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 | | ARVAL HELPS WITH FIRST IMPRESSIONS AT FOLKESTONE ACADEMY | | | Arcelor Construction | | 27/05/2008 | | | Arval structural decking from ArcelorMittal Construction is making a striking first impression on visitors to Foster and Partners’ new Folkestone Academy.
Long-span decks with 200mm and 158mm profiles have been used to support the flat roof of the 12,000m² concrete and steel framed building, and at many places, including the external canopy entrances and internal communal courtyards, the white underside of the material is visible to welcome visitors. Perforated versions of the decks were also installed for acoustic solutions.
The perforated and unperforated 200mm deck installed at Folkestone by sub-contractor Tilbury Contracts for main contractor Wates Construction is the deepest deck produced by Arval. Its 1.25mm gauge was complemented by 158mm deck with 0.88mm gauge and this was also perforated.
Arval metal decks provide structural support for lightweight roof systems such as built-up metal, standing seam or single-ply membrane. With spans up to 9,800mm under normal load conditions, they negate the need for secondary steelwork and permanent bracing (as part of a properly engineered solution) to give uncluttered sightlines.
This offers architects such as Foster and Partners not only ultimate design flexibility but also the ability to save on construction costs in terms of materials and labour.
The inherent strength advantages of structural decking are ideal for advanced building techniques in lateral restraint and diaphragm construction engineering which enables traditional purlins to be eliminated.
Perforated options give enhanced acoustic properties that make the decks particularly ideal for quiet areas such as libraries and IT suites and for large areas such as sports halls. At Folkestone, there is a sports hall with viewing gallery and retractable seating for 800 students.
Other state-of-the-art facilities include nine science labs, eight specialist rooms for art textiles and graphics, 10 music rooms, and dance, drama, film and recording studios.
The design concept provides eight house spaces each contained within a 14m-diameter circular enclosure. Two groups of four houses are arranged between linear teaching areas interspersed by two triple-height communal courtyards, with a café and an ICT (Information Communications Technology) study area to the rear.
Students enter from one of two openings to the internal courtyards that lead directly into the houses. The courtyards can be used as informal gathering areas. Within the houses, there are intimate spaces for registration, pastoral support groups, dining, coat cupboards and breakout zones, overlooked by raised staff areas and seminar spaces, with teaching rooms on the upper level.
The Arval roof support system complements Kawneer curtain walling, rainscreen, framing system and doors on the elevations. | |
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