Forticrete specified for new performing arts centre

Decorative Regency Ashlar masonry blocks from Forticrete, the UK’s leading manufacturer of masonry products, have been specified for the construction of a new £5 million state-of-the-art performing arts centre at Yarm School, an independent private day school in Yarm, Stockton-on-Tees.

The stunning performing arts centre boasts an 800 capacity auditorium, complete with a fully independent studio theatre, atrium, terrace, music performance suite as well as a dedicated dance studio.

The performing arts centre is the latest phase of Yarm School’s £20 million upgrade and expansion of its Senior and Prep schools to support modern teaching practices and meet the needs and expectations of its pupils.

As architects for the project, Associated Architects specified Forticrete’s high performance Cast Stone Regency Ashlar masonry blocks and Quoins in a bespoke blend, to create an awe-inspiring, yet cost-effective finish that complements the building materials of its local surrounding vernacular.

Barbora Bott, Lead Project Architect at Associated Architects commented: “In keeping with the school’s contemporary design aspirations, it was essential that we specified products that not only promised to compliment the development’s surrounding environment, but also provided a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to sandstone cladding.

“Forticrete’s decorative Cast Stone Ashlar blocks ticked all the boxes, and helped deliver the modern and stimulating finish we craved. We couldn’t be happier with the finish.”

John Lambert, general manager at Forticrete, commented: “With the education industry a large focus for Forticrete, we have long taken great pride in showcasing the capabilities of our industry leading products on some of the most striking educational facilities across the UK.

“Yarm School’s new breathtaking Performing Arts Centre, which is unquestionably amongst the very best facilities of its kind in the country, provided yet another fantastic platform for us to do so yet again.”

David Dunn, Headmaster at Yarm School commented: “The new performing arts centre was at the heart of the upgrade and expansion of our facilities, and was designed to provide our pupils with the ideal environment that they would not only work within, but ultimately enjoy and excel in. The finished building does just that and more.”  

Forticrete Regency Ashlar is manufactured from high grade limestone and sandstone aggregates that have been chosen for their known performance and reliable quality. The cement, pigments and waterproofing agents all conform to their appropriate British or European Standard.

Forticrete Regency Ashlar is created from a homogeneous mix, without using a 'backing' material that ensures no undue stresses are built up within the unit. The major technical performance characteristics of Regency Ashlar exceed the requirements of BS 1217 and the United Kingdom Cast Stone Association specification.

All Forticrete manufacturing facilities are BSI registered and operate to the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:2008 and BS EN ISO 14001:2004, the national and international standards for quality and environmental management systems. They have also gained the rating of "very good" for BES 6001 across all seven of their factories demonstrating responsible sourcing.