Vega is a new development creating 841 student bedrooms across 37 storeys, a six-story office block and community leisure facilities in the thriving Zone 1 district of Vauxhall.Incorporated within the architectural concept is a rooftop area providing multi-use games and leisure options for the development’s student residents and local community, and while the buildings’ profile is unquestionably modern, one design motif has been the extensive use of natural earth tones on exterior surfaces.

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Landscape architects Optimised Environments therefore sought to mirror this effect in the terrace system and planted areas used for the roof space, which would need to also be Class A fire-rated for use on high-rise developments. Sourcing all hard landscaping materials from Raaft became an obvious decision. Fire-safe Rooftop TerraceDesigning the terrace from the ground up, they formed a platform using Raaft’s modular system of 50mm Aluminium Joists supported on Fire-rated Adjustable Pedestals to create a level, loadbearing base for the heavy planters, and Floor Structure Panels were placed at planter locations to provide a stable, permeable base for planting.

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To complement the natural colour palette of the entire project, Straight Planter Walls were powder-coated to RAL 7044 (Silk Grey), a durable, low-maintenance surface that also complies with Class A fire regulations. To create additional visual interest, the architects also harmonised three colours from the Atria Roma range of porcelain tiles - Atria Roma Copper, Atria Roma Lead and Atria Roma Natural – for the walkways and seating areas. Porcelain is an extremely durable, low-maintenance, Class A fire-rated product that is rot-proof, mould and moss-resistant and safe even when wet.

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Sourcing all hard landscaping from one manufacturer ensured full compatibility between the various products and meant the designers, client and installers all liaised with a single team from design to completion.