Telling Rainscreens Ltd

Telling Rainscreens Ltd is proud to have supplied the Argeton terracotta rainscreen façade system alongside commercial partner SBS, part of the Taylor Maxwell group, for Phase 2 Block 4 at Eastwick & Sweetwater, the latest completed phase of the landmark regeneration project within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East London.

The development provides a collection of contemporary 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments and has already received significant industry recognition, winning Apartment Development of the Year at the British Homes Awards 2025. The project stands as an excellent example of how innovative façade design, technical engineering and high-performance materials can combine to create award-winning residential architecture.
A key architectural feature of the building is its elegant white glazed terracotta façade, delivered using 880m² of bespoke Argeton cladding.

Working closely with the design and construction teams, three unique tile profiles were developed specifically for the project, including a dedicated profiled corner tile and two bespoke profiled tile formats. The result is a distinctive façade that contributes strongly to the building's visual identity while maintaining the durability and performance expected of a modern rainscreen system.

One of the project's most technically demanding elements was the incorporation of tightly curved building corners with radii of just 660mm. Rather than compromising the architectural intent through faceted geometry, a bespoke solution was developed using a three-piece radius profiled face combined with a flat faceted rear to the tile. This approach enabled the smooth curved appearance required by the architect while ensuring compatibility with the supporting rainscreen structure and maintaining efficient installation procedures.

The success of the façade is underpinned by the inherent performance characteristics of the Argeton terracotta cladding system.
Manufactured from high-quality natural clay and fired at high temperatures, Argeton terracotta panels provide exceptional durability and long-term colour stability. Unlike painted or coated façade materials, the colour and finish are integral to the ceramic material itself, offering excellent resistance to UV degradation, weathering and environmental pollution. This is particularly beneficial in urban environments such as East London, where façade longevity and low maintenance requirements are key considerations.

The glazed white finish selected for Eastwick & Sweetwater provides a clean, contemporary aesthetic while delivering the robust surface performance associated with ceramic materials. The glazed surface offers excellent resistance to staining and environmental contaminants, helping the façade retain its appearance over time with minimal maintenance intervention.

As a ventilated rainscreen system, Argeton also delivers significant performance benefits beyond aesthetics. The ventilated cavity behind the terracotta tiles assists with moisture management by allowing any water that penetrates the outer façade layer to drain and evaporate naturally. This contributes to the long-term protection of the building envelope and supports overall building durability.

The terracotta material itself is non-combustible and offers excellent fire performance characteristics. For Phase 2 Block 4, the façade system was fully engineered and NHBC approved, with detailed design undertaken to accommodate all required horizontal and vertical fire barriers throughout the façade build-up. The integration of fire-stopping elements was carefully coordinated to ensure full compliance while maintaining the architectural consistency of the external appearance.
In addition to fire performance, Argeton systems offer excellent dimensional stability, resistance to freeze-thaw cycling, impact resistance and long service life. These characteristics make terracotta rainscreen façades particularly well suited to residential developments where long-term performance, sustainability and lifecycle value are increasingly important considerations.

The project also highlights the versatility of the Argeton system from a design perspective. Through bespoke manufacturing capabilities, architects are able to explore a wide range of formats, profiles, colours, glazes and geometric forms without sacrificing the proven technical benefits of the underlying façade system. The bespoke profiles developed for Eastwick & Sweetwater demonstrate how complex architectural requirements can be successfully realised through collaboration between designers, contractors and specialist façade suppliers.

Telling Rainscreens Ltd would like to thank Aurora Ltd for the high-quality installation of the façade package and Hill Partnership for the successful delivery of this award-winning residential development.

The completion of Phase 2 Block 4 demonstrates how Argeton terracotta cladding continues to provide architects and developers with a façade solution that combines design freedom, technical excellence, long-term durability and outstanding visual impact. We are proud to have contributed to a project that will play an important role in the continued evolution of one of London's most significant regeneration areas.

https://tellingrainscreens.co.uk/eastwick-sweetwater-argeton-terracotta-facade/

Join us at Clerkenwell Design Week as Telling Rainscreens proudly supports partners Taylor Maxwell and SBS throughout one of the UK’s leading architectural and design festivals.

With Clerkenwell once again bringing together architects, specifiers, designers and leading material suppliers from across the built environment sector, this year’s programme promises three days of innovation, collaboration and industry insight.

You’ll find the Telling Rainscreens team supporting activities across the week at Taylor Maxwell’s Clerkenwell showroom, with a particular focus on the highly anticipated Supplier Expo taking place on Wednesday 20 May. The event offers architects and design professionals a valuable opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, discuss façade innovation, material performance and specification challenges, while exploring the latest developments shaping contemporary architecture.

We look forward to meeting architects, specifiers and industry partners throughout the event and discussing how collaborative façade solutions can help deliver ambitious, high-performance projects.

Spaces for the Supplier Expo are free but limited — secure your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/taylor-maxwell-supplier-expo-tickets-1988489735327

Despite the requirement for Gateway 2 stage applications for high-rise buildings being implemented over two and a half years ago, an alarming percentage of applications continue to be rejected by the British Safety Regulator.

At Telling Rainscreens, we have a team with a combined trajectory of over 100 years working in the façade sector. Our core team has a focus in engineering and has designed facades for decades. We understand regulation and we believe that designing with confidence is key in navigating the current legislation, in expediting the process, in maintaining a positive relationship with customers and in achieving successful Gateway applications.

This is why, we are joining our partner Taylor Maxwell / SBS Cladding Ltd at an evening of seminars and networking aimed at providing clear guidance on the Gateway process and the BSR requirements.

Join us for an evening of practical insight into Gateway and BSR processes, real-world experience from industry experts and networking.

Tickets for this event are free of charge. You can secure your ticket at https://lnkd.in/e5KtK_8v
We kindly encourage attendees to make a voluntary donation to Young Lives vs Cancer when securing their ticket.

Your support will help children and young people facing cancer, as well as their families, access vital care, guidance and practical assistance during incredibly challenging times. Our JustGiving page is https://lnkd.in/ed9B6ti2

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eqEQJCVK

Litho-Glass Achieves Renewed DIBt Certification — A Major Vote of Confidence in Performance & Safety

We are thrilled to announce that Litho-Glass has successfully secured the renewal of its certification from the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) — a reaffirmation of its excellence in performance, safety, and reliability.

But what exactly does this mean for architects, specifiers, developers, and contractors? Let’s break it down.

What Is the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt)?
The DIBt is Germany’s federal institute for construction technology. It evaluates building products and systems against some of the most stringent safety, durability, and performance standards in Europe. DIBt certification is widely respected by regulatory bodies and industry professionals alike because:

It represents a rigorous, independent assessment
It is recognised throughout EU and international markets
It demonstrates compliance with demanding structural safety and fire performance standards

For materials in façade systems, structural glazing, and other architectural applications, a DIBt approval is a mark of trust in performance under real-world conditions.

Why the Renewal Matters
Litho-Glass was originally certified by DIBt in 2009, and its recent renewal confirms that it still meets — and exceeds — all current regulatory and technical requirements. This renewal showcases:
✔ Ongoing compliance with evolving standards
✔ Consistent quality and performance over time
✔ Commitment to excellence and industry leadership
This milestone is a testament to Litho-Glass’ product quality, and to the investment in safety, innovation, and customer confidence that’s behind the obtention of such certificate.

UK Equivalent: BBA and UKCA
In the United Kingdom, the closest equivalent bodies and certifications are:
British Board of Agrément (BBA) — which provides independent approval for construction products and systems, evaluating durability, safety, and fitness for purpose.
UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking — the UK’s version of CE marking post-Brexit, demonstrating conformity with UK regulations.

A2-s1 d0 Fire Rating — What It Means
Litho-Glass also carries an A2 fire rating, placing it in the lowest category of “non-combustibility” under European classification. This brings major benefits:
Enhanced safety — no significant contribution to fire growth
Greater regulatory acceptance for high-risk applications
Design freedom — without compromise on performance
Peace of mind for developers, insurers, and fire engineers
In an era of heightened scrutiny over façade materials and fire performance, an A2-s1 d0 rating isn’t just desirable — it’s often a project enabler.

Why Stakeholders Choose Litho-Glass
When architects, façade engineers, and building owners specify Litho-Glass, they choose:
A product with long-term third-party approval
A solution that meets strict European fire and safety standards
A trusted partner with proven commitment to quality
Material that supports both design ambition and regulatory compliance

Litho-Glass: Certified. Trusted. Future-Ready.
With renewed DIBt certification and an A2-s1 d0 fire performance rating, Litho-Glass continues to set the standard for high-performance architectural glazing materials.
Build safer. Build smarter. Build with confidence. Build with a Telling Rainscreen.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year.

As we look back on 2025, we’d like to extend our sincere thanks to all our clients and supply partners for your continued trust, collaboration and support. It’s been a pleasure working alongside you.

We hope 2026 is a positive year of growth and opportunity for us all. We remain here to support you in every aspect of façade design, whether with Argeton terracotta, Litho-Stone or Litho-Glass systems, and look forward to helping you deliver outstanding projects in the year ahead.

Extrusion is a continuous manufacturing method in which a plasticised clay body is forced through a die to produce a long, uniform profile that is later cut and fired into individual façade elements.

This streamlined, mechanically repeatable workflow is at the core of extrusion’s sustainability advantage.

Another sustainability benefit of extrusion is its exceptionally efficient use of raw materials. Because the process forms continuous profiles, almost every kilogram of clay that enters the extruder becomes part of a finished product. Off-cuts generated during trimming are easily reintroduced into the clay mix with virtually no material loss.

Compared to slip-casting or hand-moulding, which rely on wetter clay bodies and produce more waste during demoulding and trimming, extrusion operates with a drier, more compact mix. This reduces the overall volume of water required and significantly cuts down on drying time.

Energy use is one of the largest environmental burdens in manufacturing and in the manufacturing of terracotta, the drying and firing processes consume the most energy, so any reduction in moisture content directly translates to lower carbon emissions.

Because extrusion allows precise control of wall thickness, manufacturers can create hollow, lightweight units without compromising structural integrity. Lighter façade elements reduce the need for heavy substructures, improving the overall embodied carbon profile of the building envelope.

Extrusion has transformed terracotta façade manufacturing into a highly efficient, environmentally responsible process. By minimising waste, reducing energy consumption, enabling lightweight and durable designs, and delivering consistent quality, extrusion stands out as the most sustainable method for producing terracotta building elements.

Argeton is one of the world's leading manufacturers of extruded terracotta cladding. Contact our team of specialists at Telling Rainscreens to find out how extruded terracotta can help you achieve your environmental goals.

https://tellingrainscreens.co.uk/extruded-terracotta/

Sherlock street Project Recognised for Outstanding Cladding Solutions.

At Telling Rainscreens, we are proud to be at the forefront of innovative, high-performance façade systems in the UK, delivering materials that not only define architectural aesthetics but also enhance performance and sustainability. Our long-standing partnership with Argeton, one of the world-renowned manufacturers of terracotta cladding, continues to inspire projects of distinction, and few demonstrate this better than the new residential project in Sherlock street in Birmingham which has recently been shortlisted for the Facade Awards UK 2025.

We are thrilled to share that this landmark development has been shortlisted for the category of Best Use of a Rainscreen System Using Glass, Ceramics or Stone for its Argeton terracotta cladding.

A Cladding System That Blends Beauty, Functionality and Sustainability.

Argeton terracotta rainscreen cladding is not just a façade solution, it is a design philosophy grounded in precision engineering, timeless aesthetics, and environmental consciousness. Made from natural clay and fired at high temperatures, Argeton panels offer architects and designers the flexibility to realise bold visions without compromising on durability or performance.

Located in Birmingham city centre, the Sherlock Street tower constitutes a new residential development with 4500 sqm of profiled terracotta tiles in a glazed green finish and recessed shadow joints that span over 30 storeys.

Impeccably delivered by Precision Facades, the project houses high-quality apartments, affordable homes, and commercial space of huge significance as part of the redevelopment of the area.

This material was chosen for its sustainability profile and its ability to blend with the local architectural landscape, which has a history of using faience (glazed ceramic) in buildings.

The terracotta panels lend depth, and texture to the building envelope, achieving a visually engaging façade that resonates with the surrounding urban fabric. From the very beginning, the design team was committed to delivering a façade that would age gracefully, meet rigorous technical standards, and reflect their forward-looking ethos, all while maintaining cost and installation efficiency. Argeton delivered on all fronts.

Sherlock street: A Showcase of Modern Façade Engineering
Designed as a high-quality residential development the Sherlock street project in Birmingham is a benchmark in cutting edge design that blends gracefully with the traditional townscape profile of the area it sits in. The architectural language is an exquisite interplay of texture, volume, rhythm, and hierarchy, a narrative that Argeton terracotta delivered seamlessly.

The system was specified for its clean lines, colour stability, and robust performance. It serves not only as a rainscreen to protect the building from environmental elements but also as an expressive material that anchors the building in its context proving that technical complexity and architectural ambition can go hand in hand.

Why Argeton? The Architects’ Choice

Argeton has become synonymous with high-end rainscreen façades across Europe and the UK, and it's easy to see why.
Here are just a few reasons why Argeton was the ideal choice for the Sherlock street project:

1. Natural Aesthetics
With a wide range of colours, profiles, and surface textures, Argeton allows architects to explore unique design expressions that go far beyond standard façades.

2. Technical Performance
The Telling Rainscreens Argeton terracotta cladding system offers superior weather resistance, thermal insulation performance and has low maintenance requirements. The clay is inherently frost-resistant and non-combustible, achieving A1 fire classification, making it ideal for high-rise commercial and residential buildings.

3. Sustainability
Manufactured from 100% natural clay and completely recyclable at the end of life, Argeton terracotta is an eco-conscious choice. The production process is energy-efficient, and the long lifespan of the product supports circular economy principles. It’s a solution that aligns well with universities, public bodies and residential developments seeking to meet net-zero targets and sustainability commitments.

4. Precision Engineering
With its exacting manufacturing standards and support from Telling Rainscreens' in-house technical team, Argeton panels can be fabricated to tight tolerances, ensuring clean installation and flawless alignment. Our support also extends to design detailing, substructure coordination, performance testing and engineering and PI Insurance with design and product guaranties.

Looking Ahead to the Facade Awards UK

As the Facade Awards UK approaches, we eagerly await the results alongside our industry peers. Regardless of the outcome, being shortlisted for the category of Best Use of a Rainscreen System Using Glass, Ceramics or Stone is already an outstanding recognition of the quality and design versatility that Argeton terracotta cladding offers.

The awards celebrate the very best in façade design and engineering, and we’re delighted to see terracotta cladding, particularly Argeton, gain the spotlight it deserves. This project exemplifies how thoughtful specification and expert delivery can elevate not only a building’s performance but also its presence in the cityscape.

Explore Argeton with Telling Rainscreens

If you're considering terracotta for your next project, Telling Rainscreens is your trusted partner. With decades of experience and exclusive distribution of Argeton in the UK, we offer more than just a product, we provide a comprehensive façade solution tailored to your architectural ambitions.

From concept to completion, we’re here to help you realise the full potential of natural clay façades.

Ready to specify Argeton?
Contact our technical team to see how Argeton can transform your next development.

The difference is Telling!

https://tellingrainscreens.co.uk/sherlock-street-project-recognised-for-outstanding-cladding-solutions/

Implementing PAS 2000: Strengthening Resilience in the Façade Industry

At Telling Rainscreens, we’re committed to delivering not just façade systems—but certainty. In today’s construction environment, where projects face everything from global supply chain disruptions to extreme weather events, reliability isn’t optional—it’s essential.

That’s why we’ve started implementing the recommendations in the guidance document PAS 2000, a resilience framework developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) to help businesses like ours better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruption and to meet the new requirements in the building regulations and be better prepared to support client applications to the building safety regulator.

Here’s what PAS 2000 is all about—and why it matters more than ever for the façade and wider construction industries.

What is PAS 2000?

PAS 2000 (Publicly Available Specification 2000) is a set of guiding principles for organisational resilience. It helps companies assess how well-equipped they are to handle unexpected events—whether those are market-driven, environmental, operational, or regulatory—and take practical steps to strengthen a company’s ability to withstand future shocks.

Unlike formal ISO standards, PAS 2000 is flexible and non-certifiable, designed to complement existing quality, safety, and sustainability systems. Its core focus is ensuring that businesses don’t just survive during disruption—but adapt and thrive.

Why We're Implementing PAS 2000

As a façade systems supplier, we operate at a critical junction in the construction supply chain. Our products are highly engineered, project-specific, and often among the last to be installed—meaning any delay can have a ripple effect across the entire programme.

By implementing PAS 2000, we aim to:

- Improve the resilience of our operations and logistics
- Enhance service continuity for clients
- Build a future-proof business that can adapt to changing market pressures
- Strengthen relationships with contractors, designers, and project managers

How PAS 2000 Benefits the Construction Industry—Especially Façades

The façade is one of the most visible, technically complex, and performance-critical elements of any building. Here's how PAS 2000 benefits construction stakeholders involved in façade delivery:

1. More Resilient Supply Chains
PAS 2000 encourages businesses to map and understand vulnerabilities in their supply networks. For façade systems—where raw materials, fixings, fire-tested components, and finishes often come from multiple sources—this means better contingency planning, alternative sourcing, and closer supplier collaboration.
🔹 Our action: We’re assessing our suppliers’ resilience and introducing tiered contingency options for key components.

2. Fewer Project Delays Due to Disruption
From factory capacity to weather delays on site, façades are frequently impacted by external forces. PAS 2000 pushes for robust business continuity planning, so that even when challenges arise, projects stay on track.
🔹 Our action: We're developing response protocols to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruption, material shortages, or logistics delays.

3. Greater Transparency and Communication
A big part of PAS 2000 is about building stronger, trust-based relationships across your network. In façade supply, this translates into more predictable delivery schedules, better technical support, and clearer coordination with design and installation teams.
🔹 Our action: We’re embedding clearer escalation procedures and proactive communication models into our operations. We work with our clients to provide technical engineered solutions for all our schemes, making sure that the whole supply chain understands and delivers the best façade solution possible.

4. Smarter Risk Management at Project Level
Façade systems come with strict regulatory requirements around fire safety, structural performance, weather resistance, and thermal efficiency. PAS 2000 helps ensure that risk awareness is built into the business culture, not just compliance departments.
🔹 Our action: We're strengthening internal training and project-specific risk assessments to better support our clients in early design stages. Providing engineered solutions with class A1 or A2 rainscreen products.

Why This Matters Now

Construction isn’t slowing down—but it is becoming more complex, interconnected, and unpredictable. From fire testing regimes to evolving ESG demands and environmental pressures, the stakes are getting higher. PAS 2000 gives us—and our clients—a practical framework for resilience that supports both day-to-day performance and long-term strategy.

Whether you're a developer, architect, main contractor or installer, the resilience of your façade supply partner directly affects your project's success and Telling Rainscreens are here to help and make sure that you achieve implementation of these factors.

Looking Ahead

Our journey with PAS 2000 is still underway, but the value is already clear: better internal systems, stronger communication, and a renewed focus on delivering certainty—even in uncertain times.
If you're a construction professional looking to align with resilient, forward-thinking suppliers, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s build better—together.

Contact us today to learn more about how our façade systems and PAS 2000-aligned approach can benefit your next project.

https://tellingrainscreens.co.uk/implementing-pas-2000-strengthening-resilience-in-the-facade-industry/

Cladding Remediation: A Vital Process for Safe and Compliant Building Envelopes

The need for cladding remediation has grown significantly in recent years, driven by evolving fire safety regulations, growing public awareness, and stricter compliance requirements across the construction and property sectors. Remediation ensures that buildings meet modern safety standards and performance expectations while restoring public confidence and long-term asset value.

What is Cladding Remediation?

Cladding remediation is the process of removing and replacing unsafe or non-compliant external wall systems, typically on mid- and high-rise buildings. This includes the removal of combustible or defective materials, structural reinforcement if required, and the installation of new, compliant cladding systems that meet fire, thermal, and weatherproofing standards.

Scope of Works

The scope of cladding remediation varies depending on the building and the extent of the issues identified. However, typical works include:

Inspection & Surveying – Fire risk assessments, material sampling, and façade condition surveys.

Removal of Existing Cladding – Carefully dismantling current systems, often with containment measures to protect occupants.

Structural Modifications – Reinforcing substructures or adapting the building envelope to support new cladding systems.

Installation of New Systems – Fixing new insulation, subframes, and rainscreen cladding panels.

Finishing & Compliance – Sealing, detailing, fire-stopping, and certification to meet regulatory standards.

Costs and Timeframe

Costs vary significantly based on building size, complexity, and chosen materials. A mid-rise residential block might cost between £1 million to £5 million to fully remediate, while high-rise commercial buildings can exceed £10 million.

Timeframes can range from 6 months to over 3 years, depending on project size, access logistics, planning permissions, building safety regulation requirements / approval and availability of suitable cladding systems.

Why Is It Carried Out?

Cladding remediation is typically undertaken for the following reasons:
Fire Safety Compliance – To remove unsafe materials or combustible insulation.

Insurance & Mortgage Requirements – Many insurers and lenders now require EWS1 forms or proof of compliant cladding.

Aesthetic Renewal – Some remediation projects are driven by the opportunity to modernise and enhance the building’s appearance. Some can be carried out as part of the Fire safety requirements by choosing a safer and more authentically pleasing cladding product.

Environmental Upgrades – Upgrading to energy-efficient systems and improving thermal performance.

Advantages:

Enhanced Safety – Protects lives and meets stringent fire regulations.

Restored Marketability – Properties become mortgageable and more attractive to buyers and tenants.

Modern Appearance – Offers an opportunity to update the building façade.

Improved Performance – Upgrades insulation, air-tightness, and durability.

Disadvantages

Cost Burden – Can be significant, particularly when funding support is limited.

Disruption – Potential inconvenience to residents or tenants during works.

Planning Delays – Complex approval processes, especially in conservation areas.

Telling Rainscreens: A Trusted Partner in Remediation

At Telling Rainscreens we are frequently consulted for remediation projects across the UK due to our proven track record, deep technical expertise, and trusted range of non-combustible façade systems. We are known for supporting stakeholders from concept through to completion, offering system design advice, fire compliance guidance, and full technical support.

Telling’s rainscreen systems are regularly specified in cladding remediation projects for their:

Proven Safety Credentials – All systems are A1 or A2-s1,d0 rated, in accordance with BS EN 13501-1.

Durability and Longevity – Products such as Argeton terracotta and Lithodecor natural stone and glass have design life in excess of 60 years.

Aesthetic Versatility – Multiple colours, finishes, and natural materials allow sensitive integration with both modern and historic buildings.

Products of Choice for Remediation:
- Argeton Terracotta
- Ideal for residential and public buildings
- BBA certified with a lifespan of over 60 years
- EPD Certificate
- CE/UKCA Certified product
- Lightweight, non-combustible, and highly durable
- Often used to replicate traditional masonry in modern form

Lithodecor Natural Stone and Glass
- Lithodecor Airtec Stone combines genuine stone veneers with lightweight backing for a robust and elegant solution.
- Lithodecor Airtec Glass offers high-impact resistance and a sleek finish, perfect for modern architecture.
- Both are A2-rated, non-combustible, and ideal for vertical or soffit applications.
- DIBt Approved products and classification which is the german equivalent of BBA

Social housing upgrades, commercial office refits and mixed-use developments are common project types subject to remediation were Telling systems have provided coordinated material palettes that suit retail, residential, and leisure uses within a single development modernising dated façades while achieving fire compliance and improved thermal performance.

Cladding remediation is a complex but essential undertaking that protects lives, ensures regulatory compliance, and safeguards the long-term value of built assets. With our high-performance, non-combustible cladding systems and technical know-how, at Telling Rainscreens we continue to be a preferred partner in delivering safe, attractive, and lasting façades across the UK with design advice, PI Insurance design and Guarantees on the systems supplied.

For stakeholders seeking peace of mind and quality in remediation projects, Telling’s Argeton and Lithodecor ranges are a proven choice that combines compliance with design excellence.

The Difference Is Telling.

https://tellingrainscreens.co.uk/glass-rainscreen-facades-2/