As the UK construction industry intensifies its focus on retrofit, driven by building safety, sustainability targets and the need to upgrade aging stock. Specwall offers a compliant, fast-track alternative to traditional wall systems. Suitable for both public and private sector refurbishments, Specwall provides a dry-install, fire-rated solution that simplifies internal reconfigurations and enhances programme efficiency.
Designed for speed and flexibility in retrofit environments
Specwall is a pre-finished wall panel system delivered to site cut to size, with pre-formed service routes and fixing points. It can be installed using standard tools and labour, with no requirement for plasterboard, skim or drying time. This makes it particularly effective in occupied or live environments where disruption must be minimised.
Key benefits for retrofit and refurbishment schemes
- Fire safety compliance: Each 75mm panel delivers a minimum 120-minute fire rating, with up to 210 minutes for 100mm A1-rated panels. When used in twin-wall configurations, systems can provide up to 2 hours of fire resistance.
- Dry construction: Specwall installs with minimal wet trade requirements, helping avoid delays, reduce labour demands, and minimise disruption on live sites. A wide range of finishes can be applied directly to the panels, including paint, skim, tape and joint, spray plaster, render and tile.
- Water performance: Panels are water permeable and do not promote mould growth.
- Service integration: MEP penetrations and chases can be factory-cut or formed on-site, enabling fast, clean integration with modern building services.
- Space efficiency: At just 75mm or 100mm thick, panels help maximise usable floor area. Making Specwall panels ideal for reconfiguring internal layouts in space-constrained buildings.
- Structural compatibility: Lightweight construction, lighter than blockwork, reduces load on existing floor slabs and is suitable for buildings where heavier materials may be unsuitable.
Applications across multiple retrofit sectors
- Social housing and residential upgrades
- Education and healthcare building refurbishments
- Commercial-to-residential conversions
- Hotel and student accommodation modernisations
- Fire remediation and layout reconfigurations
Commercial advantages for clients and main contractors
- Delivered in bulk to site, no cranage required
- Panels can be cut, moved, and reinstalled, supporting layout changes or phased refurbishments
- Minimal waste and fully recyclable components contribute to higher BREEAM scores
Let’s discuss your retrofit project
Specwall is proven in retrofit environments and helps deliver compliant, high-quality refurbishments with reduced disruption and improved build certainty. If you’re planning an upgrade project and want a buildable alternative to traditional wall systems, contact our technical team today
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