Old meets new as fire station gets a makeover

Public Sector Wed, Mar 23, 2016 9:14 AM

The transformation of Middlesbrough Fire Station, which brings together a brand new facade featuring the latest innovations in rainscreen and the refurbishment of some of the original buildings on the site, is now complete.

Specialist installer, Watershed Roofing, opted for the Prime VII rainscreen solution from CA Building Products. The building envelope specialists’ system is part of the broader Prime portfolio and has been developed for use in non-standard situations where the presence of joints and turns make the introduction of traditional cladding more of a challenge.

Jonathan Hudson, Draughtsman at Watershed Roofing, commented: “The existing structure onto which the Prime VII rainscreen was introduced, has a brick bond pattern which includes a number of joints and a 90 degree turn. The flexibility of the hook and pin solution, provided by CA Building Products, enabled the system to be installed seamlessly. It also means that, as and when required, it will be extremely easy to take down, repair and replace any panels.”

All products in the Prime range have been fully CWCT tested for weather performance, air leakage and impact. The system also delivers in terms of green credentials, with more material transported on fewer deliveries, making it a more advantageous choice from a BREEAM perspective.

Phil Tait, Rainscreen Systems Manager for CA Building Products, added: “The front and side of the existing fire station had to be completely demolished due to age-related deterioration but certain elements of the original fire station were preserved. We worked closely with Watershed Roofing and Atkins, the architect on the project, to deliver a finished product which brings old and new together, transforming the appearance of the site while staying true to the heritage of the original fire station.”

The facility, located near Albert Park, is due to officially open in the autumn.

The main the contractor on the project was ISG.