Sherborne Sports Centre, Sherborne School

Sherborne School is an independent, HMC boarding and day school for young men aged 13-18.

Steeped in history, the buildings date back to the 12th century, having educated many boys over the centuries.

A £9m extension to the existing sports centre has doubled the size of the buildings, including new facilities such as:

• Squash courts
• Performance gym studios
• Full length indoor cricket nets
• 2nd large sports hall
• Golf simulator room
• Climbing and bouldering walls
• Classrooms and changing facilities

The state-of-the-art centre has transformed the sports training capabilities of the school and the students it develops, giving more opportunity for the boys to explore and train for different activities.

Challenge

TAC Projects were appointed as the specialist cladding contractor for the exterior cladding on the new Sherborne School sports centre and Link Building - opting to use a timber cladding rainscreen system for a stunning natural wood effect. Composed of Siberian Larch Timber planks (sourced through Vincent Timber), and on top of a 120mm composite TATA Trisomet carrier panel; the timber is grade A and includes applied fire treatment to Euroclass B fire rating.

Solution

Fixing back the panel to the substructure was a job for Fixfast's MatchFast composite panel fixings - with moulded UV resistant colour heads, these fasteners are available for timber, light, or heavy steel - with washers for both roof and wall applications.

Also used within the construction were Fixfast's DrillFast ultra heavy self-drillers for 25mm steel; DrillFast low profile fasteners lacquered to the specific colour required to blend in with the building, and accessories to suit - suit as silicone and strip sealants for sealing and weatherproofing joints.

(image courtesy of TAC Projects)

"TAC Projects pride themselves on being able to provide innovative solutions to almost any roofing and external façade project, and Sherborne School was no exception. Our client, Amiri Construction, were asked to endeavour to meet Sherborne School's budget constraints, which partly entailed a redesign of the external façade build-up, but still provide the original design intent. The complete façade construction was literally turned 90 degrees, so a completely new support and fixing system had to be designed.

We were engaged early by Amiri to achieve this - which we succeeded in doing - but only with the help of our key supply chain, which included Fixfast. We have a fantastic working relationship with Fixfast going back a number of years, and they certainly didn't let us down on this occasion. They proved an integral part of the technical jigsaw that was required to reinvent the façade build-up from inner wall to outer timber rainscreen façade. Fixfast are always dependable, have a great range of products, and are always willing to come to the table to discuss and provide solutions where they are able. We would certainly recommend them to others."

Paul Mann - Sales & Pre-Construction Manager at TAC Projects