Complete Roofing Systems and Kingspan provided a full envelope solution for an attractive new Aldi supermarket, helping it to be delivered in challenging times.

Due to its close proximity to the Shropshire Union Canal and surrounding open space, Aldi’s new supermarket was designed to be sympathetic to the local landscape whilst delivering the simple, modern retail aesthetic that typifies the brand’s properties across the country. In addition, after a lengthy planning permission process and the recent COVID-19 lockdown, it was important to deliver the project in a timely manner, so the store was ready to serve the community. To ensure a high-quality finish was delivered as efficiently as possible, a complete Kingspan envelope solution, including roof, wall and Karrier panels, was specified.

Drawing on the grey cladding and glazing of the new buildings in the area, the unit uses a restrained palette of materials to deliver a crisp, contemporary appearance which adds a modern touch to the local vernacular. Much of the elevations were clad using an Architectural Wall Panel System with a Micro Rib profile in Silver Metallic and Onyx colours. This integrates well with the glazing elements of the building.

The rear elevation which backs on to the canal received a more bespoke and subtle design finish, mixing glazing with a red timber ‘bookend’ that wraps the eastern corner of the store and plant area. These features differ in height along the rear elevation in response to the existing lay of the land and help to blend the building into the natural surroundings. To ensure these elements will deliver the same high-performance credentials of the insulated panel sections, a QuadCore™ Karrier panel system was used to support the finish.

The one-storey facility was completed with a mono-pitch blade roof created using QuadCore™ Trapezoidal Roof Panels in Anthracite Grey which adds visual weight to the supermarket entrance and echoes that of the drive-thru coffee unit adjacent to the site.

Aldi is committed to sustainable development and has clear directives on the use of sustainable building materials and the least waste production possible in demolition and construction. To this end, several key measures were taken to ensure a truly efficient design.

First, the design sought to minimise energy use through excellent fabric performance and low air permeability. The Kingspan panel systems used on the development have factory-engineered jointing and high thermal efficiency of their insulated cores, both of which will help to deliver lower power consumption plus a reduction in operating costs.

The design also demanded the use of materials which, where possible, have a low embodied energy. The panels used on the build are produced at a UK facility that operates at net-zero energy on an aggregate basis across the year which has achieved zero waste to landfill. A single supplier source for the wall and roof panels not only ensured the systems integrated seamlessly, but also helped to streamline deliveries and reduce waste onsite.

The construction phase of the project was a challenge as the site has a high-water table and drainage problems, in addition to space limitations at the rear where a canal path is present. This made the wall cladding process a challenge. We drew on the skills and experience of our team in installation, management and health and safety, and made good use of the fast installation capabilities of all the single-component Kingspan panels used on the build. This enabled the specialist contract to erect a weathertight structure quickly and safely, without compromising on quality.

The Karrier panels also helped the timber facades to be completed in a short timeframe as it allowed for the facade finish to be fixed directly to the system without the need for any secondary steelwork. To further support a quality installation, Kingspan’s technical team provided wind pressure and fixing specifications. The collaboration of the supply chain here was key; Kingspan and CRS ensured that Aldi benefited from both high-quality materials, and expert advice from a highly experienced installer.

With its sensitive design and high-quality finish, the completed supermarket is more than just a handy convenience, but a real part of the local community.

The store officially opened in May 2020, providing jobs for around 50 people.

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