Fairfax House, Leeds

Following changes in fire safety regulations and the conversion of Fairfax House from commercial to residential use, a fire-resistant coating was required to enhance the building’s safety and ensure compliance. As part of the process, the previous paint coating was removed before applying Keim Soldalit Mineral Paint—an A2S1D0 fire-tested system and the only material available in Europe tested and approved to this standard. Fairfax House, a nine-story residential building in Leeds City Centre, was one of the first developments to use airless spray application of this non-combustible paint. The project covered all four elevations of the building, including the castellated parapet detail at the roof, improving both fire resistance and appearance by coating the existing vertical aggregate concrete panels.

The work included providing all materials and labour necessary for the successful application and certification of the new coating, along with safeguarding all windows and aluminium spandrel panels from overspray. Fairfax House became a key example of how spray application techniques could meet safety standards, and it remains a proud achievement for the team, marking a significant step in fire safety compliance for future developments.

This project not only showcased the capabilities of the airless spray application method but also highlighted the importance of adapting to evolving safety regulations. The innovative approach used at Fairfax House set a precedent for similar projects, ensuring that future developments could achieve both aesthetic and safety goals with the same high standards of care and quality.