MAPLE INSTALL SOLID ARCHITECTURAL FAÇADE PANELS AND RAINSCREEN CLADDING TO UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK CAR PARK

Maple used powder-coated coloured panels and rainscreen cladding to combine form with function at a new multi-storey car park for the University of Warwick.

The vertical panels protect the inside of the car park from the elements, while still allowing light and ventilation to pass through. But they have also designed to give the seven-storey building visual impact on the Kirby Corner site.

Seven shades of panels have been used in line with the architect’s vision – all installed to the sub-structure in a seemingly random pattern using Maple’s bespoke brackets and fittings. Rainscreen cladding panels also clad the stair core using specially designed perforated panels.

Learning from the challenges of previous projects, Maple and the architects worked together on the design of the panels and fixings, which were easier and more cost-effective to engineer and install.

The new car park contains more than 1,300 spaces, electric vehicle charging points and an advanced number plate recognition system. The project fits into the university’s plans for parking on campus, with parking spaces now moved to the borders, with better accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and shuttle bus connections to buildings.