sector
Education
client
The Auburn Group
location
Barking & Dagenham
How our panelised system resolved fire compliance and reduced carbon emissions
Our client the Auburn Group, have partnered with Net Zero Buildings’ panelised division; Net Zero Panels (NZP) to provide a robust construction solution for the Greatfields project on the Gascoigne estate on behalf of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
This is the final phase of a wider development which involves the construction of a 10FE school campus. Auburn Group specialises in the education sector and is committed to constructing tailor-made solutions that cater to their clients’ requirements while considering the needs of end-users.
01
Enhanced performance
Our X-Guard System not only meets but far exceeds the compliance requirements for fire safety, ensuring the construction of a safe future-proofed learning space without compromising on quality or other performance areas.
02
Reduced embodied carbon
By interchanging steel wall build-ups in areas for increased structural support with timber wall build-ups in the other areas, we were able to significantly reduce the amount of embodied carbon in the construction of the building
03
Enhanced thermal performance
The use of our X-Guard product contributed to improved thermal performance throughout the Greatfields school campus, ensuring a comfortable learning environment for students and staff but also ensures that the operational costs and emissions are kept to a minimal.
About the project
The challenge
The wider development (zones 1&2) which were completed back in 2017 and 2019, initially used Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS). However, changes to the DfE output specification and the Building Safety Act required a robust response to compliance testing and validation following with the ban on combustible materials.
In light of events like Grenfell and the changes facing the industry around the Building Safety Act, to create new learning spaces the Aurburn Group needed new partners and a solution that met the new prescribed standards while mitigating and reducing operational and embodied carbon.
Our solution:
To address these challenges, Auburn Group chose our X-Guard product, which stood out due to its carefully constructed composition, featuring a mineral wool insulation with fire-rated internal and external boards that offer a 60-minute fire rating (which exceeds the min. current benchmark of 30 mins).
By adopting this solution, Auburn Group not only met the immediate need for fire compliance but also exceeded it in readiness for future challenges while improving structural performance and contributing to a sustainable future through carbon reduction efforts.
Main benefits:
- Health and Safety: Auburn Group recognised the importance of creating a safe learning environment for the students and staff of the Greatfields school. Our X-Guard product, with its fire compliance features, assisted them in achieving this crucial aspect of health and safety.
- Reduced Disruption: The Greatfields project presented unique challenges due to its location in close proximity to several thousand children and other ongoing residential developments. By opting for an panelised offsite solution we were able to efficiently plan and schedule deliveries during times of least disruption, ultimately demonstrating our commitment to being a considerate and responsible construction partner.
- Environmental Responsibility: An important aspect for everyone, Auburn Group have been able to deliver on their environmental targets in and reducing carbon emissions for the Greatfields project. By selecting our X-Guard product, a closed Panel System known for its reduced embodied carbon, Auburn Group effectively contributed to the project’s overall sustainability objectives.
Implementation:
The Greatfields project was designed with a fabric-first approach, ensuring the best use of materials to drive performance in all relevant areas but mainly around the fire and carbon improvements. Our X-Guard panel system was integrated seamlessly into the wider developments’ other construction activities due to the nature of offsite construction and our ability to maintain control.
3 key results:
The implementation of our solution provided the following outcomes and benefits:
- Enhanced fire performance: The X-Guard System not only meets but far exceeds the compliance requirements for fire safety, ensuring the construction of a safe future-proofed learning space without compromising on quality or other performance areas. Ultimately offering peace of mind and the highest level of safety for all occupants and future generations of the Greatfields school campus.
- Reduced embodied carbon: By interchanging steel wall build-ups in areas for increased structural support with timber wall build-ups in the other areas, we were able to significantly reduce the amount of embodied carbon in the construction of the building. (we could link to the grant report here)
- Improved thermal performance: The use of our X-Guard product contributed to improved thermal performance throughout the Greatfields school campus, ensuring a comfortable learning environment for students and staff but also ensures that the operational costs and emissions are kept to a minimal.
In conclusion:
The partnership between the Auburn Group and the Net Zero Buildings panelised division; Net Zero Panels (NZP) has successfully resolved fire compliance challenges and reduced carbon emissions on the Greatfields project.
By adopting the X-Guard panelised system, Auburn Group not only exceeded the stringent fire compliance requirements but also demonstrated their commitment to health and safety and environmental responsibility.
The Greatfields project stands as a testament to the Aurburn Groups commitment to excellence in the education sector and exemplifies their dedication to doing the right thing now, and long into the future.
