Saint Richard Reynolds Catholic College in Twickenham is using Encasement's 'Forma' and 'Vecta' decorative metal casings to conceal structural steelwork around a new courtyard walkway, as part of its recently opened £14 million teaching block.

Designed by DHP Building Design Consultants and built by main contractor, Graham Construction the project involved the refurbishment of the existing Edwardian structure, alongside the construction of The Elizabeth Building to create a modern learning environment for pupils. In addition to primary and secondary classrooms, the Elizabeth Building also includes a hall, library and sixth form centre.

An integral part of the new facilities was the creation of a covered walkway along two sides of the college's main 'quad' courtyard that also incorporates 14 structural support columns, which are concealed by Encasement's rectangular 'Forma' decorative metal column casings and matching ceiling soffits and fascias.


Each 650mm x 990mm weatherproof column casing stands 3.74metres high and is manufactured from 1.5mm thick aluminium, which incorporates a Rimex 'Black Pearl' finish that combines a highly polished surface with a pattern of small circular indentations, making the casings both durable and aesthetic.

In addition to the column casings, the walkway also includes almost 70 metres of aluminium fascias and soffits at ceiling level, which use the same Rimex Black Pearl finish to conceal building services and drainage pipework. All casings solutions were not only manufactured and supplied by Encasement, but were also installed by the company's specialist installation team.

Encasement's Managing Director, Martin Taylor, commented: "The Black Pearl finish was an excellent decision for this project as it helps provide interest by breaking up the large surface areas of the column casings. Also, the pattern helps provide some additional rigidity to the aluminium, making it even more durable and ideal for high traffic use. The same applies to the ceiling soffits and fascia, but the main advantage of using the same material is the it integrates with the column casings and provides a uniform finish to this excellent project."