Client: Newcastle University
Job: Ridley Building
Value: £200,000
Contractor: Dane Architectural
Architect: Dewjoc
Type of works: recladding the Ridley Building

Laing Construction appointed Dane Architectural to undertake a single responsibility for the design and remodelling of the facade on the University of Newcastle's Ridley Building.

The concrete structure was to be thermally upgraded, and curtain walling replaced with a combination of glazing and terracotta rainscreen. The Eisenberg ArGeTon^® rainscreens were to be fixed to both the existing concrete structure and lightweight infill panels of steel lined with cement particle boards and foil membranes.

Telling Architectural undertook a role as a design supplier and provided site co-ordination and engineering support to a subcontract installation company appointed by Dane Architectural.

The project architects Dewjoc co-ordinated design criteria applicable to the terracotta and aluminium facades to ensure compliance with The Building Regulations. This was also in accordance with CWCT requirements for air permeability and weathertightness, a requirement for all rainscreen applications.

Eisenberg ArGeTon^® terracotta is manufactured by F V Mueller Dachzieglewerke, a founder member of the ArGeTon^® process for extruding twin-skinned tiles for facade applications. The system is characterised by its high impact resistance and low porosity, both of which are of significant importance to the long-term performance of the system. Eisenberg ArGeTon^® does not rely upon gaskets or pressure clips for its weathering, tolerance of windload or support as each tile is mechanically attached, providing assurance of attachment to the substructure should fire occur.

Dane Architectural is a leading rainscreen contractor in the UK, undertaking the terracotta as an extension of its design lead for the architectural rainscreens. The ArGeTon^® rainscreen proved its suitability for application on this refurbishment project where it has been successfully incorporated to interface with rainscreen curtain walling.