Rockpanel adds impact to British Sugar statement gateway

Superior specification 

Suffolk-based Fabric First Architects Ltd. were entrusted with the design. The practice takes a client first approach that focuses on the fabric of the brief, the context, the landscape and the building.  

They said, “With the project being located on an active processing and manufacturing plant we needed to select robust materials but ones that afforded us the opportunity to support our design concept. We wanted a product that provided the client with a good choice of colours but one that would also stand the test of time in a manufacturing environment. In addition to the aesthetic and maintenance prerequisites, the scheme also needed to utilise a product that met the client’s fire safety criteria. Having looked at many options, Rockpanel was clearly the superior product for the requirements of this project.”  

Award-winning Seamans Building were main contractor for the project, with S and G Industrial Roofing Ltd. responsible for the installation of the facades. 

Rockpanel Specification Manager, Darren Gormer, “We have worked with Fabric First Architects on several projects and were gratified that Rockpanel was specified by them over several other products which had been considered. Around 600m2 were used for the facades in two RAL-matched colours – green and grey – fixed with colour matched rivets. All our ranges meet the highest European fire safety standards and are non-combustible, and are manufactured using up to 50% recycled material, marking Rockpanel out as the sustainable choice.” 

All Rockpanel facades are made from the abundant volcanic rock, basalt, which makes every panel virtually impervious to whatever the weather can throw at it and non-combustible. Its light weight and abilty to be easily adjusted and cut on site also mean Rockpanel has a positive affect on costs due to quicker installation. 

A sharp, paired back but bold aesthetic  

The main part of the structure stands at around 6 meters tall and features horizontal panels of varying depths that add interest and harmonize with other architectural elements. The lower section of the building is clad in grey, with vertically orientated panels to balance the two blocks. The result is a sharp, paired back but bold aesthetic, which reflects the natural light and provides a canvas for the adjacent trees to throw ever-changing shadows across.  

Fabric First Architects again, “We used Rockpanel to generate a simple strata pattern to the main two storey element, this allowed the facade to coordinate with the fenestration and help to provide a sense of quality to the entrance zone of the building. Using Rockpanel meant we were able specify colours which reflected the client’s corporate identity and helped give the building visual impact upon arrival to the site.”