January 9, 2012
FERMACELL SPECIFIED FOR MAJOR SCHOOL REFURBISHMENT
Fermacell’s dry lining boards have helped turn the recent refurbishment of an East
London school into reality after once again being specified by Tower Hamlets Council.
Around 3,000 square metres of Fermacell’s dry lining boards were used on the new
build and refurbishment programme at Manorfield Primary School, which dates back to
the 1950s.
Tower Hamlets has specified the Fermacell board on a number of occasions for a
number of reasons, including its versatility. Previous educational-based projects include
the Mowlern Children’s Centre in Bethnal Green.
John Burke, architect and consultant to Tower Hamlets Council, said: “Fermacell was
specified for Manorfield Primary School by our Brazilian designer, Diogo Cunha. It was
selected for a variety of reasons including its acoustic properties, the robustness of the
product which enables it to withstand knocks and bumps; and the excellent hanging
loads that allow staff to easily fix artwork to the walls.”
Another key consideration in the specification of Fermacell was the board’s
sustainability aspects – it is made from over 90 per cent recycled materials and is
recyclable – meaning that it helps contribute to the BREEAM rating of the building.
Matthew Barker, Director of Essex-based Visual Interiors, which installed the Fermacell
boards, said: “We installed the external and internal walls on the project and internally
combined Lindab steel frame partitions with Fermacell board.
“The school was originally built in the late 1950s and was typical of the prefabricated
conditions of that time. Now, with a vibrant multi-colour scheme comprising yellow,
blue and red render alongside natural timber, pupils now have a much more uplifting
environment in which to work.”
The main contractor for the year-long project was Higgins Construction and the existing
school continued to operate throughout this period. The two-storey new build element
comprises an open front entry into the main reception area with a secure lobby.
The first floor is flooded in natural light from roof glazing. The classrooms have been
designed to accommodate the early age year groups with open flexible spaces.
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Ross Jenyon from Higgins Construction said: “A good surface finish to the internal walls
was obtained using Fermacell which is ideal for use in schools and large common areas.
Its robustness means that you don’t get the same level of damage on site as you would
with plasterboard and its strength provides excellent load hanging capability – ideal for
fixing pictures and other fittings to the walls.
“The Manorfield Primary School development is quite a departure on the design side –
it’s very open with no ceilings so all the services including the suspended lighting track
and sprinkler popes are visible all the way round.”
More information about Fermacell is available by calling 0870 609 0306 or visiting
www.fermacell.co.uk
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For further information please contact Sanina Kaur or Tim Priestman on 0121 456
3199 or at tim.priestman@smarts.co.uk
Notes to editors
About Fermacell
Design innovation combined with increasing pressure from Building Regulations means
that materials must save time and money on site and offer technically superior
solutions.
Fermacell is one such material. A high performance multi-purpose building board that
when installed combines the properties of solid blockwork with the speed and flexibility
of conventional drywall techniques, and which lets the designer use radical solutions in
internal space planning.
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