Client: Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan hospital
Type of works: supply of fibre cement Natura as a decorative rainscreen facade, along with Duripanel as an outer sheathing cement board.

The new £54m Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan hospital in Ebbw Vale has benefited from a complete inside-out cladding solution from Marley.

This included the use of fibre cement Natura as a decorative rainscreen facade, along with Duripanel as an outer sheathing cement board.

Natura in Opal and White was used to clad the exterior of the building, creating a rear ventilated cavity between it and the Duripanel, achieving an overall wall U-value of 0.26Wm²k.

Natura fibre cement panels are designed for external cladding applications and provide a tough and practical rainscreen solution, suitable for use on a variety of applications. The surface finish allows the fibre cement substrate to show through, creating a unique and attractive appearance.

Opal coloured Natura was specified for the main building because it complemented other materials used on the facade, including green patinated copper and timber. Natura in White was used around the entrance area to match the light coloured insulated render. The panels were fixed using an aluminium frame system.

Natura is available in a wide choice of colours and the practical qualities of the material include fire classifications A2-s1-d0 non combustible and EN 13501-1, durability, strength and an installed life expectancy of at least 50 years.

Internal walls of the building were finished using plaster board with rigid insulation fitted behind, and Marley Duripanel acting as the outer sheathing board.

Duripanel is a smooth, highly durable, rot-resistant structural cement-bonded particle board. It can be used in load-bearing applications and provides sound insulating as well as impact and moisture resistance.

“Natura and Duripanel created an effective and robust facade solution for the new hospital,” said Norman Robson-Smith, architect at Nightingale Associates. “As well as being an integral part of helping us meet our environmental commitments, we particularly liked how the colour and appearance of Natura complemented the other materials used on this project.”

Marley fibre cement cladding can achieve an A+ rating as defined in the BRE Green Guide to Specification based on generic rating for autoclaved fibre cement single sheet - (Element Ref: 80623042, 806230422, 806230447, 806230450).

The Natura panels were fitted by Bristol-based Almass Cladding Systems and the Duripanel was installed by Atkin Trade Specialists, based in Cardiff.