Aperam stainless steel shingles for Glasgow M&S development
Cooper Cromar has specified Aperam UGINOX® 2K stainless steel shingles for the 80,000 sq. ft. façade of Marks and Spencer’s new £45m store on Glasgow Fort retail park. Described by the architects as ‘an elegantly sculpted stainless steel-clad box’, the store is located to the south of the existing development, the frontage forming a distinctive new feature, visible from all sides, when approached from the motorway. The adjacent Wagamama restaurant adds to the imposing feature by having the same façade.
Aperam spokesman Kevin Jones explained, “As the project brief was to match existing stainless steel dating from 2006 we met the architect on site to review samples. We considered this essential to establish a benchmark for the surface. The finish 2K is the smoothest of the non-reflective polished finishes and prevents accumulation of fine contaminants. It also provides a standard of corrosion resistance which is ideal for external applications and marine environments.”
The stainless steel, manufactured in 0.6mm thickness is estimated to have saved around 18 tonnes in façade weight over an equivalent area clad in either zinc or copper. The thinner gauge comes without compromise in terms of strength or durability and therefore makes stainless steel highly competitive against other hard metals.
As illustrated by this project, the metal is being used because of the diverse range of surface colours and finishes which have greatly extended its aesthetic value.