Unique fascia and soffit system in Llandrindod Wells supplied by Drain Center and Alutec

Leading professionals in new fascia and soffit system which are supplied byexpert drainage and utilities products provider, Drain Center in partnership with Alutec, has been installed on the new Combined Services Centre for Police, Fire Brigade and Magistrates’ Court building in Llandrindod Wells.

Drain Center and Alutec, a leading provider of aluminium rainwater guttering, plumbing and drainage systems, worked with architects and project managers to design a bespoke system using cutting edge materials that offered savings on both the material and installation cost, while maintaining the required durability and visual appearance, compared with the originally specified product.

The innovative fascia and soffit system is made from ACP (aluminium composite panels), a sandwich of two thin layers of pre-painted aluminium between a core of recycled polypropylene, achieving a flat and ridged panel.

ACP has a proven track record of over 30 years, having been used as cladding on some of the world’s most prestigious buildings.

The material is kinder to the environment than other comparable materials because the inner core is made from recycled polyethylene and is 100 per cent recyclable at the end of its life.

Traditionally, in order to achieve a flat and ridged panel, soffits and fascias of this size would be made from sheet aluminium 3mm thick and then painted after fabrication. ACP material is pre-painted and uses 65 per cent less aluminium, achieving a 4mm thick ridged, flat and durable material, superior to that of pure sheet aluminium.

Another feature of ACP means although it is fabricated to the required profile at the factory, it can be easily cut, drilled and folded on site, using only traditional carpentry tools. This allows complicated features to be fabricated on site, reducing off site fabrication and dimensional errors.

Steve Carver, regional key account manager at Drain Center, said: “Drain Center, working with Alutec, was delighted to be part of this project. It is a great example of where Drain Center has managed yet again to save the customer a significant amount of money and add value through its extensive list of suppliers.”

Tony Wereszczynski, technical director, Alutec said: “We aren’t aware of any other manufacturer that can offer ACP fascia and soffit systems - we’ve seen them used for rain screens and prestigious building cladding, but not applied like this.

“It has exactly the same durability and longevity of traditional systems, but with the added advantage lower material and installation cost. Alutec’s advantage is that it holds a huge amount of stock, with materials available in nine colours.”

The building will house Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed Powys Police and a Magistrate’s Court. Design work on the building’s fascia and soffit system began 18 months ago and installation finishes this week.