Location
London, W1U
Architect
Leslie Jones
Main Contractor
Faithdean
Subcontractor
Valley Provincial
At 1 James Street, RYNO delivered a bespoke roof terrace flooring solution using our BalcaSmart® systems, engineered specifically for a non-standard steel-framed roof condition.
Working alongsideValley Provincial, and main contractor Faithdean, RYNO provided a fully integrated aluminium decking and paving build-up that fixed directly to the new steel structure installed over the existing roof, achieving minimal height build-up, clean interfaces, and long-term performance on a complex rooftop.
The Challenge
Unlike a conventional roof terrace, the external amenity space at 1 James Street was required to be installed onto a raised steel structure over the top of the main roof, rather than directly onto the waterproofed roof.
This presented a number of technical challenges:
- No conventional pedestal-compatible substrate
- Very tight height constraints across the roof build-up
- Requirement for flush transitions between decking, paving, and adjacent finishes
- Need for a system capable of fixing directly into steelwork
- Wind uplift considerations on an exposed rooftop location
The solution needed to be structurally robust, lightweight, adaptable, and precise; without introducing unnecessary build-up or complexity.
The Solution
RYNO supplied a BalcaSmart® roof terrace system, purpose-built for steel-framed rooftop applications, incorporating:
- BalcaSmart Rail Paving with Hidden Wind Uplift Restraint
- BalcaSmart Aluminium Decking – Free Drainage
The BalcaSmart system is engineered to fix directly to steel structures, making it ideally suited to this non-standard condition.
Key system features included:
- Direct fixing to steelwork
Joist hangers and cleats were used to secure the aluminium substructure directly into the existing steel frame, keeping joist levels flush with the steel and reducing overall height build-up to an absolute minimum. - Single integrated support solution
The aluminium substructure acted as a unified framework supporting decking, paving, and associated elements across the entire roof terrace; eliminating the need for multiple systems or interfaces. - Minimal build-up with flush finishes
By aligning the system with the steel frame, RYNO achieved seamless transitions between different surface finishes, delivering a clean, resolved architectural outcome. - Hidden Wind Uplift Restraint
Integrated discreetly within the BS Rail Paving system, providing wind resistance without visual compromise and maintaining a refined surface finish. - Free drainage aluminium decking
Ensuring effective water management while maintaining a lightweight, durable solution suitable for rooftop environments. - Material and finish coordination
A wide range of porcelain paving options allowed the project team to carefully coordinate finishes with the aluminium decking. The final palette included:
This combination enhanced visual coherence across the terrace while balancing durability and performance.
Collaboration & Technical Confidence
RYNO worked closely with Valley Provincial throughout the design and coordination process, providing technical input to ensure the system integrated seamlessly with the existing steel structure and overall roof build-up.
The approach drew on RYNO’s proven experience delivering similar steel-based rooftop solutions, including projects such as The Met Building and Fitzroy Street. This gave the wider project team confidence in both the technical strategy and on-site execution.
The Result
The completed roof terrace at 1 James Street delivers a highly resolved, steel-fixed external flooring solution that meets structural, aesthetic, and performance requirements under challenging site conditions.
By using BalcaSmart systems designed specifically for steel-framed rooftops, RYNO enabled a minimal-build-up, fully integrated terrace solution that aligned with architectural intent and construction realities alike.
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