PPG coatings score top marks at newly built education facility
The Client: Stowmarket High School
The Architects: Jestico and Whiles
The Painting Contractor: Total Decorating Solutions
Building Contractor: Wates Construction
Location: Stowmarket, Suffolk
The Project
Stowmarket High School, a new purpose built education facility to replace its former 1950’s building, was built under the Department of Education’s Priority Schools’ Building Programme. The project involved a 17 million-pound investment and now accommodates up to 1,125 students who can learn and thrive in a state of the art learning environment.
The team at Total Decorating Solutions (TDS), based in Newmarket, Suffolk were tasked with bringing the project to life through coatings and ensuring that the surfaces within the school were protected. Understanding that the school was subject to high usage and frequent traffic, the team knew they needed coatings that would stand the test of time. With this in mind, they turned to PPG’s JOHNSTONE’S® Trade brand.
Modern Learning Environment
To create an environment that was conducive for learning for all students at Stowmarket High School, architect firm Jestico and Whiles created a modern ‘super block’ design which allows natural light into the 42 classroom spaces. The project included dining and kitchen facilities, a main hall, drama studio, activity hall and Special Educational Needs facilities with the three-storey atrium at the centre of the school being the show piece in this design. In an environment that included high traffic and circulation areas, when it came to specifying paint, it was important for Jestico and Whiles to provide a durable coatings solution that can be easily maintained.
A Durable Solution
Over 500 litres of PPG’s Johnstone’s Trade Acrylic Durable Matt and Eggshell were used through-out the schools different learning and circulation areas including the classrooms, canteen area, drama studio and atrium. Johnstone’s Trade Acrylic Durable Matt and Eggshell both achieve a class 1 scrub rating, and provide a tough and durable top coat that is washable, meaning the coatings can be easily maintained, extending the maintenance cycle.
The products were also chosen because of their ease of application. The team at TDS were under a tight timeframe to complete the project in under 32 weeks, and also faced additional challenges posed by Covid-19. However, with Johnstone’s Trade professional product solutions the team were able to take advantage of spray application, ensuring both durability and an aesthetically pleasing finish in a quick timeframe. The team also made sure to adhere to safety regulation and national Covid restrictions.
The Results
The newly built school will serve its community for years to come and communicates a message of a calming environment and modern learning. PPG’s Johnstone’s Trade are proud to have played a key part in bringing this project to life.