Reading’s Hexagon Theatre is being transformed by a scheme that will add to its facilities and give the 70’s theatre a dramatic, contemporary look. Behind the scenes, Acoustic Insulation Manufacturing’s (AIM) cavity barriers will perform a key role by preventing the passage of heat, flame and smoke within the stunning, new decorative zinc rainscreen in the event of a fire.
Ahead of the Hexagon’s 50th anniversary in 2027, Reading Borough Council has commissioned Feltham Construction to deliver the project designed by Haworth Tompkins. In conjunction with SIG Hard Metals, specialist insulation manufacturer AIM has supplied façade installer Kingsley Hard Metals with Wall Cavity Barriers and Open State Cavity Barriers.
Kingsley Hard Metals is fitting the distinctive zinc brise soleil skin, which has been fabricated by partners Belfry Façade Systems. AIM’s cavity barriers are being fixed between the façade and the venue’s timber frame.
Designed for use within rainscreens, AIM’s Open State Cavity Barriers (OSCBs) allow the ventilation necessary within the building envelope. In the event of fire, heat activates the barriers’ intumescent strip, which expands quickly to close the cavity. Tested to TGD 19 and the general principles of BS EN 1363-1, the OSCBs offer a fire rating of up to 120 minutes insulation and integrity.
The AIM Wall Cavity Barrier (Red Edition) also works to prevent the passage of heat, flame and smoke within the cavity providing up to 120-minute fire ratings to BS EN 1366-4. Used vertically and horizontally, they provide a fully closed cavity fire barrier along compartmentation lines in the outer leaf of the building.
Kevin Beck, Kingsley Hard Metals’ MD, says “Our VM Building Solutions UK VMZINC package will be a real showstopper, wrapping the building in a striking feature skin to give the venue a good-looking, sustainable finish worthy of its setting.”
“It’s great to work with Kingsley Hard Metals again to supply our cavity barrier products,” adds AIM’s Chris Dale. “Although our barriers may be ‘backstage’ behind the theatre’s dramatic façade they will fulfil an important safety role.”
Earlier this year, AIM also supplied barriers for Kingsley Hard Metals façade installations at Bracton House, High Holborn, London, and for Stoke City training ground in summer 2025.
When complete in 2027, the extension of the Hexagon Theatre will provide a new 200-seat studio auditorium, flexible rehearsal space, community studio with workshop space and back of house space, along with improved public realm. The redevelopment is a central feature of Reading’s wider Minster Quarter regeneration.
AIM designs, tests and manufactures high-quality fire, thermal and acoustic barriers producing bespoke insulation products to customer specification and a range of standard fire, thermal and acoustic insulation products. AIM’s Technical & Specification teams provide customers with expert support covering specification, manufacture and installation.