'Three dimensional' Rockpanel helipad at Sheffield Children’s Hospital 

Getting the project off the ground  

James Totty Partnership LLP were architects for the project. Architect Dayle Lennon, “We had always intended to use Rockpanel in order to match the first phase recladding work on the existing Stephenson building at the hospital. Originally the second phase had planning permission to install a green wall feature, however, when Part B of the Building Regulations were updated, we needed to replace the green wall element. I’d seen what Rockpanel had achieved at the award-winning Merry Hill Shopping Complex, which resulted in a faceted design using triangular panels.  

“Rockpanel’s Tom Uzelac was very helpful during the design, development and construction of this project. He arranged a meeting with his colleague John Porter, who was involved in Merry Hill. He then sent through project details, including progress photos and setting out drawings, which helped us to design a striking cladding design, using the Rockpanel non-combustible range.”  

A tried and trusted crew  

Pacey and Wheatley Construction were main contractors. They extended thanks to the project management, and site team for their hard work and commitment to what was a challenging project both logistically and from a health and safety perspective. ‘The work included erecting a new complex steel frame and cladding structure, which houses two new lifts and a plant room with new fire escape. The innovative design also includes a steel bridge which connects to the helipad, ensuring swift and safe access for emergency crews.’ 

Task Contract Services were responsible for installation of the facades. Task’s Commercial Manager, Ian Blakemore, “We installed around 850m2 of A2 Euroclass rated Rockpanel. There were some aspects of the scheme which were quite challenging from a design and installation viewpoint, but we have a very collaborative relationship with Tom, who, from experience gathered working together over the years, has the confidence to trust we will deliver a successful outcome.”  

The structure really does pack a visual punch. Based on a cube divided into a triangular grid with one aspect utilising White Aluminium panels from the Rockpanel Metals collection. Architect Dayle Lennon, “It was important to us not to have flat sheets simply using different tones to create a ‘3D effect’ for the ‘Metals’ elevation. The cladding here is constructed with a projected subframe, which means all four facets of each section have a different angle that creates varying tones depending on how light hits each surface.”  

Other areas of the structure feature an RAL 1013 oyster white background with triangular accent elements picked out in RAL-matched sand yellow, signal red, pastel turquoise, signal grey and purple red.  

Outstanding characteristics backed by an expert team 

Rockpanel’s Tom Uzelac, “This latest phase of the project follows the success of the solution provided for the Stephenson Building in 2019, specified by James Totty Partnership, where Sparta Cladding installed triangular shaped Rockpanel Colours for first phase main contractor  
G Wilkinson Construction. Our non-combustible facades were chosen principally due to their inherent fire safety performance, surface design options and workability. Inspiration was drawn from our work at Merry Hill, where architects INC Design Associates Ltd were able to create striking visual effects by innovative use of structure, shape and colour. From Metals, Stones, Woods, Colours and our unique transforming Chameleon, the breadth of options available from Rockpanel enables specifiers to express themselves, knowing the completed facade will meet or exceed relevant building regulations.”   

Rockpanel derives its unique properties from the core of stone wool used in the manufacturing process. This naturally occurring and replenishing by-product of volcanic activity creates a non-combustible facade that is virtually maintenance-free and impervious to climatic conditions. Panels treated with our specialist ProtectPlus coating further ensure they look great for decades to come.