Knauf and Galliford Try work together to deliver new school for Oldham pupils
Pupils at a school in Oldham, Greater Manchester are now learning in a much-enhanced learning environment thanks to Knauf plasterboards and metal framed drylining systems. Knauf Soundshield Plus and Knauf Fire Panel in the Knauf partitions and wall linings have been used throughout the new school building which has been delivered as part of the Government’s Priority Schools Building Programme.
The work has involved the demolition of the existing structure and replaced by a brand-new building featuring: a dining room, kitchen, activity studio, classrooms and toilet facilities with a timescale of just 18 months. The project therefore required products that would be quick and easy to install to ensure the school is ready for pupils returning after the summer holidays.
Adam Dexter, Design Manager at Galliford Try explained the importance of partnership working for this project: “Knauf are in Galliford Try’s preferred supply chain and we have worked successfully together many times before. Knauf’s Technical Services Team helps us to draw up specifications which are then fed through to our design teams. We are really happy with how the project is progressing”.
Paul Leigh, Director of Rochdale-based Kinder Interiors, was happy to be working with Knauf products on the build. He said: “We have used Knauf plasterboards and systems before on previous projects, and we have had no issues using them at Royton & Crompton School. Kinder Interiors are experienced installers of internal and external systems, and work with Galliford Try on these types of projects on a regular basis.
We have also had excellent technical back-up from Knauf’s Technical Services Team. We have had support on site, and by email and phone to ensure everything was running smoothly.”
Knauf Soundshield Plus is a high-mass plasterboard that offers superior acoustic performance and excellent fire resistance, which offers a single boarded solution for clients on education projects that complies with BB93 and BS 5234. It is ideal for use in environments where sound reduction is paramount, such as a busy school. Soundshield Plus also provides a severe duty rating performance. The use of Knauf Fire Panel throughout the new school building will also keep pupils and staff safe as the high-performance plasterboard offers up two hours of fire protection when installed to the system specification.
