Client: Horizon Primary School
Type of works: supplied Cembrit True cladding.

Cembrit True cladding has helped create an uplifting new façade for Horizon Primary School in Swanley. As well as adding colour, the new cladding has created a modern, seamless look that has completely transformed the tired 1960s façade of the original school building.

Horizon Primary School is a state school for boys and girls aged between four and eleven. The staff value hard work and team spirit as a way to provide an exceptional, inclusive education for all children attending the school. Furthermore, along with many other schools and education establishments, the school recognised the opportunity that modern cladding presents to create an innovative and exciting building that can inspire and engage students and staff alike.

Supplied by Marco Industries of Sittingbourne and fitted by KTD Facades of Biggin Hill, the Cembrit True Etna colour, a cool dark grey shade which produces a finish that works on both functional and design levels. Large format cladding panels lend themselves to public building refurbishment as site time is reduced in comparison with traditional brick & block construction which is important when the building is still in use. Furthermore it is straightforward to accommodate current energy efficiency requirements as insulation can be upgraded within the cladding zone at the time of the over-cladding works.

“The original building had a lot of dated, unattractive brick,” says Ray Connolly of Marco Industries. “However, with the refurbishment of the exterior that look is just a distant memory and the building now reflects more modern tastes. I’m pleased with how smoothly the project ran and am looking forward to recommending Cembrit True in the future.”

Cembrit True was specified by leading architect Austin Smith Lord. A total of 500m² has been used across the whole single-storey school building. The cladding was fixed using SikaTack panel adhesive, a secret fix system that requires no screws or brackets. This fixing method preserves the clean look of the building exterior.

Part of the Urbannature range of claddings, Cembrit True is a through-coloured fibre cement board. This offers you a rich, authentic touch and feel. The board features a transparent coating which offers surface protection while adding depth to the colour. Cembrit True sheets are supplemented by a complete range of accessories to ensure simple, easy installation and a sleek, stylish finish.