Project Description
Boom Construction appointed Eden Facades to deliver the installation of rainscreen cladding, gutters, and downpipes for the new Gilden Way Community Centre in Harlow. This modern facility was designed to serve as a central hub for the growing local community, following a significant housing development in the area.
The scope involved installing Hardie® Panel rainscreen cladding in anthracite grey, fixed onto the NVELOPE® NV3 Rainscreen Subframe System – a mechanical secret-fix system to conceal the panel fixings. Additional Hardie® Plank elements in cream and brown tones were installed on both walls and ceilings, supplied by Boom Construction. Our team also completed a fascia soffit detail around the rooftop, incorporating aluminium gutters and flashings to provide durability and a clean, refined finish.
Problem-solving on-site
As with many cladding projects, alignment was crucial to ensure the secure fitting of the cladding on the façade. The installation team faced challenges when the windows were not positioned in line with the original design, which impacted the cladding alignment. Eden Facades’ installation team successfully resolved this by adjusting panels to achieve a seamless finish. Matt Green, Operations Manager, Eden Facades, commented:
“With any cladding project, everything is generally aligned to correct datums and heights. When the windows came in slightly out of place, it meant our team had to think on their feet. Through their expertise and attention to detail, the team worked around the issue and still achieved a flawless finish.”
This adaptability is a testament to our team’s commitment to delivering high-quality work, no matter the circumstances.
Another challenge arose from the steelwork, which was installed out of tolerance, as well as a client requirement for cladding gaps to match the roof line. Project Manager George Dogaru explains:
“While our cladding systems allow a margin of 25mm, in some areas the steelwork deviation exceeded this. Our team overcame this by carefully increasing cavities and realigning panels to maintain a high-quality finish. This required problem-solving and adaptability to maintain design integrity while satisfying client expectations.”
Despite these challenges, whenever issues arose, Boom Construction were supportive, and we always worked together to find the best solution. This teamwork was essential to keeping the project on track and maintaining high quality.
Design support
Another key aspect of the project involved providing design support. Our AutoCAD Designer, Kayla Dabu, worked closely with Boom Construction to ensure that the design met both the architect’s intent and the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Our role in providing this design service is to translate the architect’s vision into a design that aligns with the manufacturer’s guidelines and specifications. Minor adjustments were required during the process, but the collaboration between all parties ensured a smooth design journey. The architect was flexible and receptive to Eden Facades’ proposals, which helped keep the project on track with minimal disruption. Kayla adds:
“Early and ongoing engagement with both the main contractor and architect ensured design compliance and smooth project delivery. On this project, only a few minor adjustments were required. The architect was very open to our suggestions, which made the design process straightforward and collaborative.”
A strong partnership creates opportunities for future collaboration
The Gilden Way Community Centre was the first time Eden Facades worked with Boom Construction, and the project laid the foundations for a long-term partnership. By delivering high-quality work, overcoming on-site challenges, and providing proactive design support, Eden Facades built trust and confidence with both the main contractor and the wider project team.
This strong relationship not only ensured a successful handover but also led directly to further design and installation work with Boom Construction. The project highlighted Eden Facades’ ability to combine technical expertise with reliability and professionalism, making us a trusted partner for future developments. Matthew Melvin, Project Manager at Boom Construction, had this to say about the collaboration:
“Throughout the project, Eden Facades demonstrated a high level of professionalism and commitment to quality. Their team worked collaboratively with our site management and design team to deliver a high-quality façade that not only met but exceeded expectations in terms of finish and attention to detail.”
“We would not hesitate to recommend Eden Facades as a reliable, skilled, and professional cladding subcontractor and look forward to the opportunity of working together on future projects.”
If you’d like to know more about how Eden Façades can help with your next project, telephone us on 01268 744199 or e-mail office@edenfacades.co.uk