Thomas Ferens Academy in Kingston Upon Hull, featuring AshTech, has won the Vertical Cladding/Rainscreen Category in this year's NRFC 2013 Roofing Awards, announced today in London.

The AshTech™ system has been used to absolutely stunning effect at the new state of the art school.

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."

Ash & Lacy Building Systems have been involved in an initiative with Birmingham School of Architecture, providing materials and know-how for students working on a solar shading project.

The project, utilising aluminium in a solar shading proposal, was one of 12 projects set by the School of Architecture, to give students an appreciation of various situations and problems that they will experience when in practice.

The projects ranged from re-modelling of a West Bromwich city centre building, to landscaping and use of materials.

The 12 students who chose to develop a solar shading system, using aluminium, undertook tours of the Ash & Lacy factory in West Bromwich, to gain an understanding of the design and manufacturing processes involved.

The students were then supplied with aluminium sheets by Ash & Lacy. They then designed and manufactured their proposed systems.  The first presentations by the students, gave their design proposals with cardboard models and design ideas.  They gave details of their thought processes in arriving at their final proposals, which were required to comply with the criteria set by Jim Sloan, their course tutor.

On Friday 8^th March, the students presented their final sample systems, which were either full or half size, using the aluminium sheets provided to them.  In manufacturing the systems, the students used the workshops at the Birmingham School of Architecture, which are equipped with routers, drills, folders, etc.  The end results were impressive, and our photographs show what they produced

Two Ash & Lacy projects have been shortlisted for The Roofing Awards 2013, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors' annual awards that recognise and highlight the very best in all major roofing disciplines.

Thomas Ferens Academy in Kingston upon Hull has been shortlisted in the Vertical Cladding/Rainscreen Category and Sandwell College, West Bromwich is a finalist in the Roof Sheeting Category.

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.

Sandwell College's distinctive waveform roofs feature the AshZip™ standing seam roof system in stucco-embossed aluminium. Achieving a BREEAM Very Good rating, the project features 130 metre long AshZip™ sheets in stucco embossed aluminium, optimising weathertight integrity.

AshZip™’s uniform, zero penetration appearance, further enhances the clean flowing appearance of the waveform roofs.

Pre-formed AshZip™ elements contribute to the high-precision of concave areas and tight convex eaves.

AshZip™ was installed as part of a double-skin roof construction, including quilt insulation and liner panel, to achieve a U- value of 0.20 W/m2K. Extruded and full height halters were deployed, reducing installation time in comparison with other top sheet attachment methods. 100mm Ash & Lacy AshGrid™ spacer supports were fitted around roof perimeter zones to provide extra protection against wind uplift.

Awards will be presented to the winners on Friday 17th May 2013 at the Hilton Metropole in London. You can view the finalist projects by heading to www.nfrc.co.uk/nfrc/media-centre/roofing-awards-2013.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR THOMAS FERENS ACADEMY CASE STUDY

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR SANDWELL COLLEGE CASE STUDY

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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."

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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.

Ash & Lacy building envelope packages have gained widespread adoption on schools throughout the UK. We have enjoyed particular success in Scotland and this is reflected in a new brochure, now available for download by clicking here, called Scotland's Schools for the Future.

All buildings highlighted have benefited from our early incorporation in design and construction teams, often via long term framework and other partnership arrangements.

The results, we believe, speak for themselves.

Please click here to view/download the leaflet.

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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.

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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.

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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.

We have just launched a new edition of the AshJack™ lightweight over-roof system brochure.

The brochure provides an updated, in-depth examination of AshJack™ , including an analysis chart outlining the merits of various methods of addressing flat roof failures.

It is well illustrated with many photos of completed and in-progress projects, together with comprehensive details and installation sections.

There is also a full explanation of system options and how the Ash & Lacy team provides a bespoke service for design and technical support on specific projects, advising on the most cost-effective and structurally sound solution.

The new brochure can be viewed/downloaded by clicking here.