New Build Sixthform Block, Royal Leamington Spa

Brief:

Established in 1977, the school caters for pupils aged between 11 and 18. This scheme represented the second phase of a larger project designed to improve and expand its facilities. The sixth-form block would be a two-storey building featuring classrooms, study spaces and staff facilities. Structurally, it would comprise a lightweight steel frame overlaid with cement fibre sheathing boards.

The sports hall would replace an older facility on the same site and would be built to a similar design. In both cases, external wall insulation systems would be installed to ensure good thermal performance, effective weather protection and an attractive, durable finish.

As part of the preparatory works, Permarock technical staff met with the stakeholder team and visited the site to develop the necessary designs. They also provided product samples, visualisations and ongoing support throughout the planning and mobilisation stages. Moreover, they provided installers with project-specific training and remained on hand to offer advice and support throughout the installation phase.

Design and Specification:

The chosen EWI system comprised:

• Permarock Mineral Fibre External Wall Insulation System with insulation boards adhesively bonded and mechanically fixed to the substrate;
• Permarock Silicone^Ultra K Finish (textured render).

When combined with Permarock Silicone^Ultra K finish, Permarock Mineral Fibre EWI systems achieve an A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire classification (EN 13501-1:2007 + A1:2009) and can be used on buildings of any height. Here, the buildings had floor heights of below 11 metres but the system’s non-combustibility afforded an important degree of additional safety and security.

The Permarock Mineral Fibre Dual Density Insulation was supplied in boards measuring 1200 mm x 600 mm. They were installed in thicknesses of 160 mm on the sixth form building, and 120 mm on the sports hall. Other thicknesses were used as necessary to complete the detailed design of the system. All insulation boards were affixed using a cement-based adhesive and galvanised steel screws.

Permarock Silicone^Ultra K Finish – a textured, flexible render with a 15 mm grain size – was used to provide the insulation with lasting weatherproof protection. A bright white was specified, although the product is also available in a wide range of other colours. It is able to retain its clean appearance for much longer than traditional finishes thanks to a preservative that resists organic growth and its tendency to shed dirt through the normal actions of weathering. This helps to minimise the need for cleaning and maintenance throughout its working life, which will typically exceed 30 years.