ITP’s FlameOut Breathe flame-retardant breather membrane has been specified for the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the Stephenson building at Newcastle University.
Built in the 1940s, Stephenson Building has a long history of training engineers. In the past 70 years, it has been the home to more than 25,000 engineering students and is well known as a highly visible gateway to the University’s engineering quarter.
International architecture and engineering practice, NORR, have led the design of a project which is harnessing the building’s 70 years of heritage and transforming it into a hub for the future, creating a facility for the 21st century and beyond. The original footprint is home to a new 18,000 m2 cutting-edge building providing extensive space for education, research, innovation and industrial collaboration.
Bowmer + Kirkland was appointed as the main contractor to oversee the project over two phases between September 2023 and autumn 2024. The rear of the building was demolished to make way for new-build space and the front has been retained to minimise demolition and reduce the carbon footprint. The original building’s teaching and office spaces are also being renovated.
FlameOut Breathe was supplied via the Wolverhampton branch of builders’ merchant, M Markovitz, and installed by leading facade specialists, Keyclad. Providing high breathability to facilitate the release of water vapour and protect the condition of the building envelope, its advanced membrane technology combines W1-rated water tightness with a B-s1,d0 fire safety rating which is independently tested to EN 13501-1.
ITP Account Manager, Caroline Collins, said:
“We are delighted to contribute a specification on this project and support Keyclad, one of the industry’s leading experts in external envelope solutions. The Stephensons Building redevelopment is one of many major developments in the educational sector to utilise our flame-retardant building membranes. Our products are widely used in buildings of this nature because they provide advanced performance in their primary function along with exceptional durability and full compliance with all Building Regulations, including fire safety standards.”