Gateshead Music Centre, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

Client: Gateshead Council
Value: £80,000+ material value

Type of works: new build construction of Norman Foster designed concert hall, considered a major cultural development for the North East. The structure, which features a huge, curved, wave-like curtain wall system to enhance acoustics, required a highly-effective waterproof membrane beneath the cover panels and a similarly performing water and air-tight seal to gaps and openings within the building façade.   

The project involved the supply of over 10,000m² of a high performance, mechanically fixed and exposed membrane which was ultra-violet stable, fire retardant and resistant to ageing, pollutants and weathering. Additionally, over 1,000 linear metres of a 100% effective, yet easily installed, cavity break membrane was required to ensure that the curtain wall remained resistant to the ingress of moisture and the passage of air.

Sika systems used included Trocal S, a well established, proven and durable PVC roofing membrane, and Sika Membran, a proven and long lasting butyl-rubber membrane bonded with SikaBond TF Plus elastic adhesive. These materials were selected as they fulfilled and exceeded design requirements, possessed worldwide recognition for performance, and provided a fully integrated, compatible system. They also ensured that the structure complied with British Standards and Building Regulations for water and air tightness.