James Watt Way Case Study

Project Challenges

This wasn’t a straightforward install. The system was being replaced as part of a wider external refurbishment led by Miller Knight. Our role was to carry out the full installation of the Envirowall render system, including basecoat, mesh coats, and silicone topcoat, across all elevations of the five-storey block.

Access was one of the biggest obstacles. Everything — boards, fixings, materials — had to be carried by hand up scaffold haki staircases. No hoists, no shortcuts. Our in-house loading crew hit their limit within days, and that’s where Star Loaders stepped in. They handled the logistics with precision and kept the install moving at a time when we were close to coming to a standstill.

To make things tougher, the initially specified compression detail between boards didn’t meet client expectations. Visually wasn’t acceptable — too wide, not the finish they wanted. That held us back for nine days while the detail was reworked and signed off.

Restructure & Delivery

Once the new spec was approved, we restructured quickly. The existing gang couldn’t deliver the pace now needed, so we brought in GW Construction Ltd, led by Tony, with up to ten experienced boarders. Straight away, progress picked up — elevations started flying up.

Working directly behind them, Global Rendering Ltd, led by Dimi, stepped in with his team — including Peter, Yemi, and others. They followed elevation by elevation, applying the Envirowall basecoat, mesh layers, and Envirosil Silicone Topcoat as GW completed each section. It was a clean, efficient flow — boarders and renderers doing what they do best , wall by wall.

That coordination saved time, and we needed every bit of it. We were so tight on programme that even a few days of bad weather or delay would’ve pushed us back. Luckily, the weather held. We had fair, dry conditions through the critical stages, and we took full advantage of it to stay on track.

System Performance

The Envirowall render system, from basecoat through mesh to final topcoat, performed exactly as needed — strong, consistent, and visually sharp. The RENDACLAD Board worked well as the substrate, and the finished surface with the Envirosil Silicone Topcoat gave the building a professional, updated look.

What stood out just as much as the system itself was the support from Envirowall. Their technical advice, prompt updates on the redesign, and dependable supply chain helped keep everything on track — which, on a job running this tight, made all the difference. Also, the support from the Miller Knight team was amazing from the start of the project.

Final Result

Despite delays at the start and a tight schedule throughout, we completed the full install within Miller Knight’s programme, with only minor snagging to follow.

The result is a system install we’re proud of — not just because it looks the part, but because of what it took to get it there: coordination, communication, and commitment from every team involved.