Kingspan TEK is the ideal choice for new mental health hospital

As part of an innovative £40 million mental health facility in the heart of Leigh, Greater Manchester, the Kingspan TEK Cladding Panel and Kingspan TEK Building System of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) have been installed.

Designed by AFL Architects, Atherleigh Park will be an integral part of 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s strategy to deliver world-class mental health, learning disability and community services for Wigan.

A variety of services will be offered at the facility, constructed by Kier Liverpool. The building has tall windows mimicking the glazing of the local shops and contains a main reception, cafe and space for local charities and services.

6350 m2 of the Kingspan TEK Building System was installed as part of a hybrid structural frame, in the first phase of the project, comprising the adult wards, cafe, staff offices and entrance area.

A steel farm over clad system was fitted in the two-storey areas and the Kingspan TEK Building System panels formed the structure of the single storey areas, with the Kingspan TEK Cladding Panel used as infills.

Neil Milling from AFL explains that the initial plans to use a lightweight steel option for the whole building were changed to the Kingspand TEK Building System in order to maximise off-site construction and minimise installation time.

Delivering U-values of 0.20 W/m2.k or better, the 142mm thick Kingspan TEK Building System and Kingspan TEK Cladding Panel installed comprise an OSB/3 facing either side of a highly insulated core. The construction team were able to establish a fast and predictable installation programme due to the pre-cut panels and panellised system construction.

Assistant Design Manager at Kier Liverpool, Jennifer McCaul explained that any mechanical and electrical services need to be accessed and maintained outside of patients’ rooms and the capabilities of the Kingspan TEK panels meant that all of the services could be fitted within the loft space, allowing easy access.

Available in a 172mm thickness, the Kingspan TEK Building System and the Kingspan TEK Cladding Panel deliver U-values of 0.17 W/m2.k or better, without the need for insulation.