Rockpanel is the solution to facade issues at future-proof Luton Campus

The urban Luton Campus is made up of three 12 storey blocks. 6,500sqm of Rockpanel facades were installed by Sorba UK Limited, together will all breather membrane, insulation and fire protection. Rockpanel was able to match and expand on the colours and finishes previously specified for the removed panels. These included White Aluminium and Grey Aluminium from the elemental Metals Range along with three custom colour-matched options produced for this project.

Outstanding choice with unique capabilities

The breadth of design options available across the Rockpanel ranges allows designers complete freedom to let their imaginations run wild in the knowledge the completed facade will not only realise their creative ambitions but will stay looking as great as the day it is installed, throughout its long life. It’s comforting to know that this creative possibility does not come at the cost of fire safety performance. Rockpanel A2 guarantees to meet or exceed the stringent regulations bought to bear for dwellings over 18metres in light of the tragic events which occurred in 2017.

Rockpanel derives its unique properties from the core of stone wool used in their manufacture. The compressed natural basalt is a sustainable and readily available volcanic rock, which is bonded with an organic binder to deliver a facade which is virtually maintenance-free and insensitive to moisture and temperature changes.

A campus fit for the future

Sorba UK’s Mel Noon, “Rockpanel is good to work with – once we had set out the substrate, the lightweight panels are easy to install and can also be cut to size on sit if required, which saves time and money. Rockpanel’s Darren Gormer was also on-hand to offer advice and technical back-up
as and when it was needed.”

Darren Gormer, “The Luton Campus project really gave us the opportunity to show the breadth of our range whilst matching both the surface designs required and the fire safety charactersitics necessary to ensure peace of mind for buidling owners, the University of Bedfordshire, and the young people who live there.”

The collection of structures making up the campus now look sharp, with Rockpanel Metals brining an extra shine and lustre to them with their contemporary, subtly industrial aesthetic. The metallic sheen plays with the natural light in the surrounding environment, creating an interplay of tones and effects. Elevations with facades from the Metals and Brilliant ranges work together to create an elegant, sophisticated look which will last.

*Disclaimer: Due to changes in our assortment, it is possible that the designs shown in this case study are no longer available. Feel free to contact us in case of doubt.