The StoVentec Glass Rainscreen System supplied by Sto UK was chosen for a museum collections centre extension project in Edinburgh, thanks to its outstanding aesthetic properties and its durable nature. The black infused colour StoVentec Glass was installed on the new extension to the National Museums Collection Centre in Granton, Edinburgh.
“We were looking for a rainscreen cladding system that would help harmonize the new extension with the existing building, and the StoVentec Glass system offered the perfect solution, explains Francesco Di Domenico of Edinburgh-based Hypostyle Architects. “The original building features blue engineering bricks with a stacked bond. Rather than attempt to recreate that appearance, we wanted the look of the extension to be different, and yet sympathetic at the same time, and by using the StoVentec Glass panels in a staggered configuration we were able to achieve that.
“The Sto solution also offered glass panels in a number of bespoke sizes which would allow us to continue the geometric visual of the brickwork, but also create a new contemporary appearance. Being available in black made it the perfect complement to the dark blue bricks of the original museum, as it blurred the boundaries and helped to harmonize the two buildings.”
When used as an external rainscreen cladding system, StoVentec Glass provides effective thermal insulation for the façade by creating a ventilated cavity which keeps the wall dry and allows it to breathe. It can also be used to create a highly attractive bespoke finish for each individual project, with panel sizes and shapes manufactured to fit specific design requirements. StoVentec Glass can also be used as an internal decorative option.
“The system has an adjustable sub-construction which allows for levelling to accommodate uneven substrates,” adds a spokesman for Coatbridge-based MetalTech, who installed the StoVentec rainscreen system on the Edinburgh project. “This allows the prefabricated panels to be installed quickly and easily, without any need for wet trade requirements, and that helps speed up the installation process.”
“We were impressed by the rugged and hardwearing nature of the Sto system, but its reflective appearance was also important,” concludes Francesco Di Domenico. “This helps the building to blend with its surroundings by reflecting both them, and the original museum building it is connected to.”
Available in a full range of RAL and custom colours, the StoVentec glass panels can also be screen printed with bespoke logos or designs, further extending the tremendous design possibilities it offers. As the colour is fused on the back of the glass, before a toughening process, the permanent coloured glass panels will not wear, scratch, fade or incur water damage.
The StoVentec Glass panel has a reaction to fire classification of Class ‘O’ (England, Wales & Northern Ireland) or ‘low risk’ (Scotland) as defined in the documents supporting the National Building Regulations. StoVentec Glass is also supported by full BBA certification (Certificate 10/4792) and has extensive impact and blast testing approvals.
The National Museums Collection Centre is an internationally significant facility for the research, conservation and storage of Scotland’s wide-ranging national collections. The new development will enhance the space and scope for scientific, conservation and research activity at the Centre.