KNAUF AQUAPANEL IN THE SWIM AT KENT LEISURE CENTRES
Water and moisture-resistance were two prime considerations when specifying Knauf Drywall’s Aquapanel as the poolside wall material for the re-development of the swimming pools at the Crook Log and Erith leisure centres.
The projects, recently completed by main contractor MJ Gleesons and drylining specialist, MDG Drywall, were undertaken as part of a total refurbishment of the leisure complexes. The lottery-funded scheme is aimed at providing the local vicinity with modern wet and dry facilities to suit the leisure requirements of the growing community.
Aquapanel was used on the 10m high walls that surround the competition and teaching pools at Crook Log and on the walls round the two pools at Erith. In total, 750m² of Knauf Aquapanel was installed for the poolside walls at both sites by MDG Drywall.
Matthew Voss, Commercial Director at MDG Drywall explains: “Knauf Drywall’s team was involved from the early design stage. We needed a metal stud wall to meet specific ‘u’ values and ‘vapour transmittable requirements’ as the walls are continuously exposed to humid and moist conditions.
“We also required a tough product that could be used as a tile backer. Knauf’s team recommended Aquapanel as it far exceeded all design stipulations and provided a robust solution that ensures the walls are totally protected from the constant ‘wet’ environment.”
Glass fibre reinforced cement Aquapanel was developed by Knauf Drywall as a high-performance tile backing, ideal for use in wet and humid areas.
The partition system has been optimised for tiling with studs at 600mm centres, and is able to support up to 50kg/m² of tiles on a ready keyed surface. The system includes an innovative glue-jointing technique for optimum strength and waterproofing.
Aquapanel is ideal for use in commercial applications where there are significant tiled areas such as swimming pool surrounds and sports changing facilities. Its suitability as a tile backer maximises the aesthetic potential of tile design within these environments. At Crook Log and Erith, Aquapanel has provided a solid background to support the low tolerance 2.5cm² mosaic tiles featured along the poolside.
Aquapanel is 12.5mm thick and comes in 900mm wide panels, 2,400mm in length, which are laid horizontally. Aquapanel retains its strength in damp and humid conditions and can be fully immersed in water with no loss of performance.
Its composition and reinforced construction guard against attack by both rot and vermin.
More details on Knauf Aquapanel can be found in a comprehensive new brochure from Knauf Drywall. For your free copy, call 08700 613 700 or download a pdf from this site.