APPOINTMENTS & COMPANY NEWS 21


Decorative casings in a class of their own W


ithout column casings and building lining solutions from Peterborough based specialist,


Encasement, many universities, colleges and schools would probably be less engaging and attractive learning environments. Primarily specifi ed to conceal structural steelwork or building services, column casings and wall linings combine this practical benefi t with the ability to improve the aesthetics that can blend in or contrast with interior decor. Also, where column casings are used to conceal exterior features, they are often used to enhance building entrances through the material options available, as well as the choice of colour and fi nish used. In educational buildings, the presence of large numbers of students has an important infl uence on the specifi cation.


Where


decorative casings are specifi ed for use in high traffi c areas, such as main entrances, common rooms, foyers, sports halls and other public spaces, durability is an essential requirement for most projects.


Individual classrooms, dedicated STEM


blocks, science facilities and research labs are also subject to similar considerations, where the balance of material choice and fi nish are often defi ned by the level of durability required.


Understanding and meeting the differing demands from architects, educational design teams and specifi ers have been key infl uences on Encasement’s product range. Its column casings range, which is used on new-build projects and refurbishment schemes includes six individual products that provide a wide choice of materials and fi nish options dependent on whether the casings are for exterior or interior use. Circa


and Quadra casings are


manufactured from pre-formed MDF and plywood,


respectively, while the Forma


range is fabricated from metal. Alongside these, Polyma GRP and Gypra GRG column casings are both produced from moulds,


Farnborough 6th Form College


As well as installations at Lime Wood primary School in Kent and Winchester College,


projects at, the University of


Bedfordshire’s STEM laboratories and Birmingham University Dental School, all exploit Forma’s diverse properties in both interior and exterior applications. Where casings are required for interior use


Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School


only, then Circa and Quadra allow circular, square and rectangular profi les to be specifi ed, while also providing a wide range of fi nishes, with the most popular being decorative high pressure laminates (HPL).


01733 266 889 www.encasement.co.uk Lime Wood School, Erith


using glass reinforced plastic (GRP) and glass reinforced gypsum (GRG).


Forma metal and Polyma GRP casings are widely used in educational buildings, as their toughness and fi nish options make them an ideal solution. Forma, can be specifi ed in a range of shapes including circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal or bespoke forms and they can also be stacked to reach extended heights.


In addition to resisting damage, scuffs and scratches, HPL provides specifi ers with a broad palette of fi nishes including plain colours, wood grains and metallics, as well as textured and real wood veneers. Although Gypra GRG is also an interior only product, it is rarely specifi ed for educational projects, as moulded gypsum is less resistant to damage than other types.


Alongside the company’s six individual ranges of column casings, its Vecta building lining system provides high quality solutions for interior wall linings, bulkheads, soffi ts and reveals. Vecta has been used in a range of


interior education projects, including


extensive remodelling of London’s South Bank University,


as well as exterior


applications, such as the overhead walkway casings at St. Richard Reynolds College in Twickenham.


St. Richard Reynolds College


Vecta


Verta


ADF MARCH 2025


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