Designed by architects Sheppard Robson and being built by main contractor Kier, the three-storey, 11,000 sq m Academy is being constructed in the grounds of the old Earlham High School. A back-to-back crescent formation, with the main teaching wall facing out across the school fields, the building has been constructed with a central steel spine and cross-laminated timber external walls, floor and roof panels.
The external walls, all of which gently curve, are being clad with facing brickwork, for which a reliable supply of mortar was required. For the main academy walls, mortar was required that would match the yellow brickwork whilst for the building’s wings, which are faced with stone, a contrasting mortar was required. To achieve the desired aesthetics, CPI EuroMix is providing two colours of mortar – straw yellow to blend with the yellow brickwork and black for the areas to be faced in stone.
Working with specialist brickwork contractor Osborn Brickwork, CPI EuroMix is providing the mortar in its innovative silo mixing stations. Capable of holding up to 35 tonnes of dry mortar, the silo mixing station is delivered to site where it is plugged into water and power. As required, at the simple touch of a button, the silo produces a perfectly mixed mortar. As well as maintaining mix and colours, particularly important on a project where colour is a key element of the design, the system also minimises waste.
For guaranteed peace of mind, all of CPI EuroMix’s products, which include mortars, renders, screed, grouts and concretes, are manufactured to BS EN ISO 9001:2000.
Once complete the Academy will feature a new sports hall, for Academy and out of hours community use, Faraday science, art and design technology workshops, along with a full complement of traditional teaching spaces.
As part of the school’s commitment to creating a sustainable facility, the Academy will incorporate a district heating system linked to the University of East Anglia, as well an extensive range of photovoltaic cells on the roof and a limited system for rainwater harvesting which will also be used as an educational tool.
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