Kidderminster, Healthcare

Brief

Given the building’s proposed location on a busy ring road, the blockwork walls could be expected to be subject to airborne pollution and surface soiling. Consequently, an important design requirement was that the chosen finish would retain a clean appearance and keep routine maintenance costs to a minimum.

Design and Specification:

The system chosen for the scheme was based on Permarock’s PermaRend External Render system, together with Permarock Silicone^Ultra K Finish.

PermaRend is a crack-resistant, polymer-modified render that produces a tough, impact-resistant surface. It is applied as a thin, multi-coat system and is suitable for use on brickwork, blockwork and concrete surfaces. Despite its strength, it is lightweight and flexible, and it is commonly specified in preference to traditional sand-cement renders.

PermaRend systems are reinforced with a lightweight mesh layer, and mechanical fixings can be used to enhance their bond to the underlying substrate. They are compatible with a wide range of Permarock finishes, including Silicone^Ultra finishes, PermaRend Mineral K/R Finishes, Permarock Brick-Effect Render or Brick Slips, or with Permarock Dry Dash. In all, more than 1300 colour shades are available.

On this scheme, the chosen product was Permarock Silicone^Ultra K Finish, which produces a textured surface with 1.5 mm grain size. It was supplied in multiple colours, as dictated by the architect’s design.

An important feature of Permarock Silicone^Ultra K Finish is that it tends to shed dirt easily. It resists adhesion by dirt particles and atmospheric pollution, and it contains a preservative that inhibits the growth of mould and algae. This contributes to a cleaner, more lasting appearance because any material that is unable to gain a firm purchase on the surface will tend to be washed off by rain and the usual actions of weathering.