Creechurch Place Rooftop Development: Class A Fire-Rated Decking with Concealed Ballasting

This rooftop development at Creechurch Place in central London presented a technically demanding brief: to design and deliver a fully Class A fire-rated decking system over an inverted roof build-up, while meeting strict minimum system-weight requirements and accommodating the practical challenges of installation at height within a constrained city-centre environment.

To explore the full project in detail, view the official Creechurch Place fire-rated rooftop decking case study.

With the building exceeding 18 metres in height, every component had to comply with current Class A Specification fire safety regulations for high-rise construction. Wallbarn was appointed to supply a complete non-combustible system that could achieve compliance without compromising:

• Performance
• Durability
• Visual appeal

The finished terrace now serves as:

• A rooftop restaurant
• A staff breakout area

—combining aesthetic warmth with long-term resilience.

Meeting High-Rise Fire and Structural Requirements

Given the building’s elevation, fire performance was non-negotiable. Wallbarn supplied a fully non-combustible system comprising:

• MetalPad Ex Class A pedestals
• I-Plus aluminium substructure system
• Porcelain decking boards from Wallbarn

Together, these components formed a compliant decking system suitable for high-rise use.

However, the inverted roof construction introduced additional challenges:

• Achieving sufficient ballast to counter wind uplift
• Maintaining insulation integrity
• Staying within strict height limitations

To resolve this, concrete slabs were discreetly integrated into the system, supported by the ledge within the I-Plus aluminium joist framework. This delivered the required mass without mechanical fixings.

Concealed Ballasting for Inverted Roofs

For inverted roof applications, a minimum system weight of 85kg per square metre was required to mitigate wind uplift.

Wallbarn implemented a concealed ballasting solution using:

• 450 × 450 × 50mm concrete counterweights
• Integrated positioning within the substructure

This approach preserved:

• The insulation layer
• Effective drainage performance
• Thermal efficiency

Additional components included:

• Spreader plates beneath all pedestals
• Even load distribution across the roof build-up

By combining systems such as:

• MetalPad Ex pedestals
• Class A1 rail substructure systems
• I-Plus aluminium joists

Wallbarn ensured the system achieved both structural stability and regulatory compliance without exceeding height constraints.

Early Collaboration and Design Confidence

From the earliest stages, Wallbarn provided:

• Estimating support
• Detailed layout proposals
• Technical guidance on system design

Working closely with:

• Architects
• Quantity surveyors
• Specifiers
• Installation partner ISW UK Ltd

This early coordination ensured:

• Full compatibility across all system components
• Efficient installation planning
• Long-term performance confidence

The inclusion of systems such as the Class A1 rail substructure solution allowed for a fully integrated and adaptable design.

Logistics and Installation at Height

Installing at height in a central London location required careful logistical planning. Key considerations included:

• Restricted site access
• Material handling efficiency
• Minimising disruption

The system’s lightweight design provided clear advantages:

• 3.6m aluminium joists handled by a single operative
• 1.2m porcelain boards easily distributed
• Reduced manual handling requirements

This contributed to:

• Faster installation
• Improved site coordination
• Programme efficiency

The use of lightweight yet robust systems such as the I-Plus aluminium framework and MetalPad Ex pedestals was key to achieving this.

Durable Performance with Refined Aesthetics

While compliance was critical, the terrace also needed to deliver a premium finish suitable for hospitality use.

The selected non-combustible porcelain decking boards offered:

• Realistic wood-effect appearance
• Warm, natural aesthetic
• Compatibility with modern architectural design

Performance benefits included:

• High stain resistance
• Excellent scratch resistance
• Strong slip resistance
• Consistent tonal finish

These qualities make the system ideal for:

• High footfall environments
• Outdoor dining areas
• Long-term commercial use

Designed for Long-Term Value

The completed system delivers exceptional longevity alongside full regulatory compliance.

Key benefits include:

• 25-year limited warranty
• Expected lifespan exceeding 50 years
• Minimal maintenance requirements
• Long-term structural stability

By carefully balancing:

• System weight
• Fire performance
• Drainage
• Installation efficiency

Wallbarn delivered a solution that meets complex design demands without compromise.

A Proven Fire-Rated Rooftop Solution

This project demonstrates how Wallbarn’s Class A fire-rated systems can successfully address complex rooftop challenges in high-rise urban environments.

Key success factors included:

• Concealed ballasting integration
• Flexible substructure design
• Early-stage technical collaboration
• Responsive on-site support

By combining:

• MetalPad Ex pedestals
• I-Plus aluminium substructure
• Class A1 rail systems
• Porcelain decking solutions

Wallbarn delivered a compliant, high-performance rooftop terrace that balances safety, durability and design.

Conclusion

The Creechurch Place project stands as a strong example of how:

• Advanced fire-rated systems
• Thoughtful structural engineering
• Integrated design solutions

can transform complex rooftop spaces into durable, high-quality environments.

Through careful planning, innovative concealed ballasting and collaborative delivery, Wallbarn has created a rooftop solution that meets modern fire regulations while delivering a refined and practical outdoor space.

To explore the project in full, visit the Creechurch Place rooftop decking case study.