External Cladding of Student Housing Development in Canterbury, UK

A Complex Student Housing Development Facade Project

Located on the edge of Canterbury city center, the St. Mary Bredin development delivered 260 student accommodation rooms, a student housing development. In 2022, Scottsdale customer, RDE Construction, was appointed to complete the external cladding works for the project, bringing its light-gauge steel framing expertise to a complex facade package. The project involved the design, supply, and installation of an innovative zinc cladding system, with work running from June through November of 2022.

Precision Light-Gauge Steel Framing with Scotpanel Roll Forming Machine

For the facade build-up, RDE constructed a light-gauge steel framing system to form the structural backbone of the external walls. Using its Scotpanel 5090 roll forming machine, RDE was able to fabricate the steel framing system that supported the project’s demanding facade requirements. Y Wall sheathing boards were installed as a durable substrate, followed by fire safety measures, including FireCurb Tyvek and EPDM membranes to support compliance and performance. Supporting components such as C-channels, flat plates, brackets, helping hands, T-rails, and L-rails were then installed with precision alignment to create a clean, integrated facade system.

RDE Delivers a High-Performance Cladding Solution

Rainscreen duo slabs were added to improve thermal performance, and the facade was finished with fire-rated aluminium and zinc cladding. Flashings and fins completed the design, delivering a modern architectural finish while maintaining safety and aesthetic requirements. Close coordination with project stakeholders helped ensure the work aligned with design intent, regulations, and client expectations.

The project was completed on schedule, delivering a facade that combined safety, durability, and contemporary design. As this project shows, Scottsdale roll forming technology helps customers like RDE deliver precise light-gauge steel framing solutions that support high-performance building envelopes and efficient project execution.