PAS 9980 FRAEW Report – Residential Tower, Canary Wharf, London

Barry Jubb Associates was appointed by Hampton Fire Risk Management to support the delivery of a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) for a landmark residential tower in Canary Wharf, London.

Background and brief

The development comprises a 36-storey residential tower connected to a six-storey podium. On the first floor, amenity facilities include a games room, a cinema room, and an external terrace, while the ground floor accommodates retail units. Residential accommodation is located on levels 2–35, and the topmost floors house plant rooms and other machinery.   

The highest occupied floor is approximately 117 metres above the firefighting access level. 

Completed in 2019, the building features a range of façade systems, including glazed curtain walling, aluminium decorative cladding and natural stone cladding, as well as private balconies and external terrace areas. 

We were briefed to carry out a detailed desk-based review of the original design intent, material specifications and construction records, to inform the PAS 9980-compliant Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls. 

 

Work undertaken

Review of project documentation

A comprehensive desktop review was carried out using project documentation including Operation and Maintenance manuals, as-built drawings, quality control records, and available site visit reports.

This type of review requires careful interpretation of large volumes of paperwork to find the quality assurance and installation records needed to provide reliable evidence of the materials used in each façade build-up. 

By drawing on experience in façade construction and compliance documentation, we were able to efficiently identify the relevant information and build a clear and reliable picture of the external wall design and construction.

Identification of external wall systems and materials

From the documentation reviewed, four main external wall systems were identified across the building, including unitised glazed curtain walling, aluminium cladding systems, stone cladding systems, and balcony assemblies. These systems were used in various combinations across the tower and podium elevations, reflecting the development’s architectural design. 

Detailed materials tables were produced to record the composition of each wall type and the fire performance classification of individual components. This included identifying insulation types, cladding materials, glazing systems, and fire stopping provisions incorporated within the façade design.

 

Outcomes and value delivered

Supporting a proportionate PAS 9980 assessment

The materials tables and façade analysis formed a key part of the wider PAS 9980 Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls. The structured documentation review enabled Hampton Fire Risk Management to apply the PAS 9980 risk analysis methodology and reach evidence-based conclusions regarding the external wall systems.

Clarity and confidence for building management

The completed FRAEW provided building management with a clear and reliable understanding of the façade construction and its fire performance, supporting ongoing compliance with current fire safety guidance. By establishing a verified record of the external wall materials and build-ups, the review helped ensure that any future decisions regarding building safety or maintenance can be made on a fully informed basis.

 

To discuss your needs or book a fraew survey report, contact us today.