APPOINTMENTS & NEWS 13
innovative thermal insulation board based on wood fi bre, bonded with hardboard and a lime-plaster parge coat.
The integrated air barrier provided by the moisture-open parge coat, together with the hygroscopic properties of the wood fi bre and careful repair of the historic brickwork, ensured a controlled moisture transport which prevents the formation of damaging moisture.
This characteristic makes
PAVADRY the ideal insulation board to prevent the trapping of moisture within the historic fabric and was crucially important for the project to protect the original features of the building, and future-proof the structure for years to come.
Successful outcomes
Despite facing the challenges posed by the global pandemic, the Houlton School project was delivered on time, within the £39m budget, and achieved a perfect 10/10 client satisfaction rating.
The innovative funding arrangement with the DfE enabled the school to commence operations years ahead of schedule, addressing the urgent need for secondary school places in the community.
Houlton School is an inspiring example
of an elegant and creative retrofi t, proving that almost any kind of repurposing is possible with a historic structure. It serves as a vibrant, bustling educational facility, is a centrepiece for the community and celebrates the historical signifi cance of Rugby Radio, retaining a legacy for a globally signifi cant heritage asset. The insulation specifi cation and installation, backed by Soprema’s team of technical experts and guided by hands-on expertise from design stage onwards, exemplifi es a successful synergy between historic preservation and modern development.
© vHH
In the construction phase of the project, architects vHH were novated to Morgan Sindall Construction, de-risking the inevitable discoveries in the fabric of the old building by using the strong working relationships established with the supply chain and suppliers. Working closely with DCL, the drylining and plastering subcontractor, individual solutions were examined and fi nalised to accommodate tricky details within the building, especially around the historic steel frame members that are half enclosed within the masonry. Through effective collaboration, careful planning, and meticulous attention to detail, Morgan Sindall Construction and its partners and suppliers, including vHH, DCL and Soprema, have delivered an inspirational, aesthetically beautiful,
sensitively restored modern facility that caters to the educational
needs of a burgeoning community. The restoration and repurposing of the radio station into Houlton School stands as a testament to the dedication of the entire supply chain and delivery partners, resulting in a project that has received widespread acclaim including wins at the Construction News Awards, Planning Awards, RICS Awards,
Spaces Awards and Developer Magazine and Festival of Place Pineapples Awards 2022. Josh McCosh, partner at van Heyningen and Haward Architects, said: “Transforming the thermal envelope of C Station was a fundamental requirement of the Houlton School project. By using the Pavatex suite of products from Soprema, and with their technical support, we were able to deliver hugely improved air tightness and insulation to the building without damaging its solid brickwork facades, and thus secure the DfE and Historic England’s support for the retrofi t. The school is delighted with the facilities, and the heritage of the Radio Station is now preserved for all at the heart of Houlton.”
info@soprema.co.uk www.soprema.co.uk
© vHH © vHH
Architect: van Heyningen and Haward (vHH) Main Contractor: Morgan Sindall Construction Sector: Education Product: PAVADRY insulation
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