Sto products have been utilised in the recent construction of the new Portobello High School in Edinburgh.

The StoTherm Classic M insulation and Sto-Rotofix Plus fixing system were used to complete the project.

"The appearance of the new multi-storey school was an important consideration for this project," said Graham Barr of JM Architects in Edinburgh. "Our intention was to create a building which had minimal visual impact on the surrounding residential neighbourhood, and which also fitted the character of the site itself. We were looking for large, smooth surfaces on the elevations, and the Sto solution allowed us to create these as the external wall insulation could be installed without the need for any visible movement joints.

"The design of the building also called for a series of feature recesses to be included in the external render. We worked closely with Sto on this project, who helped us to design the insulation system so the recesses could be created and form part of the building’s overall design concept."

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StoTherm Classic M was chosen to provide high-level thermal performance for the new building. This EWI system features expanded polystyrene insulation boards and non-cementitious rendering components offering impact resistance of 60 joules. This is a particular benefit for this type of school project where the façade cladding may be subject to harsh treatment. Thoroughly proven in many different parts of the world, the StoTherm Classic M system was finished externally with a through-coloured StoSilco K silicone render finish to add extra protection and enhance the appearance.

The Sto insulation was fixed to the substrate using the innovative Sto-Rotofix Plus fixing system. Ideal for use on different types of substrates, the Rotofix system uses a unique helical spiral fixing which allows the insulation boards to be mechanically fixed, quickly and reliably, and then easily adjusted so that a seamless façade can be created ready for rendering.

"Once the system is installed it creates a very solid and reliable surface," added Pat Hynds, Managing Director of Grattan & Hynds, an authorised Sto applicator who installed the Sto products. "The system had to cope with some demanding wind loads, and it's difficult to imagine any alternative system that would have worked so well on such a large project as this, and still create the required degree of finish."

The new school now includes state-of-the-art teaching facilities for up to 1,400 pupils, including both indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a swimming pool.

(CM/MH)