Architect: J&J Bolchover Architects
Type of works: design, manufacture and supply of Europanel composite wall panel system.
Eurobond’s Europanel has been used throughout the external envelope of the new extension at Royal Bolton Hospital. Completed in May 2009 following a year of planning, the £2-million storage facility will house the files of all patients treated at the hospital.
Europanel is Eurobond’s signature composite panel system, developed as a total external wall solution it has been engineered to provide built-in passive fire resistance for use within valuable storage facilities. This aesthetically pleasing system is designed to be fully integrated with doors, glazing and louvre components, maintaining the highest fire protection whilst encouraging maximum flexibility of design within large scale construction.
The ability to manufacture modular widths in 5mm increments between 300m and 1,200mm makes Europanel unique to the composite panel industry, and spanning capabilities in excess of 6m allows designers to minimize the inclusion of secondary steelwork encouraging maximum use of internal space. The architect, on recommendation from the structural engineer, utilised the simple construction of a steel skeleton wrapped in Europanel insulating panels. All these factors combined to allow for the early commencement of internal works, providing a secure building envelope in which to house everything in just one transfer, minimizing potential loss and damage of confidential files.
Joyce Bolchover, partner at J&J Bolchover Architects said: “We were looking for a product that combined outstanding fire performance with the ability to maximize internal space throughout the building, whilst acknowledging the client’s budget requirements.”
“Europanel comfortably addressed the technical and safety requirements of the project inline with budget constraints. The secret-fix joint detail of the panel system encouraged simple and efficient installation and we were pleased with the elegance of the detailing which helped to create a neat and sophisticated-looking building pleasing to the client. With the potential to expand the building upwards, the cladding system will lend itself to the future construction and with a wide variety of panel finishes and colours to choose from creativity will be encouraged within the design.”
The Royal Bolton Hospital projects brings together more than 300,000 records from two separate locations on the hospital site. The increased storage capacity will promote the amalgamation of valuable patient files into one cohesive location and release staff from the often lengthy process of sourcing personal records.
Europanel has been tested and assessed to BS476 Part 22, for fire resistance and independently approved for reaction to fire by the Loss Prevention council to LPS1181 along with FM Global standard 4880 for panels with non-combustible cores. It provides up to 90-minutes fire protection, of integrity and insulation, without the need for additional joint stitching.
Stringent approval from regulating bodies ensures that when designers specify Eurobond composite panel solutions they are guaranteed to install a panel system that will encourage life safety and business continuity in the event of a fire.