Brief

Copehill Down, was a refurbishment project to remove the existing external facade and install a modern and fire safe system.

Value

£330,000

Solution

Commercial Rainscreen Cladding

This refurbishment project at Copehill Down, a live-firing NATO training facility, involved the complete removal of the existing external façade and the installation of a modern, fire-safe rainscreen cladding system.

The location’s sensitive nature demanded strict security compliance, minimal disruption to military activity, and full adherence to updated UK fire safety regulations following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Our Solution

We installed a Rockpanel Natural Stones rainscreen system in sandstone colour, chosen for both its architectural appeal and certified fire performance. Despite the site’s complexity and exposure to adverse weather, the project was completed on time and within budget—demonstrating our ability to deliver in high-security and high-risk environments.

Fire Safety Compliance

The new system was designed to meet and exceed the latest UK Building Regulations (Approved Document B) and BS 8414 fire performance tests, using fully non-combustible components, including:

• Rockwool Rainscreen DuoSlab (Euroclass A-rated insulation)
• Open-state Corofil 25 fire barriers (120-minute resistance)
• A fully ventilated cavity system for moisture control

This upgrade ensures long-term fire protection, regulatory compliance, and occupant safety—critical in military and government infrastructure.

Why Rockpanel Stones?

Rockpanel Stones combines the appearance of natural stone with the performance benefits of engineered basalt. It was selected for this project because of its:

✔ Euroclass A2 fire rating (non-combustible)
✔ Weather-resistant and low-maintenance finish
✔ Lightweight construction for quicker, safer install
✔ Sustainable, recyclable material credentials
✔ Visually striking sandstone colour with colour-matched rivet fixings

This allowed us to deliver both functional fire protection and an improved architectural aesthetic.

Project Challenges & Delivery

Operating within a live military zone meant tight coordination with MOD personnel and daily adaptations based on training schedules and restricted access. Security clearance procedures, strict health and safety compliance, and adverse weather on the exposed site required a flexible, well-managed approach.

Our team maintained full communication with site commanders and successfully managed complex logistics without interrupting ongoing training operations.

Technical System Breakdown

• Substrate: High-density concrete block
• Fixings Used: EJOT Facade Anchor SDF KB 10V
• Cladding Support System: Fastframe
• Insulation: Rockwool Rainscreen DuoSlab (120mm) – A-rated fire performance
• Air Gap: 25mm cavity for ventilation and moisture control
• Fire Barriers: Corofil Open-State Cavity Barriers – 120-minute resistance
• Outer Panel: Rockpanel Stones (Sandstone Colour) with colour-matched rivet fixings

Outcome & Client Feedback

The client praised our professional delivery, the system’s quality, and our ability to meet operational demands on a complex, high-risk site. As a result, we’ve since been appointed to deliver further cladding remediation projects within the defence sector.

Need Fire-Safe Cladding for a High-Security Site?

We specialise in rainscreen cladding installations, fire compliance, and secure-site refurbishment. Whether you’re operating in defence, public sector, or high-rise residential, our experience ensures total safety, compliance, and visual excellence.

📩 Get in touch with Total Cladding and Roofing today to discuss your project requirements.