Sureclad® ceramic granite cladding supplied in an unusual eyecatching ‘metallised’ finish by ventilated façade specialist Shackerley has helped to make North Durham Academy stand out as an impressive new civic landmark in the former colliery town of Stanley.
The brief for architects at the Leeds offices of Atkins was to deliver a new £30 million campus with state-of-the-art facilities and a public presence that would inspire students and raise the aspirations of the local community.
Senior Architect Mark Hargreaves commented: “We were drawn to Shackerley’s ceramic granite by the vast array of attractive façade finishes and styles available, and by its exceptionally hardwearing, low maintenance characteristics.”
The selected ‘metallised’ façade panel resembles polished copper and is one of a number of new and contemporary options with distinctive surface finishes in Shackerley’s ceramic granite collection. It has been used extensively to clad key elevations of the building and, most prominently, to frame the main entrance creating an attractive focal point.
The use of Shackerley's Sureclad® Access ventilated facade allowed Atkins to employ effective external thermal and acoustic insulation in the façade cavity, achieving a practical, energy efficient and sound absorbing outer envelope.
Shackerley supplied over 1300 specially cut ceramic granite panels for the project, fabricating the ventilated façade system off-site in its Lancashire production facility under ISO9001 certified conditions. It was installed by Chemplas Ltd, working on behalf of Carillion, the main contractor.
Commenting on the results, Mark Hargreaves said: “The strong ceramic granite exteriors have contributed to the academy’s inspirational and uplifting character. The appearance of the façades, with their reflective finish, is constantly changing in response to prevailing weather conditions”
North Durham Academy Principal David Thornton commented: “This new academy was always intended to be a new landmark for Stanley. The cladding with its metallic finish gives the building a ‘substantial’ modern, clean look and reflects an appropriate industrial theme.
“I didn’t really understand the extent to which architecture and building materials could influence mood, behaviours and well-being, but this building has turned a sceptical Yorkshireman into an enthusiastic supporter for the power of architecture to truly transform lives.”
For further information on Shackerley’s Sureclad® ceramic granite ventilated cladding systems please call 0800 7830391
