University of the West of England’s new accommodation buildings are the first of their kind in the UK education sector.
Maple’s installation of specially designed rainscreen panels has been completed at a university in Bristol.
The buildings were designed by architects Stride Treglown to provide optimum levels of occupant comfort with little to no energy usage. Passivhaus developments work by conserving heat from the sun and the movement of their occupants and provide cool air through a ventilation system so they are effective all year round.
The project was not only one of Maple’s largest installations to date, but also one of the biggest Passivhaus projects in the UK. Aspect rainscreen system helped Vinci Building UK and UWE Bristol achieve their sustainability goals thanks to its thermally efficient and adjustable subframe which reduce thermal bridging. The façade was installed using Maple's patented eClips system that incorporates insulation fix technology that saved the best part of 50,000 penetrations.
Around 9000 sqm of rainscreen products were installed onto the developments providing both visual and practical benefits. Tectiva cladding in the shade ‘Argent Grey’ masks all four elevations of the new buildings which is complemented by 10mm Linea fibre cement panels in a pebble-coloured finish. Maple’s 3mm aluminium flashings also create a 'picture frame' look to add visual interest.
The pioneering complex provides accommodation for 2,250 students and marks the first of its kind in the UK education sector. The Passivhaus design of the development means it is estimated to yield a 54% reduction in running costs and carbon emissions compared to a typical development.