Sto helps create the right impression for new school

Education Fri, Sep 21, 2018 9:16 AM

One of the largest-ever UK projects to be undertaken using StoTherm Classic M insulation and the Sto-Rotofix Plus fixing system has now been completed in Scotland.

The Sto products have been used on the new Portobello High School, which has been built adjacent to Portobello Park in Edinburgh.

“The appearance of the new multi-storey school was an important consideration for this project,” comments Graham Barr of JM Architects in Edinburgh.

“Our intention was to create a building which had minimal visual impact on the surrounding residential neighbourhood, and which also fitted the character of the site itself. We were looking for large, smooth surfaces on the elevations, and the Sto solution allowed us to create these as the external wall insulation could be installed without the need for any visible movement joints.

“The design of the building also called for a series of feature recesses to be included in the external render. We worked closely with Sto on this project, who helped us to design the insulation system so the recesses could be created and form part of the building’s overall design concept.”

StoTherm Classic M was chosen to provide high-level thermal performance for the new building. This EWI system features expanded polystyrene insulation boards and non-cementitious rendering components offering impact resistance of 60 joules - up to 10 times greater than similar cementitious systems can provide. This is a particular benefit for this type of school project where the façade cladding may be subject to harsh treatment. Thoroughly proven in many different parts of the world, the StoTherm Classic M system was finished externally with a through-coloured StoSilco K silicone render finish to add extra protection and enhance the appearance.

The Sto insulation was fixed to the substrate using the innovative Sto-Rotofix Plus fixing system. Ideal for use on different types of substrates, the Rotofix system uses a unique helical spiral fixing which allows the insulation boards to be mechanically fixed, quickly and reliably, and then easily adjusted so that a seamless façade can be created ready for rendering. It is stronger and quicker to install, and has better levelling capabilities and fewer components, than any comparable system.

“Once the system is installed it creates a very solid and reliable surface,” comments Pat Hynds, Managing Director of Grattan & Hynds, an authorized Sto applicator who installed the Sto products. “The system had to cope with some demanding wind loads, and it’s difficult to imagine any alternative system that would have worked so well on such a large project as this, and still create the required degree of finish.”

The new school now includes state-of-the-art teaching facilities for up to 1,400 pupils, including both indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a swimming pool.

Featured News

Specification news
A bespoke solar roofing package for schools

A specialist roofing system from Kalzip has been chosen for two of Aberdeen’s...

Read More >>

Specification news
Velstone proves the smart solid surface choice for...

When it comes to specifying solid surfaces for educational projects, three key...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Your high performance facade panel. With James Hardie, It’s Possible™ Brochure

Your high performanc...
By James Hardie

Download Now >>

James Hardie brings unique designs to life with beautiful fibre cement products that are built to last. It’s Possible™ Brochure

James Hardie brings...
By James Hardie

Download Now >>

fermacell® The Specification Guide Brochure

fermacell® The Speci...
By James Hardie

Download Now >>

Hardie backer fibre cement backerboard for Tile & Stone  Brochure

Hardie backer fibre...
By James Hardie

Download Now >>

RIVERSTONE® - DISCOVER NATURAL PHYLLITE Brochure

RIVERSTONE® - DISCOV...
By SSQ

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Senses White Fleck Kitchen Surfaces
Senses White Fleck Kitchen Surfaces

Senses Kitchen Surfaces. Beautifully Crafted, Effortlessly Maintained. The Senses range of...

Read More >>

SM 485: fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors
SM 485: fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors

FASSA's new SM 485: Your choice for a fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors,...

Read More >>

SL 416: A fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors
SL 416: A fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors

FASSA's new SL 416: A fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors. With superb...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers
Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Watch Now >>

Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels
Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels

“Building with stone wool insulated sandwich panels” written by Professor Imperadori, is now...

Watch Now >>

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London
Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Watch Now >>