The challenge
The Ravenscroft School in Barnet, North London, was shortly to become The Totteridge Academy but staff were concerned about some of the buildings. A lot of heat was being lost through the walls in its library and science blocks. Adept was called in to assess the state of the walls and recommend what action was needed.
The project
Adept recommended creating modern maintenance-free curtain walling systems to replace the old walls which were a combination of timber frame, aluminium windows and asbestos external panels.
In the first phase work on the library block would be completed during the summer holidays before the school reopened as an academy. A full scaffold was erected to allow removal of the old cladding system one section at a time.
As each section was carefully removed the new aluminium curtain walling was installed. This was designed take into consideration the need for insulation and ventilation. Infill panels were made from high factor insulation with powder-coated panels externally.
Safety glass was used for the curtain walling throughout and built-in trickle vents were incorporated.
As Adept were well ahead of schedule at the halfway stage it was decided to start work on the science block which had been planned for the following year. This went ahead and the whole project was complete before the end of the summer holidays.
The result
As a result of the newly installed curtain walling system The Totteridge Academy now benefits from rooms that are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and glazing is compliant with safety requirements. It has a refreshed image and pupils can enjoy a much more comfortable learning environment.
