Project Information
Value: £53 million
Architect: Falconer Chester Hall
Main Contractor: Bridgestone Construction
Subcontractor: HG Fairhurst Plastering
Products used: Knauf Through Wall, Windliner, SFS, Internal Metalwork, Soundshield Plus, Fireline Panel, Moisture Panel Standard Plasterboard, Core Boards, Acoustic Mastic, Airless Finish, Knauf Insulation.
Project Details
Dock 5 is a new private development built by ForLiving homes featuring three blocks, the highest being 8-storeys. It is part of a wider scheme to regenerate the Ordsall corridor, linking Manchester City Centre with Salford Quays. The development comprises 394 apartments and townhouses, offering residents the use of luxury communal facilities including a waterfront lounge, cinema room and gym.
Designed by architects Falconer Chester Hall, Dock 5 is being built in response to the increasing number of commuters and young people relocating to Ordsall, giving them the option to experience luxury urban living. This is a unique project, the likes of which are currently rarely seen in Greater Manchester.
Several Knauf systems and products have been employed in the construction of Dock 5. The external walls were created with the complete Knauf ThroughWall system, including Knauf SFS and Knauf Windliner.
Knauf offers a full system performance warranty for its BBA certified ThroughWall system, one of the reasons for its specification for this project by specialist contractor HG Fairhurst, along with confidence in the quality of Knauf products and their good value. HG Fairhurst Plastering worked closely with the Knauf Technical Team on the ThroughWall design for Dock 5.
The flexibility offered by the Knauf product range allows for various options of system build-ups to be achieved while meeting structural, fire, thermal and acoustic regulatory requirements.
Knauf was also specified for the internal partitions, drylining and plastering for the project. This also included all internal metalwork, standard wallboard and Knauf high performance boards, including Soundshield Plus, Moisture Panel, Fire Panel and Core Board.
Steve Meredith, Director of HG Fairhurst Plastering, commented: “Knauf’s Technical Team were particularly helpful when I contacted them with queries about plasterboard and internal partitions. I found their technical support to be a real bonus.”
The scheme for the build was traditional plaster but Knauf Airless Finish, a spray applied alternative to traditional plaster, was also used in at least 80 units. Knauf provided onsite training for the HG Fairhurst Plastering team on how to apply the product.
Steve remarked: “The Knauf trainer showed HG Fairhurst operatives how to use the Airless spray machine. It was a great experience, and we were really impressed with the finish.” Similarly enthusiastic, main contractor, Bridgestone indicated they would like to roll out Knauf Airless Finish on new schemes moving forward.
The first phase of these bespoke modern apartments for rent began welcoming residents in October 2021, with the whole project due to complete in 2022.