As part of the scheme, Manchester-based, Architects Britch specified Marley Eternit’s Natura Plus panels, as they were looking for a contemporary and dynamic finish to the façade of the existing building.
Approximately 500 square metres of 12mm Natura Plus panels were supplied for the project, which clad the upper section of the building and offered a striking contrast against the traditional red brick below. Nature Plus achieves a thermal conductivity of 0.6 W/mK, providing the building with improved energy efficiency.
The panels were supplied in three different colours – amber, ivory and cement grey – with the effect of creating a vibrant and stimulating cladding solution, which complements the creative use of the building. The cement grey panels were chosen because they also closely matched the powder coated finish used on the window frames, creating a seamless visual quality to the exterior of the building.
Natura Plus is a through-coloured range of cladding panels made from fibre cement. The panels have been designed for external cladding applications and provide a tough and practical rainscreen solution that can be used on a wide variety of applications. Construction of the board allows the fibre cement substrate to show through, creating a unique and attractive surface finish
David Britch, Director of Architects Britch, commented: “The upper façade of the Manchester Academy is now benefiting from a cladding solution that adds an external design impact, which has significantly improved the appearance of the building.” He added: “Marley Eternit’s Natura Plus panels are known for creating attractive elevations and they complement the red brick construction of the existing building to create a subtle amalgamation of old and new, which works beautifully.”
Natura Plus panels are available in a range of colours and a variety of fixing systems to ensure a smooth and clean finish to a building. The practical qualities of the material, including class 0 fire-performance, durability, strength and an installed life expectancy of at least 50 years, make it an unbeatable cladding material.
Charlotte Hughes, Campaign Manager -Cladding & Profiled Sheeting at Marley Eternit, explains: “The Natura Plus panels used on this project have done an excellent job in brightening up the building and enhancing its thermal performance. The building is visible from Oxford Road, the main street in Manchester city centre, and the panels will now act as a beacon for musicians and audience members making their way to the Manchester Academy.”
The iconic venue has provided a platform for major acts including, Oasis, Nirvana, Nick Cave and Coldplay since it first opened in 1990 and hosts approximately 50 events every year.