Catholic High School, Brackla (UK)

Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School, United Kingdom

• Location: Brackla, Bridgend (England)
• Architect: HLM Architects
• Type of construction: new
• Installation system : Bardage Avec Ossature (BAO)CAREA Insert facings (curved slabs)
  
• Product : GRANITE

Established 40 years ago, the Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School in Brackla, Wales, has seen its enrolment double over the last twenty years. As this increase in enrolment has been accompanied by a progressive deterioration of the existing buildings, Bridgend County Council, the Welsh Assembly and the Archdiocese of Cardiff have jointly studied the investments needed to cope with these developments. Together, they decided to spend £20 million on the construction of a new 8,500 m² building, complete with science laboratories, music studios and sports complex.

As with all new projects, the recently started worksite has a strong focus on ecological concerns, with substantial insulation and recyclable materials, as well as the use of local manufacturers wherever possible. The client, Leadbitter, and HLM Architects were aiming for a BREEAM rating of “excellent”. Green building also required a sustainable, environmentally-friendly exterior cladding. The facade cladding, designed by Carea, will be essential in achieving the BREEAM rating. Composed of 95% natural mineral materials and remarkably insulating, it will protect the building from temperature variations without forming thermal bridges.

To cover around 50% of the building’s exterior walls on all three floors, HLM Architects chose Carea inset panels in a basalt-colored granite finish. These dark grey, 16 mm-thick panels will play an essential role in the building’s contemporary silhouette, perfectly complementing its modern architecture. Combining aesthetics and performance, Carea’s Artema cladding proved to be the ideal solution for the school. In addition to its thermal efficiency and aesthetic qualities, the system offers other advantages: designed and manufactured to produce a non-porous surface, Artema panels require minimal maintenance. Resistant to graffiti, weather and the elements, they offer an economical solution.

Backed by a comprehensive range of assembly fittings, the system is ideal in terms of efficiency and durability. Facade specialist Central Cladding Systems has recently begun the first phase of cladding installation, attaching the panel anchors to the support system that will enable it to easily reproduce the architect’s vision.

The second phase of installation is due to start this month, with the façade to be completed in 2011. With Carea’s durable and aesthetically pleasing framed cladding system (BAO), the new high school building will meet all the expectations of the customer and the designer of an educational facility for the ^21st century.