Archetech Issue 35 2018 | Page 115

EQUITONE fIBRE CEMENT fACAdE MATERIALS THE PERfECT fINISH TO LEISURE BUILdINGS dESIGN Fibre cement provides architects with the ability to bring inspirational designs to life for both new buildings and refurbishment projects, creating striking and contemporary leisure developments. EQUITONE facade materials evoke the unique nature of fibre cement – a mineral composite material with outstanding physical and aesthetic properties. The materials are available in a range of through colours and offer an extensive palette of subtle and inspiring colours in a variety of textures and finishes. Offering an installed life expectancy of at least 50 years, EQUITONE also meets the fire performance classification A2-s1 d0. Flagship Leisure Centre An example of these benefits being applied to great effect is at Rushcliffe Arena, based in Nottinghamshire. The arena was rebuilt and modernised using EQUITONE [tectiva] in Pebble to create a subtle design palette. Luxury Country Hotel EQUITONE [tectiva] and [natura] were used to create a standout £4.5 million extension at Meldrum House Country Hotel, in Aberdeen. Ajay Chauhan, architect at CPMG, the project lead designers, said: “EQUITONE [tectiva] provided the specific aesthetic requirements the client was looking for with its fine sanded surface and naturally occurring hues making each panel unique.” Specified by Lippe Architects, the materials were fitted to the 600m2 building ensuring the exterior harmonised with and complemented the existing structure. The finished aesthetic is a mixture of textured grey tones, which works alongside the stonework on the hotel. The new building brought Rushcliffe Leisure Centre – including a newly-installed 25m swimming pool – together with Rushcliffe Borough Council’s headquarters. All materials had to be durable, require minimal maintenance, have an excellent lifecycle and improve efficiency of the development. Mr Chauhan added: “The client wanted to use a material for the facade that was durable and low maintenance. We suggested EQUITONE [tectiva] as it’s hardwearing and has a life expectancy of over 50 years. “We’re really pleased with the overall finish of the project. EQUITONE [tectiva] was the ideal choice for this project – it gave the aesthetic appearance we hoped for, was within budget and is of fantastic quality.” Kristen Will, associate and chartered architect for Lippe Architects, said: “It was essential we specified a material that would work well with the original building and complemented the existing stone structure.That is why we chose EQUITONE as the material helped to create an effective exterior finish. The building’s appearance has a spectrum of surfaces that we wanted to respect, and EQUITONE had the exact texture and durability we were after.” Meldrum House Country Hotel sits within a 240-acre estate and now boasts 51 bedrooms. The new property was built adjacent to the B listed mansion house, which has a textured facade with a wide range of stonework colours. Ms Will said: “We felt EQUITONE not only had simplicity and elegance, but strength in its appearance, and the diversity of the range was ideal for the project.” For more information on EQUITONE facade materials visit www.equitone.co.uk