Delivering Safety and Style Above the City: Wallbarn’s Fire-Rated Rooftop Decking Solution at Creechurch Place, London

Creating a rooftop terrace above 18 metres in central London comes with complex design, safety, and installation challenges — and the redevelopment of Creechurch Place was no exception. Working closely with AB Building, ISW UK Ltd, and FireDeck, Wallbarn supplied and supported the installation of a Class A fire-rated rooftop decking system designed to meet the strictest fire safety and structural performance standards.

Meeting Fire Safety and Structural Requirements

At over 18 metres tall, the building required full compliance with current Class A Specification fire safety regulations for high-rise construction. Wallbarn supplied a fully non-combustible substructure, combining MetalPad Ex adjustable pedestals, I-Plus aluminium joists, and ExaDeck ceramic boards to form a secure, regulation-compliant terrace for a new rooftop restaurant and staff breakout area.

Beyond fire compliance, the project also needed to achieve a minimum system weight to counter wind uplift on the exposed rooftop. Wallbarn’s team developed a concealed ballasting solution, integrating concrete slabs (450x450x50mm) resting on the I-Plus joist’s integrated ledge. This clever design eliminated the need for mechanical fixings, protected the insulation layer, and delivered the required 85kg per m² load for inverted roofs — ensuring stability without compromising drainage or thermal performance.

Collaboration from Design to Delivery

From the outset, Wallbarn provided early-stage estimating and layout proposals, working hand in hand with the architect, quantity surveyor, and specifier. Every element — from pedestal spacing to component compatibility — was meticulously reviewed and approved by the project team.

To ensure the installation ran smoothly, Wallbarn collaborated with ISW UK Ltd, one of our trusted long-term installation partners. Together, we developed a complete installation concept, giving the client total confidence in the system’s performance from planning to completion.

Intelligent Design for an Urban Rooftop

Installing at height in a tight city centre environment demanded careful logistics. All components were boxed and delivered on Euro pallets, ready for efficient distribution across the rooftop. Despite the restricted access, the 3.6m aluminium joists and 1.2m ceramic decking boards were light enough for single-person handling — a major benefit that reduced coordination time and helped keep the project on schedule.

Every detail was considered to ensure long-term structural integrity and protection. Spreader plates beneath the pedestals distributed weight evenly and prevented damage to the insulation layer, while the overall system height stayed within the limits typical of inverted roof assemblies.

A Premium Finish with Lasting Performance

Once complete, the rooftop terrace showcased the perfect blend of functionality, safety, and style. The ExaDeck ceramic boards, featuring a realistic wood-effect finish, offered outstanding stain, scratch, and slip resistance — crucial for a high-traffic rooftop restaurant environment. Their visual warmth and uniform tone complemented the building’s architectural scheme while promising minimal maintenance and long-term durability.

With an expected lifespan exceeding 50 years and backed by a 25-year limited warranty, the system is built to perform over decades — maintaining both appearance and compliance.

Setting the Standard for High-Rise Decking

The Creechurch Place project is a clear demonstration of how Wallbarn’s Class A fire-rated decking systems can meet demanding technical, environmental, and safety criteria — even in the most challenging urban locations. Through expert design, material innovation, and close collaboration with partners such as FireDeck and ISW UK Ltd, Wallbarn continues to lead the way in delivering safe, durable, and visually stunning rooftop solutions for the modern built environment.