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.
