A calm and supportive environment with Rockpanel facades

Key factors in the specification of Rockpanel 

Savage + Chadwick Architects where chosen architects. This project demanded a façade solution that could balance visual impact with long-term performance, while accommodating the building’s complex geometry. Careful material selection and close collaboration during the design and construction phases were key to achieving the desired result. Nich Brown, Senior Architect and Designer from Savage + Chadwick explains more: “Rockpanel was chosen for the exterior of the building as it would provide an attractive, non-combustible, hardwearing, low maintenance facade. The panels also offer great workability during installation over the relatively complex building. The range of colourways and finishes available was also a key factor in its specification for the project. 

“The whole exterior of the building is clad in Rockpanel, with large format Rockpanel Woods panels, in Beech, on the radial gable walls, vertical plank in Rhinestone Oak to the outer elevation infill panels and to the curtain walling reveals. RAL 7016 Anthracite panels were used for feature bays and for eaves cladding. We had great support from Tom Uzelac and his team, at the specification stage, design stage and through to advice to the contractor on site.” 

Creating a calm, supportive environment 

Every area of the centre looks out to a private garden – a tranquil space for those seeking peace and relaxation. There is a quiet seating area, a small library, a fully functional kitchen, where the oncology dietician will offer guidance on diet. Minds Matter will provide Psycho-oncology appointments for patients. Embrace Wigs will also have a presence in the centre as will the Eastern Wellbeing Partnership.  

Strong engagement from an early stage 

Early collaboration and a shared vision were key to delivering the design intent, with close coordination from concept through to installation ensuring a successful outcome: Rockpanel Northern Specification Manager, Tom Uzelac explains more: “This was such an enjoyable project to have had strong engagement in from a very early stage. Material choice was key to creating the clever interplay Nich and the team at Savage + Chadwick, envisaged between our Woods and Colours ranges. Accurate fabrication was undertaken by FGF in Warrington for installation by Isle of Man based main contractor, Tooms Bros (1994) Ltd.  

“As part of the specification process it was key to ensure that the facades would stand up to the varied weather conditions on the Isle. Our Protect Plus coating is largely self-cleaning and offers increased scratch and UV resistance, with anti-graffiti properties. The facades will stay looking as good as the day they were installed for decades to come. We very much look forward to continuing our relationship with these stakeholders on future projects.”  

Lightweight, versatile, sustainable and beautiful 

Made from up to 50% recycled materials, all Rockpanel products are crafted with a core of stone wool made from naturally replenishing volcanic rock basalt. This inert material embodies the panels with non-combustible properties that last throughout their long life. 

Lightweight, impact and moisture resistant, low maintenance Rockpanel can be curved, perforated or engraved. Panels can be delivered pre-precision cut and engineered but additional adjustments are able to be made, simply, on-site. The breadth of surface finishes available is unsurpassed, from the organic warmth of Wood and iconic Steel designs through to RAL-matched Colours, and our unique Chameleon range. 

The Mannin Cancer Support Group founder, Julie Stokes MBE, “In their choice of Rockpanel, Savage + Chadwick Architects met our brief perfectly. The end result is a fabulous, low maintenance finish to our eye-catching building. In addition, we are very appreciative of the support and special financial consideration offered to us, as a charity, by Rockpanel themselves.”