Dales Fabrications, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of aluminium eaves products, has been specified by Cassidy + Ashton to its English Heritage-commended Stonyhurst College project.
Tasked with creating a refectory which made a visual statement, the design also had to deliver an exceptional environment for pupils to relax in.
Dales Fabrications’ elliptical fascia with secret fix soffit panel system, rainwater pipe and elliptical Brise Soleil solar blades, were specified, the first time the sleek 260mm solar blades have been used in application.
Dales’ solar shade systems are carefully designed to reduce the impact of solar gain and heat, without impeding the clear benefits of ‘natural light’. Weather resistant, easy to maintain, entirely recyclable, and extremely cost effective, Dales Brise Soleil solar shade and aluminium solutions are ideally suited and proving popular for education sector projects.
English Heritage, which was in consultation with Cassidy + Ashton and Globe Construction (project builder) throughout, commended the design, describing the refectory as, “…quietly modern - standing as an obvious addition to the complex, without competing with the more historical elements.”
Initially created to meet the 21st century needs of pupils, the recently unveiled dining refectory at Stonyhurst College has exceeded all expectations. Attentively designed, the refectory perfectly showcases Cassidy + Ashton’s ability to create a building which is both contemporary and entirely sympathetic to its Grade 1 heritage surroundings. It also demonstrates how intelligent modern solutions can be seamlessly incorporated into virtually any design, with impressive effect.
Frank McCabe, Senior Chartered Architectural Technologist at Cassidy + Ashton, comments: “Cassidy + Ashton Group Ltd has worked successfully with Dales on many projects. The Refectory building at the historic Stonyhurst College site presented many challenges in delivering a modern building; surrounded by listed buildings, however the use of sympathetic materials in the design, along with implementation of Dales’ solar shades, and elliptical fascia with secret fix soffit systems, to create clean roof line profiles, all helped to achieve this successfully."
Aesthetically impressive, the combination of gleaming structural steel work, Dales’ elliptical solar blades and aluminium fascia, natural yellow sandstone, and slate elements of the build is simply stunning. Each element combines to blend heritage charm and contemporary appeal flawlessly. The smooth, curved lines of the building were complemented by Dales secret fix fascia and soffit panels, creating a clean, contemporary roof line.
Headmaster Andrew Johnson is thrilled with the outcome; “We are absolutely delighted with this beautiful new facility, which will enhance the lives of all our pupils. I particularly like the wonderful views across the ponds to the grounds beyond.”
Stonyhurst’s catering manager, Barbara Church-Taylor, said: “The new refectory is absolutely wonderful and we feel very privileged to have such a stunning facility. The first day has gone extremely smoothly and the pupils are clearly delighted with it too; it has exceeded our expectations.”
Pupils commented that they liked the increased space and light, and the much reduced queue at the servery.