Designed by Stirling Prize Winner David Chipperfield Architects, the insulation was selected as it is impervious to water and water vapour and offers a high compressive strength - meaning it was the only material that could insulate and help to protect the structure from the harsh weather conditions.
The stunning new gallery is now the largest exhibition space in the South East and comprises six identical and interlocking, north facing rectangular blocks. Each block is laid out over two floors with mono-pitched roofs providing light into the gallery space. Located on the prominent Margate seafront, the building is constructed with a concrete frame and acid etched glass skin.
Crucial to the success of the project, was the need for the building's envelope to withstand the corrosive elements of the sea, high humidity levels and strong winds. As such, Foamglas cellular glass insulation was specified for the external envelope as well as the mono-pitched roofs.
Foamglas is a high performance insulation material. It comprises of hermetically sealed glass cells, which are totally resistant to the effects of liquid moisture and gases - i.e. water vapour. It is ideal for use on the exterior envelope of a building as well as the supporting structure. This is due to its high compressive strength, ability not to deflect under compressive loads and its stability.
"The high performance capabilities of Foamglas cellular glass insulation made it an ideal solution for the construction of the new Turner Gallery," explained Paul Jones, Managing Director of Pittsburgh Corning. "Situated directly on the Margate seafront the building is extremely vulnerable to the elements and Foamglas could not only insulate the building with the required level of U-Values but could also protect the structure for the lifetime of the building."
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
