From former power station site to Net Zero school with Rockpanel

Passivhaus technology with modern aesthetics 

BAM Construction fulfilled the role of main contractor and BAM Design was architect for the project. Utilising the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) methodology, the school uses a combination of air and ground source heat pumps (a thermally active building system for heating) with ventilation predominantly provided via natural methods. Roof mounted photovoltaic array and an adjacent ‘solar meadow’ will ensure the school is powered.  

Set around an inner courtyard, the flat roofed, two and three storey blocks mix an architectural palette of brick elevations in blocks of dark grey and mellow, light colured brick, set with large, simple black framed windows and doorways, with Rockpanel adding contrast and visual energy to second floor facades. 

Long-lasting, non-combustible resilience 

The school features a mix of materials and finishes, as described below by Rockpanel Specification Manager, John Porter, ”Around 1600m2 of Rockpanel facades     were installed by Advanced Roofing in columns of differing widths, comprising colour-matched, black grey RAL7021 and signal grey RAL7004. In addition, slim strips of Rockpanel Elemental Gold, and sections of Electrum from the Rockpanel Advanced Metals range. Electrum has an attractive burnished and weathered surface design.” 

Andy Barker, Construction Manager at Advanced Roofing, provides an overview of the installation process, detailing the steps taken to ensure quality and safety throughout the project: “We installed a fire-rated breather membrane back to pre-installed sheathing board, then horizontal C Channels to every SFS stud, were installed to carry helping hand brackets. Rockwool Duo Slab® insulation and firebarriers were then fixed and vertical rails, installed to a true line and level with the Rockpanel affixed to these with colour matching rivets. John Porter was on hand throughout the process to offer advice, as required.” 

Delivering sustainable design freedom 

John Porter, “The panels are made from up to 50% recycled material, with a core of basalt stone wool, a self-replenishing, natural resource, bonded with an organic binder to deliver a highly resilient, non-combustible, weather, temperature and UV resistant facade, which remains virtually maintenance-free, throughout its expected 60 year life span.”  

Rockpanel can be curved, perforated or engraved and is available in an umatched array of designs encompassing Metals, Stones, Woods (including options with a textured grain surface) almost limitless colour matching, and unique Chameleon, which changes colour  depending on the angle natural light hits and reflects on its surface.