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Two new apartment buildings in Kent have been given a thermally-efficient and visually-striking façade thanks to the use of an external wall insulation system from Sto. The two new blocks in Ashford - Stour Heights and Somerset Heights – have a single-skin construction, comprising a reinforced concrete frame with concrete block infill, and they benefit from the installation of StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation, with a StoCleyer B mineral brick slip and StoSilco render façade finish.“An alternative insulation system was originally proposed for these buildings,” says John Mahoney of Sheffield-based J Mahoney Architects. “As things progressed a different solution was required to meet the demands of the various parties involved in the project. Sto pretty much leads the pack in terms of quality, and the StoTherm Mineral system was able to satisfy everyone’s requirements, so it became the obvious choice. The fact that Sto could work with us and provide technical support was also extremely helpful.”The BBA-certified StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system uses mineral-fibre boards to provide outstanding thermal performance, combined with reliable fire protection and effective sound insulation. Its efficient single-leaf construction and external installation do not compromise the building’s interior space, and it can be installed without the need for additional expansion joints.For the new buildings, it was installed using Sto’s unique Sto-Rotofix plus mechanical fixing system. The helical Rotofix fixings create a cavity behind the insulation board, which can be easily adjusted after installation to ensure a level outer surface is created. This system combines the ease-of-use of ETICS anchors with the flexibility of a mechanical rail system, but without the material and labour cost of installing the rails.“The StoCleyer B brick slips were specified to meet certain planning requirements,” adds John Mahoney. “An alternative brick solution was originally considered, but Sto was able to manufacture slips which were a perfect match for the proposed original. The fact that they were also fully compatible with the Sto insulation system was another significant point in their favour.”The new buildings have added 109 one- and two-bedroomed flats which are spread across the five floors of Stour Heights, and the three floors of Somerset Heights.

Sto has supplied the StoTherm Mineral K external wall insulation system with StoLotusan render for the new Day Case and Eye Unit building at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital. Specified by Gilling Dod architects of Chorley, who worked closely with the main contractor Tilbury Douglas, the StoTherm Mineral K system combines impressive insulation with excellent fire protection characteristics. With an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification in accordance with BS EN 13501-1, the non-combustible mineral fibre insulation is fully bonded to the substrate and therefore no additional firebreaks are required. Ideal for both new-build and refurbishment projects, its efficient single-leaf construction also means that interior space within the building is not reduced.  For this project, the system’s mineral fibre insulation boards were secured to the lightweight steel frame and sheathing board substrate with mechanical fixings and StoLevell Uni adhesive and levelling mortar. A StoLevell Duo Plus reinforcing coat embedded with Sto-Glass Fibre Mesh was then applied to the face of the insulation boards, with StoLotusan and StoSilco renders used for the final finish on different sections of the building, using light colours from Sto’s architectural colour range.  StoLotusan is the only render available that uses Sto’s patented Lotus-Effect® technology which delivers impressive water and dirt repellence. It forms a unique surface texture, similar to that of the lotus leaf, that causes the rainwater to run off the render quickly and easily, removing any dirt or dust as it goes. Providing outstanding resistance to the growth of algae and fungus, the building will retain its looks for many years to come.  The new Day Case and Eye Unit is the result of a major £17.5 million investment in developing enhanced ophthalmology and day case services. The new Day Case and Eye Unit now offers an extensive range of diagnostic and treatment facilities for patients with medical eye conditions.

One of the tallest new buildings recently added to the Bournemouth skyline has been completed with a combination of external wall insulation and render products supplied by Sto. The company’s StoTherm Mineral M system, with Sto-Rotofix Plus mechanical fixings and StoSilco exterior render were all used on the new Skyline student accommodation building, which achieved a BREEAM ’Very Good’ rating.

A unique residential Pocket Living development recently completed in Barking features highly effective thermal performance and an attractive appearance thanks to an integrated package of insulation and exterior façade products provided by Sto. The company’s StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system, with Sto-Rotofix Plus fixings and StoCleyer B Brick Slip façade finish, have all been installed on this town-centre project at Whiting Avenue.

Sto Ltd provided a comprehensive insulation solution for this ground-breaking healthcare project built in Northumberland. Innovative offsite construction techniques were used to create the £15m extension to the Northumbria Emergency Hospital in Cramlington, with a combination of StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system and Sto render finishes being specified to help achieve a striking appearance for the building.

A new Scottish residential development with a strong emphasis on offsite construction and energy-efficiency has highlighted the suitability of Sto’s external render systems for use with modern structural insulated panels (SIPS). The company’s StoRend Flex external render system, which utilizes the StoVentec carrier board, has been installed onto SIPS to create the new detached and semi-detached properties built at Robertland Gardens in Stewartland, North Ayrshire.

Working closely together, Sto and MICAM design and manufacture wall lining and facade cladding solutions to meet the demands of today's public space built environments.When designing and constructing new transportation hubs, leisure complexes, shopping malls, entertainment venues and other public spaces, it is vital to do all we can to protect the lives of the people who use them.Today's advances in technology and engineering have led to the development and validation of structural glass and cladding systems that can ultimately mitigate the risk from the impact of blasts, as well as offering many other benefits

Sto acoustic products have been used to help create the perfect acoustic environment for a major new £42M leisure development in Derby. StoDécor Flex and StoSilent Distance were chosen for the walls of the new Moorways Sports Village, which features a 50-metre, 10-lane pool and a variety of associated amenities.

A new energy centre in the heart of west London has been given a dramatic and eye-catching appearance thanks to the use of a portfolio of façade products provided by Sto. The company’s StoVentec R rainscreen system, with StoVentec A render carrier boards and bespoke 3-dimensional StoDeco profiles have been used to focus attention on London Olympia's new Energy Centre, which forms part of a major urban regeneration project in the capital.

A new state-of-the-art business incubation building in Dorset has been completed with the use of an integrated package of Sto thermal insulation and external render and paint products. The company’s StoTherm Vario and StoTherm Classic insulation systems were specified for the new Innovation Studio at the Arts University Bournemouth, along with StoSilco exterior render and StoColor Dryonic façade paint.

The Roscoe building in the Greenbank Student Village at the University of Liverpool completed with the installation of 5,500m2 of StoVentec R ventilated rainscreen cladding, and finished with Sto Lotusan external render.

The StoSilent Distance acoustic ceiling and wall system from Sto was specified for the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance and it now creates the perfect acoustic environment for a high-profile display of Renaissance art treasures. The V&A in London recently completed a landmark refurbishment of its Raphael Court where the StoSilent Distance system is now installed.

A new, three-story extension to the back of the Sheil Hospital in Ballyshannon, and upgrades to the existing building have been completed with Sto external wall insulation and render systems. StoTherm Mineral and StoTherm Classic external wall insulation was applied to some lower sections of the buildings, with the higher areas of the façade completed with the StoRend Cote render system, to provide maximum crack resistance, weatherproofing and fade resistance. 

The StoTherm Classic M external wall insulation system was specified for the new Day Hospice building at Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.

The StoSilent Distance system and StoDecosit interior plaster now provide a practical and comfortable acoustic environment for the new 25-metre, 8-lane pool at the University of Portsmouth’s £57M Ravelin Sports Centre.

The StoRend Flex external render system, which utilizes the StoVentec carrier board, has been applied as a finish to the upper storey of this new contemporary house, designed by Ström Architects of Lymington.

The StoRend Flex Cote render system was specified for use on the facades of the new Ad Gefrin buildings by Elphick Associates, to provide maximum crack resistance, weatherproofing and fade resistance.

The specification of a StoVentec Glass cladding solution at London’s new Paddington Elizabeth line station has highlighted the growing popularity of this system for use at transport hubs such as rail stations and airports.

ProjectHarston HouseCompletion2016ArchitectKendall KingscottApplicationRetrofitProductsStoTherm Vario K, StoSilco K

The StoRend Flex render system was specified for use on a high-profile development of luxurious and sustainable homes built in Norfolk. Located five miles from Norwich city centre, the six new Octagon Park homes are designed to meet the requirements of the Passivhaus Plus standard, while delivering outstanding quality and a high level of sustainability.

StoTherm Vario, StoLotusan, StoSilco

A major new UK centre for health-focused scientific excellence features a striking interior design created with the use of the StoVentec Glass system, which was used inside Reckitt and Benckiser's £105m Science and Innovation Centre. Some 675m2of white StoVentec Glass were installed in a three-story communal area inside the building. This reflects the natural light entering via the roof skylights to create an airy and open environment, while also contrasting visually with the exposed brickwork

The StoTherm Mineral M insulation system, StoCleyer B brick slips and StoSilco external render have been installed on five buildings which make up the latest phases of the Riverside development in Canterbury.

StoSilent Direct was specified for its outstanding acoustic performance, ease of installation and attractive aesthetic appearance.

StoVentec Glass rainscreen cladding was specified for a new two-storey science block which has been built at Wolverhampton Girl’s High School, following its successful use on the school’s new sixth-form building, completed in 2018.