Aug 1 2005
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service specified the use of Corium, Baggeridge Brick's innovative clay cladding system to refurbish South Yorkshire Fire Station in Thorne, Doncaster.
The project was initiated after the original timber windows were found to have deteriorated beyond repair and due to the proximity of asbestos the windows could not be replaced without causing disturbance to the substance, which had also extended into the walls behind the existing hanging tiles.
When embarking on the refurbishment of the building, the original tiles had become obsolete so an alternative cladding system was required. More than 120 square metres of Corium tiles in Speckled Buff Multi were specified to re-clad the administration block which incorporates the office and domestic facilities spanning two floors. From an aesthetic point of view, a test panel was carried out to ensure the local planning department would accept the use of Corium. Ian Beaumont, deputy estates manager at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said many cladding systems were considered but Baggeridge's Corium came out on top. He comments: “Speed of installation, the weight of the tile and aesthetic appearance were factors that were of prime importance to us.
“Given the nature of the fire station it was vital we used a lightweight material which would not increase the loading on the existing building and one which was also comparable in weight to the original material and we found Corium was perfect for our needs. We also worked closely with local planners to ensure the new facing product was in keeping with the local environment and an existing tower at the station and as Corium retains the aesthetic beauty of brickwork, this satisfied their requirements.
“Refurbishment work commenced in December 2004 and was fully completed in less than five months. Corium has performed exactly as we expected following our early planning meeting and the installation of the test panel. There are two further projects of a similar nature planned, subject to the availability of funding and Corium will be specified on both.”