University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield UK

• Location: Hertfordshire, UK
• Construction type: new build
• Installation system: Wall cladding with backing structure (CWB)
• Product: GLOSSY
• Architect: RMJM

Carea, has been chosen to provide a striking contemporary façade to the £7 million Law and Court Building at the University of Hertfordshire. By providing its durable and highly attractive Ardal cladding panels, a surface solution that is both aesthetically pleasing and offering a high degree of thermal insulation, Carea is helping to make the law school the most sustainable building in the University portfolio.

Designed by RMJM Architects and built by main contractor ISG PLC on the former BAE site in Hatfield, this stunning new building forms part of the £120 million De Havilland campus, also designed by RMJM in 2003. Students from the current school of law building in the city centre now benefit from these new modern facilities which comprises a fully functioning modern court room with public gallery, a mediation centre, a bespoke law clinic and a cafe.

In keeping with the contemporary design approach, architects RMJM specified CAREA curved panels which when combined with other renders and textures create a unique exterior and complement the more traditional buildings that exist on campus.

The building, that achieves BREEAM Excellence, does not only exemplify the best in design, but is also low maintenance and highly sustainable.

Carea cladding offers high insulation performance, helping the building to reach the standard of thermal efficiency expected. Also, as the cladding panels – made from cutting edge composite developed over forty years by Carea’s expert technicians – consist of around 95% minerals, they are a highly sustainable material and can be recycled at the end of their life.