Project Spotlight: STEMLab, University of Loughborough
Specifier
Henry Brothers, Nottingham
Project Overview
Developed as part of a major investment in a ‘Student Learning Zone’ on the west side of Loughborough University’s campus, the STEMLab scheme has been constructed by main contractor, Henry Brothers, and provides 3,500m2 of contemporary, co-located and shared science and engineering laboratories, design studios and workshops.
Approached from a hard landscaped feature entrance, the three-storey building features a glazed front section and a double height reception area with a mezzanine café and a scale model aeroplane to highlight the aeronautical engineering capabilities.
Design Requirements
Shackerley’s SureClad® ceramic granite ventilated cladding system has been used to frame this section of the building. Architect CPMG selected the system in polished, highly reflective ‘Arctic White’ to contrast with the glazed orthogonal shape that forms the front elevations and create visual synergy with the paved external approach.
Explains Dawn Briggs from CPMG: “The ethos of the building’s design is to communicate that the STEMLab is accessible and exciting so the front elevation at the entrance creates a forward-focused arrow shape.
“The use of Shackerley’s SureClad® system with their Arctic White ceramic granite provides a clear demarcation of that space, helping to create impact as students enter the building and articulating a social, welcoming entrance to the facility.”
Materials Used
The SureClad® system was delivered to site fully prefabricated by Shackerley at their ISO 9001 quality controlled factory and ready to install by cladding specialist, HKL. Façade panels were supplied in the popular and economical 1200 x600mm format with fixing straps securely anchored to the rear for installation using Shackerley’s Queen’s Award winning SureClad® Access System.
