CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY IN PDF FORMAT

Complete Ash & Lacy building envelope package solutions were chosen for two newly rebuilt secondary schools, as part of Aberdeen City Council's ambitious 3Rs Project (Reorganise, Renovate, Rebuild).

Cults Academy and Bucksburn Academy each feature over 12,000m2 of a wide range of seamlessly integrated Ash & Lacy components over a pre-cast insulated concrete panel construction. Products specified included AshZip™ standing seam roofing, the AshJack™ lightweight over roof system, AshFab™ specialist fabrications, AshFlow™ rainwater goods and AshFix™ fasteners.

The AshJack™ system was supplied as a propped rafter system, with insulation placed directly on top of the concrete slab, thus avoiding the need for insulation at the higher level, which in effect was a single-skin AshZip™ finish in natural mill stucco-embossed aluminium.

Ash & Lacy were involved from the tender and design stage up until completion. The new Cults Academy building is located on the site of the former school in the west of Aberdeen, with approximately 1,100 students and 130 staff. The new school has given the students access to excellent new facilities that will offer a wider range of activities.

Bucksburn Academy serves a catchment area which includes Bucksburn, Bankhead, Kingswells, Newhills and Stoneywood. It is capable of taking 650 pupils. The school incorporates provision for up to 96 pupils with additional support needs from across Aberdeen City.

The 3Rs Project was a major part of the regeneration of Aberdeen City Council's school estate, the aim of which was to design and construct first class education facilities for Aberdeen. It saw two secondary schools replaced, seven new primary schools rebuilt and one refurbished and the incorporation of two special schools within the new developments. It was implemented through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) using a non-profit distributing organisation with support from the Scottish Government.

All schools are community schools, and community facilities and other Council and public services are delivered from the buildings.

Focusing on the Cults Academy project, Richard Haigh of Buro Happold said: “Ash & Lacy’s involvement was imperative to the success of Cults Academy, which is a project completely engineered through our mutual cooperation. Ash & Lacy do not simply sell a product; they work closely with the architects to design applications that offer economic savings as well as sustainable solutions that benefit the end users."

CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY IN PDF FORMAT

The original East Plean Primary School made national news when it was effectively destroyed by a fire caused through vandalism.

The building was so badly damaged by water and smoke that demolition and replacement became Stirling Council’s only realistic option.

It was decided to re-build on the same site, adjacent to the busy A9 road. This presented some logistical challenges, largely as a result of the footprint of the new £4.5 million school being substantially larger than the one it replaced.

Concern was expressed in the local community that the new school would stand out in comparison to the very traditional appearance of the old building.

A seamless and highly integrated range of Ash & Lacy building envelope components became instrumental in the achievement of a sympathetic design, which also employed skillful use of brick and vertical timber panels to create an attractive and unobtrusive new facility.

Over 2,300m2 of the AshZip™ standing seam system was specified in 0.9mm aluminium with an AluNatur transparent finish, providing a very natural overall roof appearance, in complete harmony with the other chosen envelope materials.

AshZip™ differs from other standing seam roofing systems in the philosophy adopted by Ash & Lacy, which is based on offering a comprehensive solution from a single source. This recognises that the appearance and performance of a roof can be seriously compromised unless other components such as rainwater goods and perimeter details are all to the same exacting high standards.

The project therefore also features an AshFlow™ rainwater system with a 1.2mm Aquatite™ membrane. Aquatite™ offers a strong, formable metal substrate, combined with a non-permeable weather resistant membrane, factory-bonded to the water-carrying surface. This highly effective construction gives a superior quality finish for maximum drainage efficiency. It also comes with a leading guarantee and technical support, plus the reassurance of being a safe, green solution.

Complementary AshFab™ perimeter fabrications in 2mm PPC aluminium provided a pristine and crisp final touch. The school signage was also designed and created by Ash & Lacy. It is laser cut into the fascia flashing, with a contrasting backing sheet to highlight.

AshFix™ stainless steel fixings were used throughout, to ensure long term high performance and corrosion resistance.

The end result is a very well-conceived envelope solution that enables the school to blend into its locality.

Satisfied with the appearance, pupils and staff have found the new school to their liking. Larger classrooms suit and accommodate their academic needs, and a practical layout minimises disruption between classrooms and other facilities.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY IN PDF FORMAT

David Livingstone Memorial Primary School in Blantyre is a new £6.6 million development. It is part of South Lanarkshire Council’s development strategy to improve every primary school facility within the region by 2016.

Featuring 4,500m2 of the AshZip™ standing seam roof system, together with AshFlow™ rainwater goods, AshFab™ PPC aluminium perimeter fabrications and AshFix™ stainless steel fasteners, this is the second South Lanarkshire Council project featuring a comprehensive package of Ash & Lacy building envelope solutions, following previous success at the Larkhall Nursery Project.

Ash & Lacy provided full design advice throughout the project and all calculations relevant to package installation.

Named after the medical missionary, African explorer and Blantyre's most famous son, the new school was built on the site of the original David Livingstone Memorial Primary School. Before rebuilding work could commence, pupils therefore had to be relocated in temporary classrooms.

The new accommodation is provided mainly over one floor. It includes thirteen classrooms, a gym/assembly hall, staffrooms, cloakrooms and restrooms, with associated kitchen, office and storage facilities. An Additional Support Needs (ASN) base has been incorporated, including playground areas and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) pitch.

The school features the AshZip™ 400 profile in 0.9mm aluminium with an AluNatur transparent finish, which was site rolled by Ash & Lacy in conjunction with installation contractor Cladding Services Limited, to accommodate continuous 23 metre sheet lengths with no end laps. This option also minimised winter weather disruption and overcame potential long vehicle access issues within the very tight area in which the school is located.

The specified AshZip™ roof finish affords a natural look roof, in complete harmony with the attractive vertical beech cladding.

Ash & Lacy were again delighted to work closely with Glasgow architects Aedas, who have been at the heart of many of the Scottish projects that the company has been associated with.

Cladding Services Limited completed the project under the AWM Protector Warranty scheme, which covers against defective workmanship of the approved Ash & Lacy contractor, and also against defective materials. All items detailed in an AshZip™ specification are covered by the Protector Warranty, provided the specification is followed in its entirety, and materials are purchased from Ash & Lacy or their approved Ashure Partners.

Cover is provided for 25 years following Practical Completion, subject to the independent inspections of the installation and sign off by AWM Ltd.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY IN PDF FORMAT

The new Energy Technologies Building (ETB) at Nottingham University's Innovation Park on the Jubilee Campus features an exceptional application of AshTech™ rainscreen cladding by Ash & Lacy.

With a BREEAM "Outstanding" rating, ETB is a new showcase low carbon building, leading the way towards meeting the Government’s target for all new public buildings to be ‘zero carbon’ by 2018.

The building is dedicated to research, development and demonstration (RD&D) in sustainable energy technologies. It incorporates energy efficient materials and is designed to minimise its demands for heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation. It actually produces more energy than it requires, heating the neighbouring Institute of Mental Health Building.

ETB comprises office, event and exhibition space to house staff, hold workshops and information events and showcase the building and its facilities. Equipped laboratory space enables a variety of energy RD&D activities. There is also a Prototyping Hall and an external compound for constructing and testing full scale prototypes of façades and building fabrics.

Approximately 1000m2 of AshTech™ was specified on the building’s two main elevations in the Freedom 1 configuration. Freedom 1 is a concealed-fix, baffle-jointed cassette rainscreen with a fully adjustable support system, primarily used for horizontal application on walls and for soffits.

Designed to fit in with the high tech building design and to appear to exude their own energy, the AshTech™ panels have been manufactured in Alucobond Spectra Sacura ACM finish. This provides a quite stunning two-tone iridescent effect that shows ever changing hues of pink and silver that constantly vary as the angle of view or illumination changes.

Ash & Lacy also supplied AshFab™ flashings, cill and window integration detailing and AshFix™ fixings to complete a precise, seamless and prestigious overall façade effect.

About the Energy Technologies Building: The Energy Technologies Building project is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information, visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf. The Energy Technologies Building is part of the Accelerating A Low Carbon Economy Project which is part financed by the East Midlands 2007-1013 ERDF Competitiveness Programme.

University of Nottingham: For more information, please contact Melanie Watts, Melanie.watts@nottingham.ac.uk Tel: 01158 467668, Mob: 07585 984347.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY IN PDF FORMAT

Featuring 1100m2 of the AshZip™ standing seam roof system, the 19th Century Castle Primary School building in New Cumnock, East Ayrshire has been fully upgraded to deliver an up-to-the-minute Curriculum for Excellence to its 200 pupils.

The school has a new gym and dining hall and has been completely renovated internally.

As well as nine newly refurbished classrooms, other special classrooms have also been provided for infant activity, nurture, music and drama, research, parents and staff. A new library/ media suite is located in the middle of the ground floor.

A new-build single-storey nursery, built on adjacent land, provides a bright, modern centre for 70 pre-school children, linking to the school via a covered walkway,

External features include a variety of play equipment, bike racks, an outdoor classroom shelter, eco garden and soft play area.

Completed ahead of schedule, this £9.6milliion development forms part of East Ayrshire Council’s plans for the regeneration of the centre of New Cumnock.

The primary school underwent substantial roof works (slates) and interior fit-out, for which Ash & Lacy provided the link walkway roof covering in smooth, pre-curved AshZip™, installed by WG Walker Limited.

The new nursery school was actually constructed on-top of an old river bed. It incorporated steel piles in its construction, as well as a newly constructed flood defence wall.

The nursery has been created in bright vibrant colours, although the AshZip™ standing seam roof finish was specified in Alunatur Frost to provide a zinc patina, blending in with the abundant use of slate throughout the village.

In keeping with a state-of-the-art nursery facility, the AshZip™ roof covering was supplied with an anti-drumming membrane to the underside. This ensures minimum noise in the event of heavy and persistent rainfall.

Providing seamless component integration from a single source, Ash & Lacy AshFlow™ 1.2mm Aquatite membrane gutters, AshFab™ 2mm PPC perimeter fabrications and, importantly, AshFix™ stainless steel fasteners, were all incorporated into the roofing system, complying with the requirements of the AWM Protector Warranty, which will provide complete peace of mind in the long term performance of this new and vibrant facility.

The AWM Protector Warranty covers against defective workmanship of the approved Ash & Lacy contractor, and also against defective materials. All items detailed in an AshZip™ specification are covered by the Protector Warranty, provided the specification is followed, in its entirety, and materials are purchased from Ash & Lacy or their approved Ashure Partners.

Cover is provided for 25 years following Practical Completion, subject to the independent inspections of the installation and sign off by AWM Ltd.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY IN PDF FORMAT

A £26 million, 12,000m2 re-modelling of a North Lanarkshire school features a very wide range of Ash & Lacy building envelope solutions.

Part of North Lanarkshire Council’s “Schools and Centres 21” framework agreement, Coltness High School in Wishaw underwent a major transformation over three years, with a mixture of refurbishment and new construction.

Outdated and ageing facilities have been replaced by an ultra-modern complex, designed to create a safe, stimulating and challenging environment for all the building’s users, including 800 pupils. Pupils contributed to the designs produced by CRGP Architects and were actively involved through a series of workshops in the creation of graphics, artwork and furniture to create a unique brand for the school. Internal colour schemes were developed with a palette drawn from colours within the school logo.

The school has been designed with environmental issues firmly in mind. Features include a high performance envelope, biomass boilers, ground source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting and a passive stack natural ventilation strategy. Minimising energy use involves active occupant participation. Real time building energy management system readings are visible to students.

Ash & Lacy initially supplied approximately 800m2 of the AshJack™ flat-to-pitch over-roof conversion system, in a propped rafter configuration, installed directly onto a hollow rib slab, using resin anchors.

Later work included another AshJack™ propped rafter system (1200m2) to the four-storey main teaching block. The structure’s height had to cope with a substantial wind load, but this was comfortably accommodated by reducing the AshJack™ frame centres. There was also the introduction of two spanning truss elements to stairwells, which seamlessly integrated with the propped rafter on the main roof to create a single, consistent, standing-seam roof slope, free from junctions.

At this stage in the project, installation contractor W G Walker also deployed AshFlow™ rainwater goods, AshFab™ flashings and soakers and AshFix™ fixings, further demonstrating how Ash & Lacy can provide an extremely comprehensive solution package.

Ash & Lacy has built up a formidable reputation for its technical advisory service. Recognition of the extensive involvement with the project architects and engineers in the AshJack™ element of the refurbishment phase led to an invitation to provide the ACM wall cladding to the main entrance.

AshTech™ Freedom 1 rainscreen cladding was selected in a striking Ultra-Marine Blue and Indiana Copper scheme for the curved wall design. Staggered joints were emphasised through the powder coating of all the exposed vertical and horizontal extrusions, providing a strongly defined picture frame, highlighting the panel colours to the maximum possible extent.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY IN PDF FORMAT

Bransholme Health Centre is the 11th project under Hull’s NHS LIFT (Local Improvement Financial Trust) scheme. It serves as an attractive hub for the local community, providing a comprehensive range of health and council services under one roof.

Located in Goodhart Road, North Hull, the £14.7 million Centre includes several GP practices, a minor injuries unit, a Hull City Council customer service centre and a branch of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

The project features 1600m2 of AshTech™ Expression 2 rainscreen cladding in both 2mm and 3mm gauge PPC aluminium, together with AshFab™ fabrications and AshFIx™ fixings.

Bransholme Health Centre is the second LIFT project in which Ash & Lacy has been involved, having previously supplied AshScreen™ perforated screens and supports for the Wilberforce Health Centre in Hull City Centre.

AshTech™ rainscreen cladding systems ensure the achievement of a completely flat surface and a low maintenance, sustainable external ventilated ‘cold’ façade.

AshTech™ Expression 2 comprises a concealed fix baffle-jointed hook-on cassette with a fully adjustable support system, designed for vertical (portrait) application on vertical facades. Expression 2 was primarily selected due to its demountability at individual panel level, facilitating easy maintenance in the event of any future damage to the building skin.

The AshTech™ panels are arranged in an attractive mosaic of grey and blue tones. This architectural effect is further accentuated by the exceptionally crisp panel edge achieved by Ash & Lacy, during manufacture on state of the art equipment. The project is covered under Ash & Lacy’s AWM Protector Warranty scheme. This protects the client against defective workmanship and materials.

Under the scheme, cover is provided for 25 years following Practical Completion, subject to the independent inspections of the installation and sign off by AWM Ltd.

Quality control of the workmanship and material throughout any project has the largest impact on the life expectancy of a building and thus is key to long term investment potential. An independent auditing and inspection is the best assurance of obtaining the highest quality construction and finishing, which will underpin life expectancy, reduce maintenance costs and benefit the whole life costs of the building.

Ash & Lacy’s AshJack flat-to-pitch over-roof conversion system has featured in an extensive programme of improvements to Dumfries and Galloway Council’s school building stock.

Projects at St Columba’s RC Primary School in Annan and Kirkcolm Primary School, Kirkcolm both suffered from failed felt roofs on timber frames.

Contrasting AshJack solutions were chosen for each school, demonstrating the system’s versatility in providing a tailored, long term answer to the specific problems being experienced at each site.

A comprehensive initial survey is a vital element of any roof refurbishment project, if it is to be truly effective. At St Columba’s, investigation revealed that very high levels of rainwater ponding on the old roof had severely weakened its structure, to the extent that it would not be possible for it to directly support any type of over-roof solution.

Fortunately, Ash & Lacy were able to provide the only realistic alternative to a complete roof re-build, in the form of a spanning truss configuration, spanning between wall heads. This imposed no additional load on the existing roof and, in turn, supported a new insulated panel outer skin.

The AshJack spanning truss system is purpose-designed for use on existing roofs that do not have the capability to support any further load. Factory-assembled clear spanning trusses, constructed using a series of purpose made sections, are supported by the existing load bearing walls or columns. Once in place, the trusses are fixed into the connection plates, braced, and the roof purlins secured.

At Kirkcolm School, despite there being significant roof degradation, it was deemed not quite as severe as at St Columba’s.  It was therefore possible to install an AshJack propped rafter system, which is constructed using a series of purpose made sections comprising telescopic heads, rafters, purlins, bracing and fascia / soffit frames. Taking advantage of the inherent strength and loading capabilities of the existing structure, these were assembled on site to construct a lightweight structural framework, which was then fixed through the existing roof to a main support.

The school features an entire suite of seamlessly integrated Ash & Lacy building envelope solutions, with AshJack supporting a new double-skin insulated roof construction, featuring the AshZip standing seam system, AshGrid spacer support system and AshFab perimeter details.

The entranceway to Kirkcolm School has a clear-span vaulted ceiling, made possible by the marriage of lightweight AshJack components with a heavier, bespoke hot-rolled framed system, creating an attractive feature.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY IN PDF FORMAT
STOP PRESS: WINNER - THE ROOFING AWARDS 2013
- VERTICAL CLADDING/RAINSCREEN CATEGORY

Project: Thomas Ferens Academy
Location: Hall Road, Kingston upon Hull
Product: AshTech™, AshFab™, AshFix™
Architect: Space Group
Main contractor: Sewell Group
Installer: Halcyon Building Systems
Sector: Education

Ash & Lacy's AshTech™ rainscreen cladding system has been used to absolutely stunning effect at the new state of the art Thomas Ferens Academy in Kingston upon Hull.

Built for Hull Esteem Consortium, the organisation appointed by Hull City Council to deliver the city’s Building Schools for the Future programme, the £24.5 million complex is a leading-edge centre of excellence, using the most up to date knowledge and technology to inspire young people to learn and achieve. It aims to promote the development of every student as an expert learner.

The new buildings have been designed to be eco-friendly and distinctive and to create a positive and stimulating learning environment. The Academy can accommodate 1250 pupils between the ages of 11 and 16.

Visitors to Thomas Ferens are immediately struck by the tremendously innovative multi-coloured facades, made using Ash & Lacy’s AshTech™ Freedom 1 rainscreen cladding system – a concealed-fix, baffle-jointed cassette rainscreen with a fully adjustable support system, primarily used for horizontal application on walls and for soffits.

Fixed to a lightweight steel frame, AshTech™ panels in dark grey and three contrasting tones of orange have been installed in occasional varying depths and a complex raking façade effect, to create even further visual interest. They also feature on the branded fin at the very front of the main entrance. The astounding attention to detail on this project even extends to the use of AshTech on roof parapet areas.

Approximately 1000m2 of AshTech™ was specified in 3mm powder-coated aluminium to a marine-grade specification to cope with the rigours of the local coastal environment, providing a 25-year system warranty under the auspices of the AWM Protector Warranty. The project also features AshFab™ fabrications and AshFix™ fixings.

All this was achieved through the very close collaboration throughout the project between Ash & Lacy, project architect Space Group, main contractor Sewell Group and installation contractor Halcyon Building Systems.

Commenting on the project, Karl Brennan, Associate Architect for Space Group said: "The service provided by Ash & Lacy was outstanding, in terms of the level of support and product development they invested in the project and achieving such a striking colour scheme.

"AshTech is a fantastic product at the top of the range of aluminium rainscreen cladding systems and the finished facades certainly reflect that status.

"It was a pleasure to work with Ash & Lacy. I think that between us we created a fantastic building and look forward to creating exciting new ones in the future."