FASTCLAD
ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS LTD
FASTCLAD BUILDING, GRANITE CLOSE
ENDERBY
LEICESTER
LEICESTERSHIRE LE19 4AE
Tel: 0116 272 5133
Fax:
Suppliers of: Brick Slip Rainscreen Cladding Systems, Brick Slips, Brick Panels, Brick Cladding
FASTCLAD BRICK SLIP CLADDING SYSTEM & BRICK FABRICATIONS
Advanced Construction Systems Ltd (ACS), is a leading manufacturer of innovative building products which have been developed in response to the increasing demands for modern methods of construction.
Specialists in brick cutting and fabrication, the company manufactures the FastClad Brick Slip Systems alongside masonry and fabrication operations.
Our professional team will work with you to identify the optimum solution for your project, be it architectural brick features, brick faced balconies, soffits or cladding for a whole building envelope.
Our FastClad products come in two options:
- FastClad for low rise applications
- FastClad A2 for unrestricted use over 18m, including residential, hospitals, student accommodation and care homes.
Fully BBA Certified for your confidence and with a 20 year pedigree, FastClad is the first choice for brick cladding systems.
FastClad for low rise applications:
FastClad can be used unrestrictedly below 18m in England and Wales and below 11m in Scotland, plus on certain projects over 18m where Building Regulations allow. FastClad has been manufactured and installed since 1999 and possess a Classification of Reaction of Fire Performance of B,s1-d0.
The FastClad systems are proven prefabricated brick slip cladding solutions, enabling external and internal masonry to be assembled with speed and efficiency, without the need for specialist tradesmen. Standard FastClad use is for developments below 18m in England and Wales, plus below 11m in Scotland. Suitable for both new-build and refurbishment, FastClad can be manufactured from most types of brick and can also incorporate other types of masonry. It can create an exciting individualistic finish or blend seamlessly with existing facades. It is factory finished, packaged and delivered to site ready for installation, which can take place in most weather conditions.
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Standard FastClad is classified B- s1, d0 for Reaction to Fire.
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Use is restricted to below 18m on certain projects.
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Hard and Soft Body Impact suitable for public areas.
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Installed on timber or steel support structures.
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Overall Thickness generally 32mm.
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Installed system weight typically 53kg/m2 pointed.
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FastClad B has been assessed to have a minimum 60 year service life.
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Thermal Conductivity 0.26w/mk
FastClad A2 for construction above 18m:
FastClad A2 can be used unrestrictedly above 18m, having been developed and tested to meet the latest fire regulations possessing a classification of reaction to fire performance of A2, s1-d0.
FastClad A2 offers a solution for full envelope brick cladding to residential units, care homes, hospitals, student accommodation and dormitories over 18m. Lightweight factory fitted real brick facades for offsite volumetric or panelised modern methods of construction. Real brick soffits with the confidence of BBA Certification and an experienced team of engineers. The ability to reduce loads in cantilevered situations such as balconies gives designers the freedom to incorporate brickwork without heavy engineering. Adding floors to existing buildings is a highly economic solution to adding value and floorspace without compromising the buildings aesthetic. Forming complicated and non structural brickwork features without the need of skilled labour.
Suitable for both new-build and refurbishment, FastClad can be manufactured from most types of brick and can also incorporate other types of masonry. It can create an exciting individualistic finish or blend seamlessly with existing facades. It is factory finished, packaged and delivered to site ready for installation, which can take place in most weather conditions.
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FastClad A2 is classified A2- s1, d0 for Reaction to Fire.
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Meets Building regulations for use over 18m.
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Hard and Soft Body Impact suitable for public areas.
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Installed on steel support structures.
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Suitable for use up to 42m anywhere in the UK.
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Overall Thickness nominally 32mm
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Installed system weight typically 53kg/m2 pointed.
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FastClad A2 has been assessed to have a minimum 60 year service life.
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Thermal Conductivity 0.19W/mK.
Further Technical Information is available to download from the BPi download library or from the Manufacturer’s own website.
Critical Role of Safe Cladding: How FastClad A2 Meets Regulatory and Safety Challeng
The Critical Role of Safe Cladding: How FastClad A2 Meets Regulatory and Safety Challenges
Recent reforms in cladding safety standards have made it clear that addressing unsafe materials in buildings is no longer optional. The UK Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan sets a definitive timeline for ensuring that all high-rise buildings are remediated by 2029. Building owners who fail to meet these deadlines face serious consequences, including potential imprisonment. In this climate, ACS’s FastClad A2 offers a cutting-edge solution that not only complies with these rigorous safety standards but also supports the construction industry in meeting critical deadlines.
The Current Landscape: Regulatory Deadlines and Accountability
According to the Government's Remediation Acceleration Plan, the UK is working to increase the pace of cladding remediation, ensuring that unsafe cladding systems are removed from buildings over 18 metres. This initiative is designed to protect residents, prevent financial burdens on leaseholders, and create a safer built environment. Reports from Sky News and Building Design echo this urgency, with the Government’s firm stance on holding building owners accountable.
Developers, contractors, and architects must now prioritise adopting compliant, fire-rated materials that ensure both safety and peace of mind for building occupants. The onus is on the industry to replace outdated systems with innovative products that meet stringent regulations.
Why FastClad A2?
FastClad A2 is uniquely positioned to address these challenges, providing a compliant and efficient solution for the construction industry.
A2 Fire Rating for Safety Assurance
Fully compliant with regulations for buildings over 18 metres, FastClad A2 boasts an A2 fire safety rating. This non-combustible system ensures that residents, developers, and architects alike can trust its performance and reliability.
Lightweight and Flexible Design
FastClad A2’s lightweight structure significantly reduces the load on buildings, making it ideal for retrofitting older properties or integrating into new builds. It enables the addition of non-structural brick features without requiring heavy engineering, supporting applications such as cantilevered balconies and additional storeys.
Sustainable and Cost-Effective
By combining real brick facades with modern construction methods, FastClad A2 reduces material waste and accelerates project timelines. Its factory-manufactured boards deliver consistent quality while minimising the need for skilled on-site labour, resulting in lower costs for developers.
Seamless Aesthetic Integration
The system offers the appearance of traditional brickwork while meeting modern safety standards. Whether applied to residential, commercial, or public buildings, FastClad A2 harmonises aesthetic appeal with the highest safety benchmarks.
Bridging the Gap Between Safety and Innovation
The iNews report highlights the profound impact unsafe cladding has on residents, from financial stress to safety concerns. FastClad A2 addresses these issues directly, offering a compliant, aesthetically pleasing, and practical solution. By aligning with the Government’s commitment to remediating buildings, it supports industry stakeholders in achieving compliance while avoiding penalties.
Conclusion: Shaping a Safer Future
As the 2029 remediation deadline approaches, the construction industry must adopt innovative solutions like FastClad A2 to meet regulatory requirements efficiently and effectively. FastClad A2 not only aligns with the UK Government's Remediation Acceleration Plan but also demonstrates how safety, sustainability, and design excellence can go hand in hand.
For building owners, developers, and architects, choosing FastClad A2 is more than a regulatory measure—it’s a commitment to protecting lives and ensuring a resilient, future-ready built environment.
Fastclad - Plumbers Row Penthouse Project
Overview
The Plumbers Row project in Whitechapel, London, involved the ambitious addition of seven penthouse apartments atop an existing block. This innovative development combined architectural excellence with structural ingenuity, showcasing how modern materials and construction methods can be utilised to expand urban living spaces while maintaining aesthetic and structural integrity.
Structural Challenges and Solutions
Adding multiple levels to an existing structure presented unique challenges, including accommodating increased loads and ensuring aesthetic compatibility with the existing building. Metsec’s lightweight structural steel frame was chosen as the primary construction method, offering the strength and flexibility required for the project while minimising additional weight.
To manage the increased loads from the new apartments, additional steel columns were installed internally within the existing structure. These columns transferred some of the new loading down to new foundation pads at ground level, ensuring stability and compliance with structural standards.
Brickwork and Cladding
The external façade was designed with a combination of materials that balanced durability, aesthetics, and modern design sensibilities. FastClad Brick Slip Systems played a crucial role in achieving this. The project utilised Caprice Mirato Stock bricks to ensure a seamless integration with the surrounding architectural style.
Key features of FastClad used in the project:
Special External Angles and Soffit Returns: FastClad bricks were precisely cut and bonded to form intricate external angles and soffit returns, allowing the design to maintain clean lines and consistent aesthetics.
Brick Soffits: Lightweight yet durable brick soffits were integrated into the design, showcasing FastClad’s capability to create non-structural features that mimic are indistinguishable from traditional masonry.
Pre-Bonded Panels: Factory-bonded panels enabled efficient installation with no on site bonding, reducing the time and labour required on-site.
Complementary Features
To enhance the modern appearance of the building, the brick façade was complemented with aluminium powder-coated panels. The combination of brick slips and metal cladding provided a contemporary yet timeless look, ensuring the new penthouse apartments harmonised with their urban surroundings.
Conclusion
The Plumbers Row project is an excellent example of how FastClad can be integrated into complex urban developments, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Its lightweight design and innovative features allowed the architects and contractors to overcome significant structural challenges while delivering a high-quality finish. This project highlights FastClad as a go-to solution for lightweight, efficient, and attractive building facades.
