Project: University Hall, Nottingham – Greenwall Rainscreen

Industrial Contracting Services have recently completed the construction of a rain-screen system to support a Greenwall for Nottingham Trent University. 

We were contacted by the university at short notice to undertake the backing structure work for the Greenwall.

One of the issues we had to overcome with the design of the framework was the alignment of the existing buildings frame. This gave us variable depths over relatively short distances that had to be overcome.  It was our task to make sure we made the final external surface was flat, lined and levelled. We accomplished this by undertaking an onsite survey, using laser scanning technology, to identify exactly the degree of change through the elevation.  We were then able to design and procure the correct rain-screen bracket system to the depths we required to achieve our objective. We installed the rain-screen support structure to which we fixed a Euroclass Rated A1 non-combustible fibre cement board to the vertical rails.  We then cloaked this in a UV stable breathable black membrane, which we taped at the joints.

While on the project the client asked if we would supply and install the flashings around the windows, which we did.  Due to the depth fluctuation in the existing building façade, we had to design a window flashing detail with a high degree of flexibility in its fixing depth to achieve a uniform face to the frame.

The programme for our work was 2 weeks lead-in for survey, design, and procurement of materials and a 3 week build period on-site.  All completed to the client’s satisfaction and ready for the final Greenwall installation.