels are vacuum bonded using the latest adhesive technology ensuring they match the life span of its intended application. Aluglaze panels are available in a wide choice of colours and designs, including matt and gloss shades which all enhance a building’s aesthetic appeal.
A leading manufacturer of architectural, decorative and composite panels, Panel Systems offers a full range of architectural panel solutions which utilise a range of facing materials including aluminium, steel, GRP and high pressure laminates. With its own CAD service and extensive CNC machining capabilities, Panel Systems can also offer bespoke shapes and engraved options.
