Devereux Architects specify Pictura fibre cement overclad solution for Darlington Memorial Hospital

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust commissioned the refurbishment of the Darlington Memorial Hospital because it wanted to reduce maintenance requirements, improve thermal efficiency and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the dated building.

Marley Eternit's Pictura fibre cement overclad solution has helped boost thermal efficiency, improve aesthetics and reduce maintenance requirements for Darlington Memorial Hospital. Pictura in Grey was specified to replace the existing opaque glass panels, which required regular cleaning and maintenance.

The hospital’s thermal performance was improved by fitting composite insulated panels onto the wall-mounted vertical aluminium frame system between floor levels and then overcladding it with Pictura to create a rainscreen cladding insulation solution.

Pictura was specified by Devereux Architects, who had investigated alternative materials for the infill panels, including PVC-U, timber, GRP and glass. Each of these was rejected because of its appearance, cost, durability or maintenance requirements.

Peter Churchill of Devereux Architects explains: “We had no hesitation in specifying fibre cement Pictura as an overclad solution because it overcame all the issues presented by the other materials. We then talked to Marley Eternit’s technical advisory team about the various fixing systems available and eventually decided on stainless steel screws."

Pictura offers a hard, smooth, silky matt surface that is smooth and easy to clean. Its UV cured top layer also provides protection against graffiti by aerosol and other paints, which can be eliminated with common graffiti removers. Pictura is also available in a range of colours, has an installed life expectancy of at least 50 years and has excellent weather resistance as well as being resistant to insects, mould growth and fungi.