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Case Study

Permavent Skytech Pro XL membrane and Easy Slate were specified on one of the most complex roofs ever constructed in London.

Lucent W1, Piccadilly

Designed by Fletcher Priest Architects, Lucent W1 is a mixed use retrofit development uniting 13 buildings behind the iconic Lights of Piccadilly Circus in London’s West End. Providing more than 13,000 square metres of retail, restaurants, offices and residential space, the project retains and celebrates the historical aesthetics of the build. For decades the structure remained empty, but now all units are occupied under a landmark ‘folded’ roofscape made of slate, zinc and hot melt systems.

View products used in project

Location

Central Piccadilly, London

Requirements

Permavent Ltd engaged at design stage with the architect, Wates Group & Westminster Building Control, to assist with the complex pitched roof elevations on Lucent W1. The fire rating of all roofing systems was closely vetted, with A-rated materials selected throughout, which included natural roofing slate, stone wool insulation and fire-treated roofing battens. Permavent were able to complement this design by specifying an A-rated vapour-permeable membrane Skytech PRO XL as the roofing underlay.

Why Permavent was chosen

In addition to its fire rating, Skytech PRO XL was selected for its behaviour in relation to UV. Several roofing elevations on Lucent W1 were constructed off-site, with membrane and battens installed onto timber cassettes months before being transported to central London. Skytech PRO XL offers an additional 6 months UV stability compared to traditional roofing underlays, which aided the extended project programme.
The project also includes areas of low-pitch slating, with Permavent’s Easy Roof system providing a unique solution on an elevation called “The Glasshouse”. Winner of the “Most Innovative Product” award at the 2023 Pitched Roofing Awards, Permavent Easy Slate units were installed in conjunction with natural Welsh slate to achieve the designed roof pitch of 15°. Any other alternative roofing products would have compromised the traditional aesthetics of the project, so we were pleased to assist with the preservation and heritage aspects.

How Permavent was installed

EJ Roberts Roofing Ltd were appointed by Wates Group to complete the roofing works at Lucent W1. Permavent technical team then assisted with Wates Group’s quality assurance processes, by conducting regular progress inspections along with an initial toolbox talk prior to works commencing on the low pitch elevations. EJ Robert’s operatives demonstrated excellent workmanship in all roofing disciplines and installed all Permavent products as per our recommendations.

Products Used

Skytech PRO XL

A2-s1, d0 fire rated insulating breathable membrane

Excellent thermal, waterproof, soundproof & airtight properties
Super thin: only 13mm
Quick and easy to install

Permavent Easy Slate

Low pitch system for slates

Unique breathability and condensation control
Extends the life of the roof by keeping battens dry
Creates new areas for slate application
Pitch as low as 10° with fibre cement slates

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