Located within a ‘Severe’ exposure zone, the school has been used as the basis for a ‘Future climate’ report. The challenge was to design an outer envelope that would respond to predicted future weather patterns.
With brick making up 75% of the overall façade, BDP paid particular attention to the through-the-wall specification, working closely with Ibstock to identify durable smooth facing bricks that met the highest BS-EN 771-1 ‘F2’ classification for freeze/thaw resistance. Different methods of adding texture and relief were explored, with the architects settling on panels of matching Ibstock ‘Umbra Sawtooth’ and ‘Fireborn Lined’ bricks, which provided the required visual contrast whilst maintaining levels of durability and freeze/thaw resistance.
