A spectacular full-height glazed atrium and sensitive porous stone substrates presented some special challenges for silicone sealant specialists Geocel on a landmark new commercial development in Bristol. Both the stone cladding and the structural glazing on the new Temple Back East building – part of the newly redeveloped Temple Quay in Bristol City Centre - have been successfully completed using a selection of sealants from Geocel.

The South West of England Regional Development Agency and developer Castlemore Securities Ltd worked in partnership to develop offices, shops, leisure facilities, workspaces, waterside walkways, public areas and squares - a striking new environment at Bristol’s previously derelict Temple Quay area. Main contractor Wates will be handing over the first part of the completed building in March 2006.

Temple Back East was designed by Bristol architects Aukett Fitzroy Robinson and features a nine-storey high atrium it’s structurally glazed front façade providing a dramatic entrance to the newly completed development. The new building will provide prime office space for a variety of blue-chip corporate occupants including Osbourne Clarke and RBS. The atrium features large glazed panels which allow maximum light penetration into the office space behind.

To meet the exacting requirements of European standards for structural glazing (EN 13022), Geocel’s technical experts specified Dow Corning 791 in black for weathersealing the front and rear façades and atrium. Ideally suited for expansion, connection, perimeter and all other types of movement joints, it demonstrates excellent weatherability, UV stability and high performance characteristics across a wide temperature range. Its high movement capability (+/- 50%) makes Dow Corning 791 a versatile sealant.

The building’s warm golden stone pre-cast cladding panels were fabricated by contractors Marble Mosaic with panels measuring up to 25sqm in size, and weighing in at between 10 and 12 tonnes. Geocel carried out extensive substrate and adhesion testing on the panels and recommended the specification of Geocel 925 in a buff colour to fill the simulated joints within the panels and then to weatherseal between the panels once they had been craned into place on site, achieving a perfect colour match. Geocel’s technical team visited the site regularly to ensure the correct sealant specification and application.

Geocel's 925 sealant is a low modulus MS Polymer specially formulated for its non-staining properties. It has been designed for use on projects, such as Temple Quay, with sensitive porous substrates and where the aesthetic performance of the sealant is paramount. This MS technology sealant has predictable cure characteristics on exposure to the atmosphere with characteristics largely independent of temperature and humidity.

Geocel combines a wealth of innovative technical and manufacturing expertise with a strong commitment to quality in sealants and adhesives. This is matched with the experience and excellence of Geocel’s Strategic Partner Dow Corning in its field of silicone technology.