INCA Case Study: St Giles Community Centre, Lincoln
St Giles Community Centre, Lincoln
Project Type: Refurbishment
Building Type: Low Rise, Non-Residential
Architect: Stem Architects
System Designer: K Systems
Installer: Spraytec
System & Finish: K Systems Direct Fix M + Silkolitt+ and Acrylic Render
U-Value Before: 2.26 W/m²K
U-Value After: 0.18 W/m²K
K Systems’ St Giles Community Centre project stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation, problem-solving, and delivering outstanding results, solidifying our position as a leading External Wall Insulation (EWI) provider.
Project Background
The St Giles Community Centre provides a vital hub for 11 to 18-year-olds in Lincoln, offering a safe and engaging space for youth activities and access to invaluable advice from trusted adults.
The existing building, however, was in need of a significant upgrade to enhance its aesthetic appeal, thermal performance, and overall durability. The goal was to create a vibrant and inspiring environment that truly reflected the positive impact it has on the lives of young people.
The K Systems Solution
To meet the project’s unique demands, K Systems supplied a robust and versatile EWI system. A 100mm non-combustible mineral wool insulation was utilised, chosen for its excellent thermal properties and fire resistance. For the window reveals, 30mm mineral wool insulation was carefully integrated.
Installation Challenges
The St Giles Community Centre project presented several complex construction challenges that truly highlighted K Systems’ technical prowess and problem-solving capabilities.
The line and level of the building was undulating, which required several different insulation thicknesses (100 – 300mm) to achieve the desired aesthetic.
To overcome this, our team meticulously designed and specified various thicknesses of mineral wool insulation, creating the desired depth profiles. This added significant complexity to the installation, requiring precise technical detailing around fixing patterns.
No fewer than four different fixing lengths, ranging from 135mm to 355mm, were necessary to secure the insulation effectively.
The most significant challenge, however, lay in the vibrant colour scheme. Colour samples were produced, and six were chosen for the scheme. The vibrant choice of colours presented a challenge in respect of both sourcing and installation methodology.
To achieve the striking visual impact, a blend of K Systems Silkolitt+, K Systems Silkolitt+HR (heat reflective), and K Systems Acrylic topcoats were specified from our trusted supply partner in the Netherlands.
The bold grey, pink, and purple colours, due to their low Light Reflectance Value (LRV), were susceptible to heat stress and potential cracking. To mitigate this, these specific topcoats were specially produced, incorporating advanced heat-reflective technology to ensure UV stability and long-term durability.
During installation, meticulous care was taken to prevent contamination between the different coloured topcoats. A precise programme was developed and implemented to minimise any potential for splashes of new topcoat colours onto already completed sections of a different hue, ensuring a clean and precise finish.
Testimonial
“The YMCA Lincoln project was a technically demanding project, due to the complex detailing and challenging colour scheme. From initial planning to completion, the K Systems team played a critical role and ensured every aspect of the specification and installation was delivered precisely as drawn. The transformation of the building has been dramatic. It’s now a striking, energy-efficient space that not only looks fantastic but also serves a vital role in the local community.”
Paul Spittlehouse, Contracts Manager, Belvin Construction
Outcome
The collaborative efforts and innovative solutions employed by K Systems resulted in a truly spectacular transformation.
The St Giles Community Centre now boasts a vibrant and striking exterior, a testament to the versatility and aesthetic potential of our EWI systems.
More importantly, this visually appealing and thermally efficient building now provides a fantastic venue for 11 to 18-year-olds, enhancing their experience and contributing to a positive environment for youth activities and valuable life advice.
The successful completion of the St Giles Community Centre project exemplifies K Systems’ ability to tackle complex challenges, deliver superior EWI solutions, and ultimately create lasting positive impacts on communities.
We are proud to have played a pivotal role in creating a space that will inspire and benefit young people for years to come.
From initial planning to completion, the K Systems team played a critical role and ensured every aspect of the specification and installation was delivered precisely as drawn. The transformation of the building has been dramatic. It’s now a striking, energy-efficient space that not only looks fantastic but also serves a vital role in the local community.