SAINT-GOBAIN WEBER SCORES AT ELLAND ROAD WITH EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION
The design, created by international architects KSS, proposed the creation of a dramatic curved fascia to the East Stand entrance. This part of the structure spans more than 20m in width and 18m in height.
Main contractor Caddick Construction Limited of Knottingly, West Yorkshire, undertook the stadium refurbishment installing new seating, new corporate hospitality suites and new stairways, passenger and goods lifts to service the stand and office facilities. The detailed design of the curved fascia was undertaken by Virtuoso Plastering Limited of Leeds, who, as an approved Saint-Gobain Weber application specialist, was appointed to the project.
Virtuoso's managing director, Dave Robertson, explains: "The primary steelwork was part of the overall structure design and we had to design and specify the lightweight secondary steel fixings and materials. In addition we had to create the curved fascia panel system to achieve the architect's visual treatment. There was a requirement to prove that the insulation material could be fixed and hold the curved layout and that the requisite compression beads would also hold the shape."
Virtuoso constructed a 7m x 3.6m test section to replicate the curvature and to test the application process. The specified BBA accredited weber.therm XM External Wall Insulation (EWI) system, using 100mm thick expanded polystyrene (EPS), was mechanically fixed to the 12mm external specification ply backing board as well as a 3mm application of weber.rend LAC, a polymer modified powder cement-based render mortar. The mesh-cloth reinforcement was laid on with a further 3mm coat of weber.rend LAC. When fully dried the surface was primed with weber PR310 and, the chosen decorative finish coat in this project, weber.plast TF150. This through-colour textured finish is highly weather resistant and vapour permeable.
The specification and test section was fully inspected and approved by KSS - but it then had to be dismantled and removed. This created something of a surprise for Dave Robertson and his team. "We have long experience of applying Saint-Gobain Weber EWI render systems but none of taking them apart for removal. We just couldn't believe both the strength of the render, the integrity of the bond and the overall flexibility of the whole insulated render system. It proved very hard work to dismantle and was a testimony to the quality of the products and the ability to produce a first class insulated and protective fascia for the building with plenty of structural integrity."
The application has added a modern visual appeal to the famous Elland Road stadium and illustrates that the weber.therm XM EWI system is a top scorer for this famous football club.
