Due to years of underinvestment in resources and infrastructure, the now rebranded as Bromley Beacon Academy – Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) – school had struggled to adequately cater for its pupils’, all of whom have special educational needs.
The building was in poor condition and had received an unfavourable Ofsted report. In response, an interim executive board was set up to manage the school and change its fortunes. It became part of the local college, expanded the age range and number of pupils able to attend and began.
Versatile, flexible Rockpanel brings harmony
The development programme doubled the academy’s footprint while improving and adding facilities. The works were carried out in three phases, with the school remaining operational. A major concern was how to visually harmonise the new building with the old, which is where Rockpanel came in.
Senior Associate Architect David Vickerstaff of Bailey Partnership, spoke about the project, “This was an important development for the local education authority and for Bromley Council. Rockpanel was specified for its resistance to fire and vandalism. It also offered the flexibility to use it as external cladding on the new extension and overcladding on the original building, which had to match seamlessly across the whole facade even though the work was carried out in two phases by separate installation contractors.”
The school is located in an open area against a largely natural, verdant backdrop. The decision was made to use plank-shaped panels in a mixture of greens and a selection of natural wood designs to echo its surroundings and achieve a horizontal aesthetic to the structure which now sits happily in its external environment.
Durable, safe and beautiful
The new facades incorporate three Oak surface designs from The Rockpanel Woods collection, using subtly dimensionally varying horizontal panels in a variety of repeating patterns. They deliver an organic warmth thought only possible with natural wood, but with all the advantages of stone. In contrast three RAL matched greens were used in similarly sized panels on certain sections of the schools exterior.
Rockpanel A2 facades are made from a core of naturally occurring volcanic rock – stone wool – which embodies superior durability and fire resilience, are virtually maintenance-free and insensitive to moisture and temperature changes. That means they will stay looking as good as the day they were installed, throughout their long life.
The breadth of surface finishes offered by Rockpanel is truly impressive. In addition to the Woods range and virtually endless colour match possibilities, it encompasses Metals, Stones and Chameleon, a unique range which incorporates a special surface to achieve multi-tonal hues that transform as light falls on it from different angles.
At the Bromley Beacon Academy, ROCKWOOL Flexi was specified as insulation for infill areas and fire-stopping systems were incorporated within the cladding substrate to further ensure the highest
fire-safety standards.
A life-changing transformation
Senior Associate Architect David Vickerstaff again, “Working with several main contractors and specialist trades through multiple phases certainly was a challenge, but well worth the effort when the finished result allows pupils to feel valued, while they have the best chance to flourish in a purpose designed environment.”
Since its completion the school has received a ‘Good with outstanding leadership’ rating from Osted and many plaudits from pupils, staff, parents and this from its Executive Headteacher Neil Miller, “The project has been transformational, has changed lives already and will continue to do so for many years to come.”
