FP McCann 3D Architectural Cladding Panels Installed on Wolverhampton School of Architecture

Status: Completed

Location: Wolverhampton

Division: Architectural Solutions, Flooring

Main Contractor: ISG

Market Sector: Education

Architect: Associated Architects

Featured-Image-Wolverhampton-School-of-architecture-cladding-panels

FP McCann’s structural precast concrete building and architectural facades division has recently supplied and installed a bespoke 3D cladding façade for the brand new three story School of Architecture and the Built Environment (SOABE), part of Wolverhampton University’s multi-faceted engineering, building design and innovation centres on the site of a former brewery. The 12 acres, £100 million development once complete, will be Europe’s largest built environment education campus.

The regeneration of the grade 2 listed Springfield brewery site noted for its historic red brick structures, is being undertaken by global construction specialist ISG. Fundamental to the design and build project is the reflection of the old buildings in the new architecture. Recognising FP McCann’s experience in this field, ISG and principal designer Associated Architects, approached the Company to design, manufacture and install white Portland cement precast concrete cladding panels to complement the bronze metal façade and specialist glazing system on the 7,900m² SOABE. Additionally and as part of the panel design to match key features on the one hundred years old building, unique and detailed 3D patterns have been created in a number of panels by using special moulds and formliners. Working alongside Derby based steel frame construction specialist MJ Robinson Structures, a total of 157 Portland white cement precast concrete panels have been installed by Staffordshire based sub-contractor to FP McCann, S4J. Supply of the panels on a just-in-time delivery basis, was from the Company’s state-of-the-art architectural precast manufacturing facility at Littleport in Cambridgeshire. Integral to the structural design was FP McCann’s precast hollowcore flooring and stair flights. Just over 500m² of hollowcore was manufactured and delivered from FP McCann’s Weston Underwood facility and installed by MJ Robinson within the three storey building.Throughout the project, the architectural facade team at FP McCann worked closely with engineers Atkins and designer Associated Architects to ensure all aspects of the build met the exacting client specification.

Commenting on the completed building, Liam Davies, Senior Project Manager for ISG says, “This method of architectural precast concrete construction demonstrates a number of efficiencies compared with practices associated with a traditional build. The off-site manufacturing of the building components offers significant advantages in terms of product quality and integrity. On site, speed of construction, minimising waste and the ability to work uninterrupted in all weather conditions are all major benefits. Additionally, the external facade system removes the need for scaffolding and wet trades thereby minimising the health and safety risk factors associated with people working at height.”

For further information on FP McCann’s architectural and structural solutions, contact the team at Byley on 01606 843500, Grantham on 01476 562277 or Littleport on 01353 861416 or email sales@fpmccann.co.uk.