Providing the expert envelope

The offsite sector is underpinned by precision designed and manufactured components and systems. Heath Hindmarch, Chairman of PSP Group describes how façade and rainscreen cladding solutions produced in a factory environment are increasingly being sought after for their aesthetics and reliability. 

Offsite methods continue to dominate the construction headlines. Its cost, reliability and speed benefits are better understood than ever before and this is quickly filtering down to construction clients and specifiers of facade systems and those requiring a building envelope solution that can be delivered efficiently and effectively. It is now so critically important to provide a more quality-driven and sustainable built environment. There have been huge technical developments in cladding solutions in recent years and with architects and building designers demanding a more aesthetic element to the building envelope, an architectural approach is now an essential part of the mix, as well as a quality product that can be used across a complex array of building typologies.

We have made large investments in recent years and have positioned ourselves as a single point of procurement for bespoke full envelope solutions. As a leading manufacturer in our field, we understand the importance of working closely with architects, clients, customers and suppliers to build long-lasting working relationships that allow us to provide the very best engineered solutions. Over the last 20 years we have developed vast knowledge and deep understanding of what the right solutions are for each building. Experience is everything and we feel that maintaining practical capability throughout the whole design and manufacturing processes enhances the complete client experience. 

To reap the full rewards of offsite manufacture it is essential that early supply chain engagement takes place.  

We are increasingly being asked to get involved with projects following an offsite approach and it is at this stage that the advice and guidance given to the project partners is invaluable. From the early design stages and advanced manufacturing processes, to the final delivery, using a highly experienced team that can truly appreciate how to bring a new dimension to your building and turn an architectural concept into an engineering reality is so important. 

Engaging with an expert supplier means that any problems can be overcome very easily within the factory and before site work begins – site problems can cost time and money. Detailing and potential interface issues can be avoided so there is a cohesive approach towards thermal and acoustic insulation and address important issues surrounding fire and combustibility. Working in collaboration with the supply chain at the early design stages assists in achieving a truly outstanding facade solution that meets all aesthetic and technical requirements. A design driven strategy is at the forefront of all our operations, ensuring that innovation and quality are at the core of our systems. We design, manufacture and supply a massive range of products including rainscreen cladding, specialist fabrications, solar shading and facade support systems using a range of different metals to meet our customers' bespoke requirements. Because of this, for the best results it is imperative to choose  a specialist manufacturer. 

Our 45,000ft² advanced manufacturing facility in County Durham, which neighbours our 25,000ft² aluminium factory, has capacity to handle large schemes with the latest manufacturing and fabrication technology and incorporates stateof-the-art machinery and processing equipment. Supporting our production facilities, we also have a design office that utilises computer-aided design and drafting software such as Inventor and AutoCAD to ensure we are fully BIM-ready, deliver better productivity, faster performance and expanded interoperability to the whole project team. 

By utilising our technical skills and ability, along with a forward-thinking approach, we are confident that we bring a quality, costeffective solution, that is considerate of the time-sensitive nature of the construction industry and the increasingly challenging design and engineering landscape. Every client and project require specific façade solutions that are tailored to their individual needs, which is why each of our products is designed with the client in mind. As an aid to this we design and manufacture a comprehensive range of integrated metal rainscreen facade systems that can be adapted to suit specific client needs to provide a visually stylish solution for almost any building.

Achieving rapid installation times, material choices include aluminium, composite, zinc, COR-TEN®, stainless steel and many others. Our systems have been CWCT tested ensuring they meet rigorous industry standards and are resilient to extreme weather conditions. 

We recognise that the external envelope can carry a number of different systems incorporating various renders, brick or acrylic brick slips, but we specialise and have the ability to achieve exacting tolerances on custom-made items such as steel support structures and curved profiles and have previously developed the manufacture of solid steel bars utilising a five-axis CNC solution. As a company, we truly understand the relationship between aesthetics and the practicalities of site installation, material choice and the importance of joint selection in order to achieve successful completion of any bespoke feature or design. At PSP Group we value the process of becoming a trusted member of the supply chain, and our highquality product designs focus on sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

As we begin to get more involved in offsite specification our embedded design for manufacture and assembly(DfMA) techniques also guarantee a premium product, reliability and ease of installation across many different construction sectors and building footprints.

For more information visit: www.pspuk.com