SB 4156 32pp WEB

Kingspan Tek adds excitement to school dinners
Pupils at Filton Avenue Primary School are enjoying the benefits of offsite
construction in their warm, vibrant new dining hall, erected in a matter of
weeks using the Kingspan TEK Building System.
Recent increases in the school’s intake meant that the existing lunch facilities,
located away from the main buildings, needed to be upgraded. Studio LIME
proposed a simple pitched roof design, using brightly coloured cladding to
encourage students to enjoy healthy school meals inside. The construction work was
completed by Jones Building Group during term time. This was one of the reasons the
Kingspan TEK Building System was specified. Architect, Alex Robertson, explained:
“The Kingspan TEK Building System was chosen to reduce the on-site duration of the
project and the noise and disruption that goes with it. A number of classrooms are
located nearby and operated effectively for the duration of the project. We were also
keen to use the system as it allowed us to get a weather proof envelope as quickly as
possible, reducing the scope for delays.”
Kingspan TEK panels comprise a high-performance insulation core sandwiched between two layers of OSB/3. They were designed and factory
cut to the project’s unique specifications by Kingspan TEK Delivery Partners,SIP Build UK. This offsite production process minimised site waste
and allowed the panels to be quickly erected. Once a breather membrane was applied to the outer face of the panels, the structure was
watertight allowing internal trades to begin work.
The bespoke production process gave Studio LIME considerable design control: “By using the Kingspan TEK panels on the roof and walls, we
were able to have consistent detailing across the whole of the building envelope,” Alex Robertson commented. “This significantly reduced the
number and complexity of different interfaces, minimising the potential for future maintenance issues.”
Under the Bristol Core Strategy, it was also essential that the building achieved a high level of energy efficiency. The Kingspan TEK Building
System supported a fabric first construction approach, limiting the heating demand of the building. The insulated core of the structural insulated
panel, allowed U-values of 0.17 W/m2.K to be reached on the wall and roof whilst its OSB/3 facing and unique jointing system minimised airleakage
through the building envelope.
The lightweight design and excellent spanning capability of the panels also allowed the size and weight of the roof supports to be significantly
reduced compared with alternative fabric options. This made the building more cost effective to construct and allowed acoustic plenums to be
formed over the dining hall to minimise noise.
www.kingspantek.co.uk
Sto provides integrated package for major student development
A carefully integrated package of building façade products provided by Sto has been used to create attractive new
elevations for a building which has undergone extensive refurbishment.
StoTherm Classic external wall insulation and a brick slip façade finish combination has been applied to the CityBlock site in
Reading, which provides premium purpose-built student accommodation.
“The ability to source a completely integrated solution was important to us,” comments Chris Reader of Whittam Cox architects. “We knew
that the various component products would be entirely compatible with each other. The Sto range allowed us to use traditional red brick slips
and then add complementary grey panels to create a really contemporary visual identity for the building. Combined with the new glazing
that we introduced this has totally transformed the building’s appearance.”
The StoPrim Fungal disinfectant solution used provided a highly efficient method of eliminating any algae or fungus present on the existing
façade surfaces. StoTherm Classic external wall insulation was fixed to the walls with adhesive for
fast and easy installation. Comprising an EPS board and entirely cement-free components, the BBAcertified
StoTherm Classic provides outstanding impact resistance of 60 joules, which is up to 10
times greater than similar cementitious systems.
The façades were finished with Sto brick slips. Manufactured from synthetic render, these rugged and
durable brick slips are compatible with all Sto façade systems. This allows architects to match the
design of nearby buildings without compromising on external wall insulation. They also provide
outstanding weather resistance, which allows the completed simulated brick appearance façade to
keep a smart appearance for many years to come.
“This Sto product package provided an excellent solution for the CityBlock building,” adds Graham
Chadwick of Craft Interior, who completed the installation work. “The original 1960s façades were
showing their age, but the Sto products allowed us to update the thermal performance and also
create an attractive new appearance, especially the contrasting red and grey brick slips that were
used to add detailing.
The 1960s building underwent extensive refurbishment. It is owned by student accommodation
specialists CityBlock, and now offers 145 studios plus extensive communal spaces.
www.sto.co.uk
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