Situated on the picturesque Ipswich Marina, the educational institution is part of a unique collaboration between the University of Essex and the University of East Anglia. It features a 20 degree sloping sedum roof which curves away and represents an impressive architectural design, blending in serenely with the aquatic environment.
The Waterfront Building operates as a Centre for Applied Sustainability and therefore has strict policies in place with regards to the recycling of waste and energy efficiency. This was recognised by BREEAM, the British Research Establishment’s defacto measurement of a building's environmental performance, which awarded the building an ‘excellent’ rating.
Approximately 3,000m² of Marley Eternit’s Natura panels in various colours were fitted to create a dynamic façade. The Natura panels were specified by RMJM - one of the world’s largest architectural practices and which was responsible for designing the building.
Natura was chosen for its highly aesthetic appearance, created by having a subtle tinted, semi-translucent applied coating that allows the texture of the fibre cement to show through. As well as creating a stylish façade, Marley Eternit’s lightweight Natura panels offer easy installation and a minimum life expectancy of at least 50 years.
With the building located in an exposed waterside environment, it was crucial that the panels were both durable and weatherproof. Made from fibre cement, the Natura panels met both these requirements by providing excellent weather resistance and benefiting from strong physical properties.
Tony Russell, Head of Facilities Management at University Campus Suffolk, comments: “This was a major build programme and it was important to consider every aspect of the design in detail to ensure that the building met the highest standards. We are delighted with the Natura panels supplied by Marley Eternit, as they met the objective of creating a visual striking building.”
Natura panels, which can be used in conjunction with a variety of insulation types and thicknesses to create a high performance rainscreen cladding system. The panels can be used on new or for upgrading existing buildings.
Charlotte Hughes, Campaign Manager - Cladding & Profiled Sheeting at Marley Eternit, explains: “This was a very prestigious project to be involved in and our Natura panels have met the high expectations of the architects, contractors and client. They really help the building stand out at its waterfront location and demonstrate how fibre cement can create a visually striking and modern structure.”
The quayside campus is home to the Faculty of Health, Science and Wellbeing and the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences. Its has six floors, with facilities including two main lecture theatres each seating 140 people, 34 teaching rooms and a 400 sq/m restaurant.