explore the BusinessNet
Hot Potato
Story
Potato Wharf in Manchester is a resplendent example of innovation blended with tradition. These two new residential apartment blocks comprising one and two-bedroomed apartments, were designed by MBLA Architects to complement the surrounding environment and to meet the highest possible contemporary construction standards. An eye-catching feature on the exterior of the blocks is the Douglas Fir cladding, with Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus coating used for both protection of the bare timber and for its aesthetic enhancement.
Colours dominate the two eight-storey high structures which are located in the Castlefield district of Manchester city centre overlooking the vast canal network that intertwines the city. These historic waterways have dictated the design of the blocks, with deep grey facades blending with the nearby iron bridges and splashes of colour on the exterior walls reminiscent of traditional canal barges.
The architects chose Douglas Fir cladding for its aesthetic appeal, and in order to provide maximum protection to the cladding Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus was specified as the optimum solution. “Cetol offered the best match to the bare timber and one that would accommodate the material's natural weathering,” comments Marie Gartland, Project Manager at MBLA. “Additionally, the environmental credentials of the coating matched our very stringent requirements, helping us to attain a very good Eco-Homes rating for this exclusive development.”
Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus is water based alkyd/acrylic coating which absorbs into the timber surface, offering full protection against the damaging effects of sunlight and weathering, and allows the flexibility necessary for the natural movement of timber.
The result is a stunning front faÇade for the two blocks that comprise Potato Wharf, with the eye catching Douglas Fir cladding enjoying protection and longevity assured by the Cetol coating for many years to come.
