The new and improved Whitechapel Station, designed by BDP Architects, forms a key part of a seven-year construction programme for the new Elizabeth Line Crossrail route – a high-speed train and tube link that will connect the outer western edges of London to the outer east.

Hailed as the biggest transformation of the London transport system in recent years, the route passes through 41 stations and stretches over 60 miles, from Reading and Heathrow airport, through central London then on to Shenfield and Abbey Wood.

Works on Whitechapel Station, which is based within the Whitechapel Market Conservation area of London, include upgrades to the existing transport services and entrances, as well as development of a new elevated concourse that acts as a bridge improving community links.

Taking place in an area of special historical interest, it was essential that the upgrades made to the station, which includes extending a Victorian entrance from 1876, and the building products specified, remained respectful and in keeping with the character and heritage of the surrounding location.

In addition, as the interior of a railway is often exposed to extremely harsh environments, which can include excessive noise and air pollution, vibration, higher levels of wear and tear and a greater risk of vandalism and theft; the materials chosen for the facades had to be both robust and easily maintainable.

It was therefore extremely important to the client and architects that the chosen system was both light in weight, to reduce weight-loadings on the structure, but could also offer high levels of strength and durability, aesthetics and the ability to be easily maintained.

With this in mind, BDP specified Proteus Facades’ Proteus HR Stainless Steel panels with a Rimex bead-blasted Granex finish in grey and black for use throughout the Station, alongside TECU brass copper panels for a new entrance on Durward Street.

Proteus HR is a modular rainscreen system that offers a smooth façade with recessed joints and can be easily maintained. The panels are robust and strong but have a lightweight aluminium honeycomb core, which is structurally bonded between two thin gauges of metal.

The Granex grey Proteus HR panels at Whitechapel feature across main entrances, ticket halls, columns, stairs walls and lift elevations, as well to the corridors and alongside fire doors. To ensure a quality finish was carried all the way through, Proteus also fabricated matching stainless steel capping’s that create an uninterrupted façade and hide any open steelworks.

The Granex Black panels feature throughout the interior of the Circle & District Line platform, including on the entrance, ticket walls and stairs. A darker finish was chosen for this section of the Station as lighter colours against the signals and natural daylight shining onto the open-air platform created glare for the trains coming in. To create a consistent finish throughout, Proteus Facades also fabricated matching bespoke circular and square panels and way-finder bands for use vertically on columns within the platform.

Each panel at Whitechapel Station, installed by engineering and construction contractors Kilnbridge, is fixed in place using a unique system of aluminium carriers and ancillary components; designed and manufactured by Proteus Facades. This alongside the simple but eye-catching design, allows for individual panels to be removed and if required replaced easily, efficiently and in as little time as possible to reduce disruption to commuters and workers.

By applying a Rimex finish into the Proteus HR panel system, Proteus Facades was able to provide an even more robust rainscreen panel for the high-footfall Station. A Canvas pattern was chosen as this design helps to reduce any visual imperfections in the façade should denting or other wear and tear occur. An important factor to consider when the station is expected to welcome a train every five minutes during peak times and approximately 250 million passengers a year.

Students are also recognising the importance of living sustainably and choosing a building that offers lower living costs and more environmentally friendly solutions, as well as having great curb appeal.

So, in order to attract this new generation of students to the University of Exeter’s new East Park building, architects Stride Treglown designed the high quality student accommodation using bespoke rainscreen cladding panels from Proteus Facades as the central visual element.

Developed by Vinci Construction, East Park is situated close to Exeter City Centre within the University’s breathtaking Streatham Campus which has been described as one of the greenest campuses in the UK. The building comprises of several blocks that sit comfortably within a sloping landscape and the natural surroundings of the campus’ woodland, open spaces, lakes, gardens and botanical collections.

The brief given to Stride Treglown was to ensure that East Park includes ample levels of protection for the greenery and screening for nearby communities, whilst also retaining a unique character and providing a sustainable living to enhance student wellbeing. To achieve this a biophilic concept was integrated into the design of the development.

In addition, it was also required that the external aesthetics of the structure were to stay in keeping with the character and materiality of the existing buildings that make up the Streatham Campus. As such, the architects specified solid and perforated rainscreen panels from Proteus Facades to help deliver this key detail.

Each panel is manufactured from a 3mm SC tray and features a striking RAL 8000 Pearl Gold Matt finish, chosen to provide a natural colour palette that resonates with the neighbouring buildings and landscape. The solid and perforated panels, installed by Longworth, feature in rectangular block like sections on the exterior of the building providing a natural contrast against the lighter, linen coloured façade.

Solid panels also border larger glazed areas on the lower communal levels of the structure, while additional perforated panels with a bespoke, climbing vine like pattern sit alongside the smaller windows on the upper sections of the building.

As well as the striking aesthetics they add to the external facade, solid Proteus SC panels were chosen as they protect the building from the elements while adding to its energy efficiency. A factor which helped contribute to Stride Treglown and Vinci Construction achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating for the development.

The project also targeted the rating by incorporating green materials with high environmental ratings; recycling 90% of the waste generated on site; specifying A or A+ rated appliances and low energy fittings; providing high levels of insulation and including a combined heat and power system.

Proteus SC is an engineered panel system that is offered in either solid, perforated or mesh panel formats. By utilising an extensive range of metals, colours, textures and forms it can add another dimension to any façade cladding project. The system can be manufactured between 1mm and 5mm in thickness and an acoustic insulation layer encapsulated within the panel. The cladding panels featured at East Park are secured in place using a bespoke aluminium support system, also manufactured by Proteus Facades.

The largest build of on-campus accommodation at Exeter University since 2012, the new East Park development incorporates 1,182 student bedrooms comprising of standard, en-suite and enhanced accessible bedrooms. The building features on-site study rooms, games room, private break-out and multi-purpose spaces and bike storage facilities.

Proteus Facades’ innovative rainscreen cladding panels utilise an extensive range of materials such as Aluminium, Copper, Stainless Steel, Zinc and Porcelain Ceramic. Each system is manufactured to internationally recognised quality standards, using the highest quality materials, in accordance with its BSI ISO accredited Business Management System for Quality, Environmental and Health & Safety.

Innovative use of Corten steel rainscreen cladding panels and architectural fins from Proteus Facades has helped to create a powerful aesthetic on the University of Sheffield’s new state-of-the-art energy facility.

The new Energy Centre Transformer Building, created by HLM Architects and built by main contractor Vital Energi, forms a key part of the University’s long-term masterplan.

It works as an onsite energy centre that provides a resilient and uninterrupted supply of both heat and power to all buildings within the University of Sheffield’s Western Bank Campus.

According to HLM, the main concept behind the building’s design is heavily influenced by the mechanical and electrical equipment that the building houses. This is one of the reasons why the architects specified Corten steel rainscreen cladding panels and fins from Proteus Facades for use on the development.

Proteus HR is a modular rainscreen system that offers a smooth façade with recessed joints. The panels have a lightweight aluminium honeycomb core structurally bonded between two thin gauges of metal. The lightweight nature of this rainscreen system minimises weight loadings on the underlying structure whilst achieving strength and rigidity.

The solid Corten Proteus HR cladding panels supplied by Proteus used on the Transformer Building feature in vertical and horizontal sections of the façade, while the fins wrap vertically over the building. Together they create a striking façade aesthetic somewhat similar to the external make-up of a power-plant transformer. Simultaneously, the reddish brown finish of the panels contrasts against the lighter finish of the building’s pillars whilst complementing the surrounding structures.

The panels, installed by Axis Envelope, are fixed onto a unique system of aluminium carriers and ancillary components, which were designed and manufactured by Proteus Facades.

Masking the building’s concrete structure and fitted behind the Corten fins is bespoke 3.0mm Natural Anodised lightweight Proteus SC Mesh panels, creating an awe inspiring aesthetic, while allowing air flow into the mechanical equipment

Proteus Facades’ innovative rainscreen cladding panels utilise an extensive range of materials such as Aluminium, Copper, Bronze, Brass, Stainless Steel, Zinc and Porcelain Ceramic.

Each system is manufactured to internationally recognised quality standards, using the highest quality materials, in accordance with its BSI ISO accredited Business Management System for Quality, Environmental and Health & Safety.

Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) new centre for enterprise and innovation has become the latest higher education facility in the UK to feature state-of-the-art cladding panels from Proteus Facades.

With higher education providers realising that the design, amenities and external aesthetics of campus buildings are just as important as the courses and educational services on offer to students, specifiers are making more use of alternatives to traditional bricks and mortar.

It is one of the reasons why architects specified contemporary mirror finish and mesh cladding from Proteus Facades for the state-of-the-art new £9 million Dryden Enterprise Centre (DEC) at NTU.

Designed by architects Evans Vettori and constructed by the main contractor Henry Brothers, the DEC provides staff, students, graduates and external businesses with increased access to a range of high-class facilities, as well as support, mentoring, networking and training services.

The new building has been developed alongside the existing Dryden Centre, a cube-like structure built on campus in 1976 that has undergone extensive refurbishment as part of the development. The new extension connects to the north end of the refurbished structure, both of which have been designed to accommodate University start-ups and spin-outs and attract external businesses looking for high-quality workspaces and support.

Proteus Facades manufactured bespoke Proteus SC Aluminium 3mm Aluminium PPC Carina expanded mesh and Proteus HR 0.8mm Rimex Super Mirror 316 Stainless Steel rainscreen soffit panels for the refurbished and new structures respectively.

Proteus SC is an engineered panel system that is offered in either solid, perforated or mesh panel formats. By utilising an extensive range of metals, colours, textures and forms it can add another dimension to any façade cladding project. The system can be manufactured between 1mm and 5mm in thickness and an acoustic insulation layer encapsulated within the panel.

The Proteus SC panels at the DEC were specified with a PPC Pearl Beige (RAL 1035) finish and feature on the external façade of the 1970’s cube-like structure. Compartmentalising the brick-work at eye-level, the mesh cladding features in vertical sections reaching from the ground to the upper floors and then wrap around the entirety of the top level. The panels were chosen to soften the block-like appearance of the refurbished structure and complement the elegant pearl, brick and glazed sections on the façade of the new development.

Proteus HR soffit panels in Rimex Super mirror finish feature on the underside of four of the first and third floor cantilevers, reaching over the main entrance and upper terraces. The mirrored cladding from Proteus was specified due to its honeycomb core creating an optically flat panel that portrays a high quality surface aesthetic. The finish also has the effect of reflecting artificial lighting from within the building and natural light from outside onto the floors below. It achieves what the architects set out to do and that is illuminate what may have otherwise been a deeply shaded area of the building.

Proteus HR was also specified because it is a lightweight, strong and versatile cladding panel. The integrated modular rainscreen panels feature an aluminium honeycomb core, structurally bonded between two thin gauges of lightweight metal skin for optimum rigidity.

Installed by Elhance Limited, both the Proteus SC and HR panels at the DEC are secured in place using a bespoke aluminium fixing system, also manufactured by Proteus Facades. It can be installed on to any type of wall construction and allows the panels to be secured in place with no visible fixings, creating a sheer, uninterrupted aesthetic.

The £9m Dryden Enterprise Centre (DEC) is set over four floors utilising the latest technology and modern facilities including open-plan desk areas, private offices, meeting rooms, event space and communal areas to encourage networking.

Proteus Facades’ innovative rainscreen cladding panels utilise an extensive range of materials such as Aluminium, Copper, Bronze, Brass, Stainless Steel, Zinc and Porcelain Ceramic. Each system is manufactured to internationally recognised quality standards, using the highest quality materials, in accordance with its BSI ISO accredited Business Management System for Quality, Environmental and Health & Safety.

Proteus HR and Proteus SC are available in an extensive range of materials and finishes. For further information about the innovative rainscreen cladding system or to view more inspirational projects from Proteus Facades, visit Our Projects or call: 0151 545 5075.

Based within the grounds of the Upper Mountjoy Campus, the new Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science building has been developed to create synergy between the two departments, which have been earmarked for significant growth within the Durham University Strategy – 2017-2027.

The building features state-of-the-art teaching facilities and office space, including a specialist IT Lab with a designated server room, a 120-seat tiered lecture theatre and tutorial rooms. While a café and breakout spaces, as well as four enclosed courtyards make up the communal areas.

Creating a bright space for students, staff and visitors to meet and relax, Proteus Facades manufactured striking 2.0mm Aluminium Proteus IP interlocking planks with a PPC Traffic White Matte (RAL 9016) finish for use on the façades of the four internal courtyards.

GSS Architecture chose the Proteus IP aluminium PPC in Traffic White because it accentuates and reflects natural light creating an enhanced ambience in the teaching spaces that face onto the courtyards, whilst complementing the glass curtain walling system.

A combination that together creates a striking minimalistic appearance that lifts the aesthetics of each courtyard and creates light filled spaces for students and staff to enjoy.

The Proteus IP panels, installed by Longworth Building Services, were fixed in a band like design that reflects the aesthetics of the external façade facing onto the campus. In order to maintain this ‘banding’ effect, the planks continue behind the glass curtain-walling systems, which required exacting tolerances.

Proteus Facades also manufactured 3.0mm Aluminium large format Proteus SC soffit panels with a PPC Interpon D1036 RAL 7016 Matt Finish, for installation above the ground floor, first and second perimeter stepped soffits.

Proteus SC is an engineered panel system that is offered in either solid, perforated or mesh panel formats. By utilising an extensive range of metals, colours, textures and forms it can add another dimension to any façade cladding project. The system can be manufactured between 1mm and 5mm in thickness and an acoustic insulation layer encapsulated within the panel.

Specified with an A2 fire certification, which prevents the use of traditional subframe bonding methods, the soffit panels were manufactured with a bespoke stiffening system and fixed to achieve the required rating, as well as structural integrity and an optically flat surface.

Proteus Facades worked closely with Longworth Building Services to guide them on the most suitable material for use on the soffit panels that would achieve the desired aesthetics whilst meeting budgetary expectations. Aluminium was chosen as it provided a cost-effective solution and one that was available in optimum coil sizes that allowed fabrication of the 2m long soffit panels. The PPC Interpon D1036 RAL 7016 Matt Finish was specified to complement the band-like copper cladding on the building’s main façade.

Proteus and Longworth Building Services final element continued further across Campus, Proteus SC 3mm anodised mesh aluminium panels with a Bronze Anodised Anolok (545) finish were also specified for use around the bike storage and ancillary areas. Proteus again devised a bespoke method of fixing the mesh into the frame, so it maintained integrity and colour match of the anodising on both elements.

Developed by main contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine, the new Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science building at Durham University forms part of a masterplan to provide improved infrastructure and additional teaching and research space. The facility will create greater integration between students and staff. It will also enable the University to increase the number of undergraduates, postgraduate researchers and employees for the Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science departments over the next five years.

Proteus Facades’ innovative rainscreen cladding panels utilise an extensive range of materials such as Aluminium, Copper, Bronze, Brass, Stainless Steel, Zinc and Porcelain Ceramic. Each system is manufactured to internationally recognised quality standards, using the highest quality materials, in accordance with its BSI ISO accredited Business Management System for Quality, Environmental and Health & Safety.

To learn more about Proteus SC or any of our other products please click here

Combining tradition with modernity, Proteus HR TECU Classic Copper panels clad the entire exterior façade of a new extension on Newton Lodge, a historic building at Summer Fields Preparatory Boarding and Day School in Summertown.

Newton Lodge is one of the oldest structures on the 70-acre school site and was previously used as a boarding house for pupils. The addition of the new extension, alongside a complete redevelopment inside and out, has transformed the Lodge into the state-of-the-art ‘Summer Fields Pre-Prep School’ for children aged four to seven.

Proteus HR TECU Classic, a bright, shimmering, multi-tonal ochre-red copper cladding that will gradually fade over time to Verdigris green, was installed by J & PW Developments. The copper cladding wraps around the entire external façade of the extension, developed by main contractor Edgar Taylor.

Designer Oxford Architects specified the ‘homogonous’ copper rainscreen cladding – including pre-formed corner panels, window reveals, heads, sills and rooflines – to create a clean modern look. It is envisaged that this innovative approach will both contrast and complement the historical character of the original Victorian-built Newton Lodge and other buildings dotted throughout the school grounds.

Proteus HR is an integrated modular rainscreen panel system featuring an aluminium honeycomb core, structurally bonded between two thin gauges of lightweight metal skin. This creates a lightweight, strong and versatile cladding system, whilst the sheer, smooth aesthetic of the optically flat panels achieves pure architectural sightlines. The honeycomb core also helps optimise the gauge of copper skin, contributing to budget expectations, and creating a rigid, slimline cladding panel.

Inclusion of the Proteus HR slimline panels at Summer Fields contributed to overall energy efficiency by allowing incorporation of high levels of insulation within the underlying structure, whilst still maintaining the rear ventilated cavity. The copper cladding also provides Summer Fields with outstanding mechanical abrasion and weather and corrosion resistance properties as well as being maintenance free.

Proteus Facades fabricated the entire copper façade at its advanced manufacturing facility in Lancashire, including the copper pre-formed corner panels for installation on the window head and sills. These were instead of standard flashings to create crisp clean lines that reflect the classical geometry of the existing Victorian building.

These carefully considered design elements alongside the modern, structured façade and carefully retained heritage of the building are just some of the factors that led to the project receiving a Commendation in the Oxford Preservation Trust Awards. Judges commented that the building is a valuable asset to the school and the wider community by improving the streetscape substantially.

Summer Fields Pre-Prep school offers purpose-built education facilities for 80 pupils aged four to seven. Situated within the heart of the existing school site, the building includes modern, well equipped learning and library spaces as well as its own parking, gardens and playground, all within a secure, self-contained area.

Proteus offers one of the widest ranges of TECU copper and copper alloy cladding in the UK. This includes TECU Copper, TECU Bronze, TECU Brass, TECU Gold, TECU Zinc, a tin-plated copper that has all the advantages of copper whilst weathering from silver to subtle grey tones.

The materials are also available pre-patinated, which bypasses the gradual weathering process, so that the cladding panels take on the beautiful earth tones from the day the façade is installed.

Proteus HR is also available in aluminium, zinc, stainless steel and other materials. For further information about the innovative rainscreen cladding system or to view more inspirational projects from Proteus Facades, visit our projects page or call: 0151 545 5075.

Images supplied by Oxford Architects

Designed by BDP Architects, the hospital, which opened four months ahead of schedule in November 2020, was built as part of the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s Clinical Futures Strategy and houses the region’s accident and emergency and intensive care facilities.

Developed by main contractor Laing O’Rourke using an extensive adoption of off-site construction, the £350m specialist and critical care centre includes purpose-built facilities for critically ill patients who require the most urgent treatment and care pathways.

As well as utilising offsite construction to deliver shorter build schedules and more environmentally friendly methods of construction, Laing O’Rourke and BDP’s design team used BIM from the outset of the development to maximise the use of digital technology through the supply chain.

Utilising the company’s own Level 2 BIM models and working closely with the designers to ensure strict timescales were met, Proteus Facades manufactured bespoke Proteus HR rainscreen panels and fins with a TECU Iron Two finish for the hospital entrance and restaurant exterior. Installed by Cladanco, the copper cladding is fixed off a Eurobond Rockfibre Rainspan composite panel.

TECU Iron Two has a striking reddish-brown copper surface finish that portrays a weathered steel aesthetic, but with all the longevity and formability of copper. The colours of the natural material blend gradually over time to create the beautiful, aged copper-look. Made from 100% recycled copper, Proteus TECU Iron Two is a sustainable choice.

Proteus HR was specified because the system is lightweight, strong and versatile whilst offering high aesthetic appeal. The integrated modular rainscreen panels also feature an aluminium honeycomb core, structurally bonded between two thin gauges of lightweight metal skin, to create an optically flat panel.

The Proteus HR panels at Grange University Hospital feature in a pod-like design on the exterior of the main entrance and within the foyer; taking the architect’s design from the outside in and creating a visual point of interest for visitors as they enter and exit the building. Adding further aesthetic appeal, the deep red-brown ochre finish of the copper cladding creates a warming pop of natural colour against the monochrome grey and white modular panels that adorn most of the hospital’s exterior.

Bespoke spanning fins manufactured by Proteus Facades measuring 400mm x 80mm were utilised across the entrance and along the external façade of the hospital restaurant. Each fin had an internal support of a 300mm x 50mm x 5mm aluminium extrusion PPC coated with bespoke head and base plate connections for bolting into the primary brackets within the structural openings. The aluminium extrusions were then clad with TECU Patina Iron Two panels to provide the overall finish.

Proteus Facades also fabricated cantilevering head and base cloaking panels and bespoke brackets for use on the entrance and within the foyer to create the illusion that the pods emerge from the wall in a box-like structure.

Grange University Hospital (previously known as the Specialist and Critical Care Centre) is the centrepiece of a new model of healthcare delivery serving over 600,000 people. The 471-bed hospital is home to more than 40 specialist services and features a helicopter pad for patients who need to arrive by air ambulance.

The building also takes advantage of the landscaped setting, offering views across the surrounding countryside and access to therapeutic spaces to promote healing and wellness. It is this design-led and collaborative approach to construction that has resulted in the development securing two Constructing Excellence Wales Awards for Best Digital Construction and Off-Site Development.

For further information about Proteus HR or to view more inspirational rainscreen facades from Proteus Facades, visit: www.proteusfacades.com or call: 0151 545 5075.

The Proteus SC cladding panels are arranged in a striking half-hexagon design that appears to float outward from the main structure. The 6 metre high façade, where the panels themselves are embellished by intricately designed, leaf-shaped perforations, has the ability to stop people in their tracks while they gaze at the intriguing, shimmering aesthetic.
Prior to the refurbishment, the original building, which once stood proud on the corner of Queens Square fell into disrepair after being left unattended by its previous owner for quite some time.

In 2019 however, as part of an ongoing initiative to acquire, regenerate and re-let vacant shops to independent businesses, Wycombe District Council purchased the building and invested in a state-of-the-art refurbishment project. This included a complete redesign of the interior and an external upgrade to improve aesthetics and add more versatility to the town centre.
During the initial stages of the redevelopment, main contractors, Abbeymead Building Ltd. found that the glazing to the upper levels would need replacing, along with limited structural support positions where the perforated cladding could connect. This resulted in a complete redesign of this section, with full replacement of the windows and the spanning solution of the Proteus SC, lightweight perforated anodised aluminium panels, manufactured by Proteus Facades.

Proteus SC is an engineered panel system that is offered in either solid, perforated or mesh panel formats. By utilising an extensive range of metals, colours, textures and forms it can add another dimension to any façade cladding project. The system can be manufactured between 1mm and 5mm in thickness and an acoustic insulation layer encapsulated within the panel.
Installed by J & PW Developments Ltd, the Proteus SC panels at White Hart Street, were fabricated from a 3mm J57Up aluminium alloy with a brush polished, mirror effect finish, anodised to Anolok 543.

The bespoke laser-cut leaf pattern on the panels, visible both inside and out, also provides further visual appeal to the façade, offering a delicately designed brise soleil within and a striking external aesthetic for passers-by.
Each Proteus SC panel is secured in place using a bespoke aluminium support system, also manufactured by Proteus Facades, with a matching anodised coating. The brackets are fixed back to the original structure with a 200mm x 50mm aluminium extrusion at panel joints, spanning approximately 3700mm between the floor and slabs, and with 1100mm cantilevered upper and lower sections.

Further external works carried out during the redevelopment, completed in December 2020, include replacement of the flat roof and installation of a new shopfront set back from the pavement to create a covered seating area.
Internally, the building has been completely restructured to offer a ground floor space ideal for use as a restaurant and shops, along with first floor studio-style offices. All of which have great potential to attract some of High Wycombe’s up and coming businesses, which in turn is expected to boost footfall and improve the overall experience for visitors to the town.

Visit  Proteus SC to learn more about our product range

This was certainly the case with the design and development of the Oxford High School for Girls’ Day School Trust’s (GDST) new sixth form and arts centre, which features innovative cladding from Proteus Facades.

Designed by Ellis Williams Architects and developed by Beard Construction, the brief for the new Ada Benson Building, named after the school’s first headmistress, an advocate for women’s education, was to create a space that encompasses quality architecture, reflects the legacy of its namesake and promotes educational excellence.

The facility, which has been described as an epitome of school design, features contemporary classrooms, a health and wellbeing centre, textiles atelier, art studios and a state-of-the-art auditorium.

Providing the exterior of the building with a lustre that matches the quality within, perforated cladding panels, manufactured by Proteus Facades from a 2mm Stainless Steel Proteus SC tray in a 240S silver brush polish finish, wrap around the entirety of the first floor.

Each panel features striking perforations in a bespoke, organic and geometric pattern that adds architectural interest to the façade; whilst ensuring it is in keeping with other buildings on the school campus and respectful of the adjacent Conservation Area and mature trees along the existing southern boundary.

The Proteus SC panels, installed by Deane Roofing & Cladding, are supported off a 125mm x 50mm mullion and helping hand brackets set off the primary structure to generate a small soffit lip around the entire building that wraps further to form soffits in the main entrance areas.

Proteus SC is an engineered panel system that is offered in either solid, perforated or mesh panel formats. By utilising an extensive range of metals, colours, textures and forms it can add another dimension to any façade cladding project. The system can be manufactured in materials from 1mm to 5mm in thickness. Acoustic insulation layers can be encapsulated within the panel for internal applications and Proteus Facades can also provide contrasting fabric inserts when the panels are perforated.

During a tour of the school prior to the official opening, staff were particularly impressed with the geometric shapes within the design, which are also reflected in the atrium through carefully planned décor and light that wells from the first floor. In fact, the headmaster himself commented on the eye-catching way the interior reacts with the external spaces, through the use of carefully placed windows and the clever design of the bespoke Proteus SC panels.

In addition to the modern teaching spaces, the new Ada Benson building also features a ground-floor atrium and café alongside a social hub and community space for hire. The external surroundings include a contemporary garden and new secure bike stalls, which are also clad in the perforated Proteus SC panels helping to carry the aesthetics of the façade further across the school grounds.  

For further information about Proteus SC or to view more inspirational rainscreen facades from Proteus Facades, visit: www.proteusfacades.com or call: 0151 545 5075.

The IOP was looking to relocate from Portland Place and open a new public institute to house the organisation’s membership activities, support its ambition to engage different communities, and make physics more accessible to a wider audience.

Based in ‘The Knowledge Quarter’, part of a 19^th century Keystone conservation area in Kings Cross, the new headquarters provides education and exhibition facilities alongside a combination of office and public space with a basement auditorium and exhibition gallery, which are both open to the public.

Located at the junction of Caledonian Road and Balfe Street, the new IOP building replaces vacant shops that were in desperate need of regeneration. Architects TateHindle recognised this as the ideal space for the new headquarters and created a design that is both state-of-the-art, but respectful to the historical character of the neighbourhood.

As conservation was key in this project two main external brick facades on the original structure were retained, with an entrance bay inserted to create a visual slot through to the completely refurbished interior. In addition, the 5-storey development features floor-to-ceiling windows along Caledonian Road which also acts as a ‘shopfront’ and provides views of the exposed concrete walls within.

TateHindle added a one-and-a-half-storey extension to the original structure, which houses corporate meeting space for hire. Clad in solid Proteus HR 1.0mm VM Zinc panels with a Pigmento Blue finish, the façade remains in keeping with the uniformity of shopfronts on Caledonian Road; whilst perfectly complementing the brick and glass exterior on the lower levels and concrete interior.

Installed by Longworth Building Services Ltd, Proteus HR was specified because it is a lightweight, strong and versatile system that creates an optically flat aesthetic. The integrated modular rainscreen panels feature an aluminium honeycomb core, structurally bonded between two thin gauges of lightweight metal skin to create an optically flat panel.

Each panel is supported by the Proteus aluminium carrier system and ancillary components anchored to a cantilever steel frame from the underlying masonry structure. These allowed the panels to be hooked-on from behind, accentuating the sheer, smooth façade interrupted only by strips of lighter cladding built into the design to compartmentalise the flat elevations.

A distinctive and punctuating feature of this upper storey façade is a series of state-of-the-art ventilation stacks, also clad in a combination of solid and perforated single skin Pigmento Blue Proteus HR Zinc panels, with built in aluminium stiffening frames.

The stacks, which replace the original chimneys, are designed to draw in cold air at roof level and deliver it through floor-level grilles, using physics to reduce the carbon footprint of the building. A vertical column marking the main entrance to the building and a third floor façade facing onto Caledonian Road also features Proteus HR VM Zinc.

Taking the architect’s design from the outside in, Proteus SC perforated panels in 2mm aluminium with a RAL 7031 finish feature internally, with 20mm diameter holes carefully placed in an offset triangular pattern, to match those featured on the ventilation stacks.

Proteus SC is an engineered panel system that is offered in either solid, perforated or mesh panel formats. By utilising an extensive range of metals, colours, textures and forms it can add another dimension to any façade cladding project. The system can be manufactured in a variety of metals and from 1mm to 6mm in thickness. For internal applications, like the IOP, Proteus Facades provides contrasting fabric inserts and an acoustic insulation layer can be encapsulated within the perforated panels.

With a striking design that flows throughout the building, TateHindle, alongside main contractor Murphy Group, Longworth Building Services Ltd and Proteus Facades have together created an outward-looking and contemporary building; perfectly answering the client’s brief for a space that makes physics accessible and embodies how it is woven into our everyday lives.

The Institute of Physics is the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland. It inspires people to develop their knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of physics.

The organisation works with a range of partners to support and develop the teaching of physics in schools. IOP aims to encourage innovation, growth and productivity in the business including addressing significant skills shortages and providing evidence-based advice and support to governments across the UK and in Ireland.