Pasquill, part of the Saint-Gobain Group, has provided Glulam and engineered timber I-joists as part of the first project in the UK to be built to Multi-Comfort standards.
The Multi-Comfort building concept takes a holistic approach to the design and construction of buildings so that Multi-Comfort buildings are efficient, comfortable and have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of everyone who uses them. Multi-Comfort buildings surpass existing Building Regulations, incorporate the energy efficiency and thermal comfort standards set by Passivhaus, and introduce new standards in the areas of audio, indoor-air and visual comfort.
Together with Associated Architects and building contractor Speller Metcalfe, the Multi-Comfort approach is being adopted on a new £1.2m multi-purpose sports and drama hall for one of Worcestershire’s leading independent schools. The hall will therefore give teachers and students an ideal place in which to work and learn.
The JJI-joists and Glulam supplied by Pasquill are being used in the form of eight curved portal frames as the main structure of the building, together with associated straight and cambered beams. The engineered timber JJI-joists are forming stud walls, and more JJI-joists are also being used in the roof. JJI-joists used in the walls in this way have created the ideal wall depth required for the insulation used, and all of the products will help the building to achieve both Passivhaus and Multi-Comfort standards.
The 450sqm development at Kings Hawford Junior School in Worcester will include a main sports hall, an office, storeroom, kitchenette, toilets and changing rooms. The new building, which will replace an existing sports hall, will be used for games, assemblies, drama, music and dance plus external lettings.
Headmaster Jim Turner said: “This represents a major investment for us, and it will offer a fantastic multi-purpose sports and drama facility for our pupils. The use of Multi-Comfort on the building will be perfect for the range of activities held there, and I am looking forward to seeing the difference it makes to the productivity and learning capabilities for the pupils.”
Ross Baxter, Managing Director for Pasquill, said: “Saint-Gobain’s innovative approach and the investment it puts into research and development can clearly be seen with this Multi-Comfort facility. What will be fascinating to see will be the data that will be collected during the building’s operation, which will be gathered via a series of monitoring systems. The data should prove useful in demonstrating the differences that both the teachers and children will experience within the Multi-Comfort building.”
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