External wall insulation specialist, Sto, has been selected to provide a suite of products for a new 165,000m² hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Scheduled for completion in 2024, the New Children’s Hospital will comprise more than 6,000 rooms spread across seven storeys.
Main contractor, BAM, which was responsible for designing, engineering and managing the façade packages, chose Sto products to meet performance requirements set by BDP, a multi-disciplinary practice of architects.
To maximise thermal efficiency and fire protection, the StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system is being used. The project will also feature the StoSilco silicone resin render and a specialist Sto façade paint to create a colourful and highly durable exterior that won’t fade.
With work still being completed on site, the Sto products are being applied by Dublin-based SF Plastering. Featuring non-combustible mineral fibre boards, the StoTherm Mineral system has been installed onto a light steel frame using Sto-Rotofix Plus mechanical fixings. Uniquely, these enable the insulation boards to be adjusted after installation to accommodate surface irregularities, ensuring a smooth surface prior to rendering.
To create multiple colours across the exterior, the Sto render was selected in shades of mauve, yellow, orange, green and aqua. Once applied, this will provide a high level of water repellence and water vapour permeability, making the façade resistant to the build-up of dirt and reducing the growth of algae and fungus. StoSilco X Black façade paint was applied to the darker colours to ensure these won’t fade over time.
Howard McDonagh at BAM Building Ltd, said: “We recommended Sto as its product range offered the design freedom and technical qualities needed for the New Children’s Hospital. Externally, the building had to create a strong visual impact while ensuring a robust, thermally efficient solution.
“Sto’s extensive StoColor system enabled a wide variety of coloured samples to be viewed for the stippled render before making the final choice.”
Bobby Conroy, Architect Director at BDP in Dublin added: “The StoTherm Mineral system has a very thick, 250mm insulation layer which combined with the silicone render, will achieve a high thermal performance and long-term durability.
“Once applied, the Sto render will provide a high level of water repellence and water vapour permeability, making the façade resistant to the build-up of dirt and reducing the growth of algae and fungus.”
The New Children’s Hospital is being brought forward by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and will combine services currently provided at three children’s hospitals in Dublin. When complete, it will offer a world-class facility for Ireland’s sickest children and young people, and be the country’s primary centre for paediatric education, training, and research.
The hospital’s design evolved following extensive dialogue with stakeholders, including staff, families, young people and children who are former or current users of the service.