Marjorie McClure School, Bromley

ITP’s FlameOUT Breathe flame-retardant breather membrane has been specified for the construction of a cutting-edge SEND school in Bromley, London.

Marjorie McClure School is designed to provide learning and development for students with a range of different complex needs, which include physical, medical and/or moderate or profound learning difficulties and disabilities. Designed by Haverstock, the new single-storey building has a capacity for 100 students ages 4-19 and is built to be fully inclusive, allowing easy and independent access to all the facilities. The scheme also incorporates a hydrotherapy pool and two courtyards with a range of accessible amenities including sensory gardens, storytelling and performance spaces, in addition to external dining and growing areas.

Overseen by main contractor, Galliford Try, the project to re-build the school was initiated as part of a Sustainability Pilot by the Department for Education in response to the UK Government’s target to achieve net-zero ‘greenhouse gas’ emissions by 2050. Heating and hot water generation is provided sustainably by means of an air source heat pump and photovoltaics which generate energy to be offset against overall usage.

The building is constructed from timber Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) which offer enhanced fabric performance through the inclusion of additional insulation and triple glazing resulting in reduced energy running costs. The SIPs system has also allowed the building to be manufactured offsite, reducing embodied carbon in the construction process.

Leading specialist façade contractor, Apex Facades, installed FlameOut Breathe within the school’s external wall system along with steel framing, cladding, soffits, flashings and fire breaks. FlameOut Breathe’s advanced membrane is engineered to combine W1 water protection and high breathability to allow the release of water vapour, preventing the build-up of moisture in the insulation layer. The textile also has self-extinguishing qualities and Euroclass B-s1, d0 flame retardancy independently tested to EN 13501-1, making it compliant for use on high-rise and high-risk buildings.

ITP’s wide range of membranes are designed to provide durable and reliable protection for the building envelope. To complement its breather membranes, the company also manufactures FlameOut Block, a high-quality vapour control layer which improves air tightness and protects insulation against the movement of warm, moist air from a building’s interior.

Images courtesy Apex Facades