Client: HBG Construction
Value: £400,000
Architects: Nicholas Hare
Type of works: the design and co-ordination of facades on the PFI project for the construction of three schools.

Prefabricated walling panels, glazed and sealed offsite with Glamalco aluminium frames, were manufactured and transported to the project to receive terracotta and rendered claddings, applied on site.

HBG Construction appointed Telling Architectural for the design and co-ordination of the facades on the PFI project for the construction of three schools in Crawley, Surrey. ArGeTon^® rainscreens, in a combination of natural Reds or glazed Blue, were installed to meet the architects' design intent. Epsicon insulated renders were also applied.

Telling Architectural undertook a role as a design supplier and provided site co-ordination and engineering support to sub-contract installation companies appointed by HBG Construction.

Nicholas Hare architects co-ordinated design criteria applicable to the glazed terracotta and rendered facades, to ensure compliance with Building Regulations and those of the project insurers. CWCT requirements for air permeability and weathertightness were a requirement for the rainscreen applications.

ArGeTon^® terracotta is manufactured under the process of the same name, for extruding twin-skinned clay tiles for use in facade applications. The system is characterised by its high impact resistance and low porosity, which are of significant importance to the long-term performance of the system. 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.

Off site prefabricated, lightweight steel-walling panels with in-situ applied ArGeTon^® rainscreen and Epsicon render proved their suitability for application on this fast-track construction project under onerous programme requirements.