280 Bishopsgate has become the epitome of how existing buildings can be brought back to life. The result is a solid and confident, yet respectful development that is a world away from the bank’s original head office.

The award-winning British interior design and architecture practice MoreySmith took advantage of a unique opportunity to modernise the early 2000s building and connect the diverse neighbourhoods of Spitalfields, Shoreditch, and the City.

MoreySmith specified Proteus Facades for 280 Bishopsgate because the company was able to supply a fully integrated façade that met their specific aesthetic, performance and budgetary requirements.

Achieving this bold update and meeting the client’s desired outcome involved specifying three different Proteus façade products, which were installed by Structura (UK) Ltd, who were working for Galliford Try.

The first of these was Proteus HR in 0.8mm Rimex Colourtec Black 316L Stainless Steel with a pinstripe finish. This was used throughout the façade, including the ground floor facade, bespoke planters and curved column casings, as well as the primary entrance areas.

Alongside the Rimex Colourtec black pinstripe are Proteus HR aluminium panels with a Natural clear anodised finish for the mezzanine level and soffits.

Completing the trio of façade solutions is stainless steel Proteus SC Mesh panels, manufactured for the scheme using a Banker Stainless steel wire mesh supplied through Amron Architectural. This material was PVF coated in a Gunn Metal finish to match the Rimex finish at John Desmond in London.  Each mesh panel was inserted into a Rimex pinstripe picture frame with mitred flashings, which had to be meticulously assembled to allow the pinstripe pattern to flow   A number of these panels were also developed into opening access doors so required the added complexity of hinge mechanisms and locks. Working with MoreySmith and Structura (UK) Ltd, the Proteus team designed the facade with a rear supporting aluminium framing system. This was both a discrete solution – essential for the Proteus SC perforated panels – and one that optimised material usage.

The refurbishment process was carried out with sustainability and well-being in mind, resulting in the redevelopment becoming the largest WELL Platinum office space in the UK. While becoming on 1 of 2 BREEAM Outstanding projects completed in London in 2022.

Significantly for this refurbishment is the fact that both Proteus HR and Proteus SC are a lightweight cladding system, which helped minimise loadings on the existing 12-storey building (a thirteenth story was added). Proteus cladding was used on all storeys. This contributed to the redevelopment meeting all necessary structural survey requirements and, critically, without major interventions.

Proteus worked closely with the architects, main contractor and installers throughout the project, providing input and expertise to ensure that the façade met the clients brief. This involved providing input at early design stage to ensure that the cladding met the strict budgeting requirement on this project as part of its ‘designed to budget’ approach – making sure that the customer receives a façade that aligns with their budget expectations.

The outcome was one that exceeded expectations. 280 Bishopsgate delivers a visually exciting design that achieves optimisation of material whilst working within the challenging city centre location.

Learn more about our Proteus HR & Proteus SC range here

Designed to appeal to progressive small-medium enterprises, the building is arranged over three levels, with a contemporary two storey extension that features Proteus HR 1.5mm Corten steel cladding.

Proteus HR Corten panels were specified because it enabled the architects, Buckley Grey Yeoman, to achieve the maximum panel size to closely follow the glazing module of 1500mm.  Proteus Facades precision fabrication abilities and the unique panel configurations allow for relatively small return folds to the panel edges. This allowed panels with a  1475mm face panel and 1490mm module, maximising the Corten sheet width of 1500mm.

This inspiring building with its large Corten cladding panels now creates a striking backdrop to the muted tones of the London Buff bricks on the main structure. In doing so it demonstrates how old and new architectural styles can sit together in a historic setting. The results have been outstanding, creating a modern interpretation of a traditional workspace that has successfully preserved the original building while bringing something fresh, new, and inspiring.

Characterised by their reddish-brown finish, the Proteus HR Corten material is continued around the glazed areas creating a homogenous aesthetic across the new extension. The cladding is offset slightly to the glazing line around these areas, which varies across different elevations. 120mm deep Corten fins span in front of the curtain walling and interface with the off-set capping to provide a clean, considered aesthetic.

Proteus manufactured these fins so that they are independent of the glazing by cantilevering them from base to head. They consist of 2 C shaped Corten profiles that are fixed together to form the 120mm x 50mm RHS box profile. Critical to the success of this support structure was integration and close working throughout the project between Proteus Facades and the glazing contractor.

The weathering steel Corten façade now offers superior resistance to atmospheric corrosion because of its protective layer, which develops and regenerates continuously as the material weathers over time, providing Fortress Works with a long term low maintenance façade.

Bringing this design to life was main contractor West 1 Contracts Ltd, which specialises in fit-out and refurbishments in a range of sectors. The Proteus HR Corten panels and fins were installed by Portsmouth-based Premier Seal.

Proteus HR is an integrated modular rainscreen panel system that has an aluminium honeycomb core, structurally bonded between two thin gauges of lightweight metal skin. This creates a lightweight, strong and optically flat panel that satisfy demanding architectural sightlines.

All Proteus cladding and façade systems are 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 is tested to EN13501, achieving A2-s1,d0 or A2-s2-d0 subject to the metal finish.

The Proteus HR solid and perforated copper cladding panels, specified by WilkinsonEyre in Aurubis Nordic Brown Light, embellish both the building and its natural surroundings. The warm, mellow hues of the copper patina on the Proteus panels were chosen to complement the decorative flint details on the adjacent school chapel elevation, blending and integrating the new and the old

Former pupil Sir James Dyson enabled the project with an £18.75m donation, which now carries his name, The Dyson STEAM Building. The multi-disciplinary hub takes a fresh approach by allowing art and science to be taught side-by-side.

WilkinsonEyre’s design integrates a modern architectural aesthetic with simple beauty and low energy systems. The main contractor on The Dyson STEAM Building was Kier Construction, with Norwich-based Drayton Windows installing the façade elements, including the Proteus HR panels.

Overall, the subtle use of pre-oxidised Aurubis Nordic Brown Light Proteus HR solid and perforated pre-oxidised copper panels and full-height glass portrays a sense of openness, both within the building and when standing in the surrounding landscape. Clever detailing allows the seamless transition between the copper, glass and steel primary elements, while achieving a highly thermally efficient façade.

A fluid approach to the design sees some of the Proteus HR cladding panels set back into the footprint of the building to accommodate landscaped open areas. These are used for outside teaching, where research shows that being close to nature improves academic outcomes for pupils. Integrated planting in these spaces further blurs the boundaries between the outside and in.

Proteus HR is an integrated modular rainscreen cladding system that offers a flat façade with recessed joints. It is available in a wide range of materials and finishes, including aluminium, zinc, stainless steel, copper alloys and various other options, such as pre-oxidised, like that used for The Dyson STEAM Building.

The beautiful pre-oxidised appearance at the Dyson building is one that would naturally develop over time as the copper is exposed to the natural elements. Specifying Proteus HR in Aurubis Nordic Brown Light Copper means that a base oxidation is present from the start,

Completed in the summer of 2022, ready for the new September term, the centre for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) facility provides a state-of-the-art structure at the heart of the school campus. The Dyson STEAM Building is a centre of excellence at this public school in Holt, which is one of the top thirty International Baccalaureate schools in England.

An inviting internal courtyard doubles up as circulation space, featuring an arts hub, seating area, IT point and facilities, further reinforcing the integration of art, design, and science.

Delivered with architectural clarity at its core, this exemplar educational building, which makes full use of pre-oxidised Proteus HR panels, looks set to achieve its goal of inspiring future generations of scientists, technologists, engineers, artists and mathematicians.

Located in the heart of Preston City Centre, Bishopsgate Gardens is set to be the first amenity-focused residence within the city. The 130 accommodation building features a rooftop garden, residents lounges, co-working spaces, and independent retail.

Bishopgate Gardens, which was developed by The Heaton Group, with Studio KMA providing architectural design services. The facade features a combination of our Proteus HR rainscreen system with an Alesta SD fine Cast Iron and a RAL 9006 Bariton finish and our Proteus SP spandrel panels with an aluminium Alesta SD fine Cast Iron and Azko Nobel D2525 Gold Pearl Matt finish. The combination of these panels complements each other perfectly to create a striking and eye-catching building.

Proteus HR was specified because it is an integrated modular rainscreen panel system that was able to provide large format optically flat panels with structural supports capable of spanning floor to floor to reduce the loading implications on the existing structure, The projects requirements for changes in visual colour creating distinctive banding was able to be seamlessly developed while also allowing for the reveal depth changes and horizontal banding within the architects design.

Our Proteus SP panels were specified because of the fire rating (A2-s1, do) and the high thermal performance that can achieved with our spandrel panels. With the large format requirements a steel substrate was utilised with the Azko Nobel and Alesta paint finishes to give the distinctive visuals.

The semi-random arrangement of the inset gold Proteus SP panels adds further to the visual interest to the building, creating an engaging and lively façade, that has helped generate an exceptional response from the local community and council.

Andy Titterton, Studio KMA, commented: “Together with The Heaton Group, we have created a very efficient, attractive new landmark mixed-use development for the city centre. This is one refurbishment project, we believe, that will surpass the aesthetic and functional specifications of any new-build project in the area.”

With this development, The Heaton Group has shown how renovating a dilapidated building can enhance town centres, bring neighbours together and restore local pride.

The new £15m ‘mock hospital’ at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus will help train healthcare professionals in a realistic hospital setting, including hospital wards, consultation and counselling rooms, and even lifelike patient manikins to give students the experience of working with a variety of injuries.

Pick Everard architects specified Proteus HR 1.0m Coil Pre Anodised Aluminium for the entire external element of the new Heath and Allied Professions Centre. The cladding panels were supplied in a mix of Bronze B40 Satin and Bronze B40 Brushed finishes.

The shade variation across the façade is created by the Satin and Brush effects on the base metal being applied before the anodising, creating a sublime effect that adds interest and visual appeal.  The subtle bronze hues also embellish the natural surroundings of the building, whilst the semi reflective Satin finish adds further intrigue – when used for the soffits it has the effect of visually elongating the large vertically framed glazing elements upwards and outwards at night, accentuating the futuristic feel of the space.

Architects at Pick Everard had originally envisaged coloured stainless steel, however following presentation of a range of budgetary options by Proteus, it was decided that an anodised finish would offer a similar type of textural change across the elevation. At the same time, the coil pre anodised aluminium still achieves the life expectancy required and with minimal facility management requirements.

As part of the complete façade solution from Proteus, the cladding wraps into the soffits on the front of the main building using the same panel system, with the addition of a flashing cill in identical bronze finish. This integrated approach extends to the other elevations, including Proteus manufactured jamb, head and cills flashings for pocket windows in matching coil pre anodised aluminium bronze.

This attention to detail from the architectural team, delivered by Proteus through an integrated facade, creates a homogenous palette of materiality, and was one of the reasons why the project was shortlisted in the 2022 Façade Awards for Best use of a Rainscreen System using Aluminium.

Proteus HR is an integrated, lightweight, high strength modular rainscreen cladding system with a honeycomb core that offers an optically flat panel. It is available in a wide range of materials and finishes, including aluminium, zinc, stainless steel, copper alloys and various other options. The Proteus HR system meets the requirements of BS476: Parts 6 and 7, therefore achieving a Class 0 rating as classified by building regulations.

Ilkeston-based Advanced Roofing detailed and installed the façade at Nottingham Trent University and worked closely with Proteus throughout the project.

Pick Everard National Design Director, David Shaw, said: “The architecture of the new development has been designed for maximum visual impact on arrival to the campus. We wanted to ensure this new addition to an evolving campus would be complimentary but also distinctive both externally and internally.”

Nottingham Trent University’s new Heath and Allied Professions Centre was procured by main contractor Henry Brothers Midlands through the Major Works Framework and designed by Pick Everard Architects.

Along with creating a world class teaching space it provides a welcoming gateway building to the campus, and in the words of the architects ‘the external façade treatment and quality materials provide aesthetic interest’.

To learn more about our Proteus HR range please visit our product page

The existing stands on the ground’s Nursery (eastern) End had become inadequate due to the needs of modern spectators, with restricted sightlines in the lower tiers and upper tiers entirely exposed to the elements.  A decision was therefore taken to replace them with two new build stands, named after the famous cricketers Dennis Compton and John Edrich.

WilkinsonEyre architects were commissioned by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for the £53m redevelopment of the new stands, which flanks either side of the Stirling Prize-winning Media Centre.

The curved, elliptical form of WilkinsonEyre’s design makes the stands appear like ‘objects landed from outer space’, while providing a range of additional seating and hospitality areas (increasing the previous capacity from 9000 to 11,600 seats), new concourses and circulation areas which overlooking the Nursery Ground, public realm and landscaping allow the spectators to enjoy the facilities and hopefully a good game of Cricket.

Proteus HR Solid and Perforated cladding panels in PPC aluminium with a RAL 7040 finish were specified for the corporate facilities at the rear of Compton and Edrich. A number of these panels had to be curved to accommodate the radius of the hospitality spaces.

The wall build-up on these elements comprises an SFS frame with cement board and insulation. A Proteus railing system comprising of bespoke helping hand brackets and the company’s 50x50mm mullion grid allow the panels to be installed in a landscape pattern, giving the hospitality boxes on level one some horizontal definition in contrast to the portrait feel of the primary roof cladding.

Around the first floor soffit, Proteus SC Perforated panels were introduced in a 3mm aluminium with a RAL 9003 finish. These were installed at an angle to generate a zone for the various M&E routes that were required between the two stands. They extend at an angle from the service access up to the projecting first tier level. These angled soffits are again on a curve that follows the overall stand design. This required a number of elliptical and shaped panels manufactured to specific locations on the detailed plan.

The positioning of the panels and structural connection points meant that there was a relatively large drop down from the concrete slab to accommodate M&E services. A combination of L and U aluminium extrusion sections and brackets developed a standard framework to which  Proteus’s 125mm x 50mm mullions could connect to. The spanning capacity of the 125mm x 50mm section allowed a reduced framing structure which improved the access zones for the M&E installation trades.

This considered approach to the structure and panels allowed for a simplistic installation through an agreed installation sequence, allowing the manufacturing process to keep the sites teams busy during a condensed installation periods created by the Covid pandemic.

As cladding projects go, Compton and Edrich stands have generated more than their fair share of interest. And deservedly so. Blending harmoniously with the previously constructed Media Centre,  the aluminium clad, elliptically shaped, 24 metre high designs soften the bold media box and blend the new with the historical aspect of this great amphitheatre for the home of cricket.

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.

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.

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