According to John Burke, Architect and Consultant to Tower Hamlets Council, the versatility of Fermacell board is why the product is regularly specified by their department, and includes another recent educational-based project: the Mowlem Children’s Centre in Bethnal Green.
“Fermacell was specified for Manorfield Primary School by our Brazilian Designer Diogo Cunha. It was selected for a variety of reasons including its acoustic properties, the robustness of the product which enables it to withstand knocks and bumps; and the excellent hanging loads that allow staff to easily fix artwork to the walls,” he says.
Another key consideration in the specification of Fermacell was the sustainability aspects of the board – it’s made from 100 per cent recycled materials and is recyclable – meaning that it helps contribute to the BREEAM rating of the building.
The Fermacell board was installed by Essex-based Visual Interiors, specialists in suspended ceilings, partitioning, plastering, steel framing and drylining. Director Matthew Barker commented: “We installed the external and internal walls on the project and internally combined Lindab steel frame partitions with Fermacell board.
The school was originally build in the late 1950’s and was typical of the prefabricated constructions of that time. Now, with a vibrant multi-colour scheme comprising yellow, blue and red render alongside natural timber, pupils now have a much more uplifting environment in which to work.Main contractor for the year-long project was Higgins Construction and the existing school continued to operate throughout this period. The two storey new build element comprises an open front entry into the main reception area with a secure lobby where visitors can only pass when directed by a member of staff.
The first floor is flooded in natural light from roof glazing. The classrooms have been designed to accommodate the early age year groups with open flexible spaces.
Ross Jenyon of Higgins Construction commented: “A good surface finish to the internal walls was obtained using Fermacell which is ideal for use in schools and large common areas. Its robustness means that you don’t get the same level of damage on site as you would with plasterboard and its strength provides excellent load hanging capability - ideal for fixing pictures and other fittings to the walls.”
“The Manorfield Primary School development is quite a departure on the design side – it’s very open with no ceilings and so all the services including the suspended lighting track and sprinkler pipes are visible all the way round.”
Lead inquiries to fermacell@yourresponse.co.uk
For further media information please contact David Prout at Fermacell on 0870 609 0306 or 07875 243440 ; or Paul Shrimpton at PSPR Limited on 0121 354 7311 or 07979 505322.
No comments:
Post a Comment