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.

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 or appearance. The finished terrace now serves as a rooftop restaurant and staff breakout area, combining visual 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 substructure system comprising:

• MetalPad Ex Class A adjustable pedestals

• I-Plus aluminium joists

• ExaDeck ceramic decking boards supplied by FireDeck

Together, these components formed a regulation-compliant decking system suitable for high-rise use. However, the inverted roof construction introduced an additional challenge: achieving sufficient ballast to counter wind uplift while maintaining insulation integrity and staying within tight height allowances.

To address this, the system was reinforced with concrete slabs integrated discreetly within the substructure. These slabs rested on the integrated bottom ledge of the I-Plus aluminium joists, delivering the required mass without the need for mechanical fixings.

Concealed Ballasting for Inverted Roofs

For inverted roof applications, a minimum system weight of 85kg per square metre was required. This was essential to mitigate wind uplift risk given the site’s exposure and height above street level.

Wallbarn proposed a concealed ballasting solution using 450 × 450 × 50mm concrete counterweights positioned beneath the decking surface. The integrated ledge within the I-Plus joist profile allowed the slabs to sit securely within the system, preserving:

• The integrity of the insulation layer

• Effective drainage across the roof

• Thermal performance of the inverted build-up

Spreader plates were also installed beneath all pedestals to distribute load evenly and protect the insulation below. This carefully engineered approach ensured the system achieved the necessary mass and stability without exceeding the height constraints typical of inverted roof designs.

Early Collaboration and Design Confidence

From the earliest stages, Wallbarn provided estimating support and detailed layout proposals, working closely with the architect, quantity surveyor and specifier. A full installation concept was developed in collaboration with Wallbarn’s long-standing installation partner, ISW UK Ltd.

This early coordination allowed every element of the system to be assessed for compatibility, ease of integration and long-term performance. The proposed layout and component selection were reviewed, refined and authorised by the wider project team, giving the client full confidence before on-site works commenced.

Logistics and Installation at Height

Installing a rooftop system in a busy central London location required careful logistical planning. Access constraints and working at height meant that material handling efficiency was critical.

All components were boxed and delivered on Euro pallets. The lightweight nature of the system proved particularly advantageous:

• 3.6-metre aluminium joists could be handled by a single operative

• 1.2-metre ceramic boards were easy to distribute across the roof

• Reduced manual handling simplified on-site coordination

This efficient approach minimised disruption, reduced installation time and helped keep the programme on schedule despite the challenges of a dense urban environment.

Durable Performance with Refined Aesthetics

While compliance and performance were central to the brief, the finished terrace also needed to offer a welcoming and refined appearance suitable for a hospitality setting.

ExaDeck’s wood-effect ceramic boards were selected for their combination of visual warmth and technical performance. Key benefits include:

• Excellent stain resistance

• High scratch resistance

• Strong slip resistance for safety

• Consistent tonal appearance across the deck

These qualities make the surface well suited to a high-traffic rooftop restaurant and staff area, while remaining easy to maintain over time.

Designed for Long-Term Value

The completed system delivers exceptional longevity alongside regulatory assurance. With a 25-year limited warranty and an expected lifespan exceeding 50 years, the Creechurch Place rooftop terrace is designed to provide enduring value across safety, appearance and daily use.

By carefully balancing system weight, fire performance, drainage and installation practicality, Wallbarn delivered a solution that meets complex structural and environmental demands without compromise.

A Proven Fire-Rated Rooftop Solution

This project demonstrates how Wallbarn’s Class A fire-rated decking systems can resolve challenging design briefs in high-rise, city-centre environments. Through close collaboration with FireDeck and ISW UK Ltd, the Creechurch Place development achieved a compliant, high-performance rooftop terrace that meets modern fire regulations while delivering a durable and visually appealing outdoor space.

It stands as a strong example of how concealed ballasting, thoughtful substructure design and early technical collaboration can come together to deliver reliable results on even the most demanding rooftop schemes.

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