Marley Eternit's Natura Rainscreen Cladding Specified For University Of York Development

Building Design Partnership (BDP), the architect of the University of York’s flagship £66 million Heslington East campus development, specified Marley Eternit’s fibre cement Natura rainscreen cladding with the Pro coating because it met all the aesthetic and durability requirements set out by the client.

The optional Pro coating, available on a wide choice of Natura colours, was specified because it provides good protection against various types of staining, including graffiti produced by common aerosols and other paints, making it an ideal solution for a university development.

Natura, which has a tactile, smooth surface, was supplied in White, Grey and Cool Grey colours to complement other materials used throughout the building. Fibre cement has one of the lowest levels of embodied energy of any cladding material and the Heslington East campus aims to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

Fitted in combination with insulation as a rear ventilated rainscreen cladding system, Natura helped create a cost-effective, low maintenance and thermally efficient envelope to the building.

Andrew Cowling, Project Architect at BDP, said: “Natura from Marley Eternit provided us with an effective and durable rainscreen cladding solution on this project. It is low maintenance and resistant to graffiti, which will provide huge benefits to the client’s facilities management team. We were also delighted with the service and support offered by Marley Eternit throughout this project.”

European Roofing Systems installed the Natura using a structural bonding system that fixes the panels to an aluminium framework, with a rear-ventilated cavity. Any moisture that penetrates through the joints between the panels can escape via the uninterrupted ventilation path.

Natura is available in a range of colours to help a building harmonise or contrast with its surrounding environment. The range is resistance to mould growth and fungi and has a minimum life expectancy of at least 50 years.