21
Teamwork – turning the vision into reality Founded in 1965, Belfast-based Isherwood + Ellis were architects for the project, with Lowry Building and Civil Engineering of County Tyrone, appointed main contractor. Quantity surveyor Adam Lowry said: “I spoke to Rockpanel’s Ann Bone, who was very informative about the material and fi xing methods available, and we talked through options, depending on the application. We engaged Vivalda, who provided complete drawing mark-ups and board rationalisation to minimise wastage. They also supplied panel samples of the CNC laser engraved mural design for client approval.” Vivalda are able to shape, drill, cut and
fi nish panels to almost any specifi cation using leading edge technology, and hand- held tooling. Vivalda Ireland director, Darren Bowden: “This was certainly one of the most challenging, and rewarding projects we have been involved with for many years. The job required the skills of the whole Vivalda Group, including technicians in Ireland, Birmingham and Hull, to fabricate the complex facades.” One of the biggest challenges lay in streamlining Stéphanie Heckman’s designs into artwork that could be replicated onto the façades. Having consulted with her, the architect and Vivalda recommended engraving the illustrations onto the board, using 3 mm straight cutters to achieve as much detail as possible. Bowden said: “The actual fabrication stage of this project deserves a mention, given the fact that there were approximately 30 panels involved (some fl at, some curved) – each requiring around eight hours to etch. The work demonstrated the importance of technical skill and teamwork.” GC Joinery installed the facades at the school. Managing director Gordon Cairns explained: “We found the process of installation very satisfying. Detailed drawings were supplied, along with a labelling system which simplifi ed the process. The high quality pre-bored panels fi tted accurately into place, with one or two minor adjustments being easily carried out on site with simple tools. I know that everyone is very pleased and proud of the fi nished work.”
A special project Rockpanel specifi cation manager Ann Bone commented: “What a special project to be
ADF MAY 2025
part of, and one where many of the features that make Rockpanel unique, were able to shine. The lightweight boards are non- combustible, highly resilient to weather, and can be routed, perforated and curved to realise even the most ambitious creative concepts and specifi cations. Four RAL- matched colours were used at Mill Strand. Working as a team, Stéphanie, the architect, main contractor, installer, and ourselves were able to create something the school and the wider community can be proud of, as part of their story.” Stéphanie Heckman said: “The murals are the face of the new school, the fi rst thing anyone sees when they come to visit, to work or to learn, each day. They trusted me with the design from start to fi nish, and together we crafted a visual narrative that will last decades.” Vivalda’s Darren Bowden concludes: “This project really shows how creativity and teamwork can create stunning results. More architects and developers are approaching us to help them realise often complex facade designs – and this is a trend that we see growing as they realise the true potential of rainscreen facades.”
Faced with the design and construction of a new school, the leadership team was keen to create a legacy of the old school, while embracing the idea of a fresh chapter
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
