surfaces


achieve the non-homogenous aesthetic of the façade,” said Covington. “The grey veining in Shackerley’s


beige ceramic granite, along with the lighter speckles of the grey panels, also contribute to a less-clinical, more- natural aesthetic.” In addition to answering the aesthetic


aspirations of the project, SureClad offers considerable practical, maintenance and whole-life cost benefits, all key to building material specification. The fact the material is non-


Cover story! C


ladding solutions have been in the spotlight since the Grenfell Tower tragedy.


But the design of the new £100m


Proton Beam Therapy Centre at The Christie hospital in Manchester offers an example of how modern construction materials can ensure the safety of building users at the same time as offering a striking aesthetic. The first NHS facility of its kind in the UK;


the external finish was a key part of the design, creating a sense of synergy and cohesion with neighbouring buildings. Shackerley’s SureClad ceramic


granite ventilated cladding system was specified for the five-storey, 15,000sq m unit, which includes a three-storey bunker where a cyclotron particle accelerator with an adjustable beam can be directed to any of three treatment rooms. Built by Interserve Construction, the


task of combining the technical demands of the centre with the need to create an accessible and welcoming environment fell to the team at HKS Architects. As designer, Franko Covington,


explains: “From the outset, the design approach was to focus on the patient experience. “It was also important to


communicate the prestige and importance of the new facility and to maximise its prominent position near the hospital’s main entrance.


High-end finish “This provided an opportunity to announce the facility’s importance to passers-by with signage, feature lighting,and quality cladding materials. “The SureClad ceramic granite


combustible (Class A1 to EN13501-1) addresses fears raised since the Grenfll fire, as well as offering resistance to acids, alkalis and graffiti and reducing algae growth.


A modern cladding solution is central to the design of the first NHS proton beam therapy centre


cladding system was critical, providing a high-end finish that creates a clean, contemporary appearance.” The two contrasting shades of creamy


beige and grey ‘Travertine’ façade panels used for the installation create a natural finish in soft tones that will offer a warm, welcoming feel and a subtly- reflective surface that connects the façades to the outdoor environment. The building is connected to the


main hospital via a glazed walkway, and the contrast of the creamy-coloured cladding with the transparency of glazing is evident throughout the design of the building envelope. “The building’s heavy concrete


structure, necessitated by the proton beam bunkers, made creation of texture and contrast one of the key design challenges,” said Covington. “This was addressed by introducing


natural light into the building, enabling views to the soft landscaping at the rear, and designating the main reception areas as a ‘winter garden’. The SureClad facades are punctuated


by windows of varying sizes and curtain walling at ground-floor level. The patina of the SureClad façades


helps to soften the building further still. “While, from a distance, the elevations


appear to be solid blocks of grey and cream; on approaching the building, the 1198mm x 598mm panels help to


Reduced maintenance “All panels of each colourway were fabricated from a single batch of ceramic granite, ensuring a precise match of colour and patina across the whole façade,” said Covington. Alongside the standard, large-format


panels, Shackerley also prefabricated a wide range of detailed and bracketed panel returns for window surrounds and corners. Reduced maintenance was another


area of focus for the specification. An engineered material, SureClad


ceramic granite is comparatively lightweight and robust, with none of the natural fissures and imperfections associated with quarried stone. This reduces the structural loadings


required by the system, reducing stress on the building. The fully-vitrified material also has


virtually-zero porosity. This means the panels do not absorb contaminants and are completely unaffected by climatic extremes, extending their service life. In addition, the colour and patina will


not fade, even after intense or prolonged U/V light exposure. “These attributes add up to a long-


term façade solution and ensure that the centre maintains its attractive aesthetic with minimal maintenance for the service life of the building,” said Covington. • The building also features


Kawneer’s traditional stick-frame AA100 zone-drained curtain walling with 50mm sightlines.


www.Shackerley.com www.hksinc.com www.interserve.com


All panels of each colourway were fabricated from a single batch of ceramic granite, ensuring a precise match of colour


healthcaredm.co.uk 31


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