Zoo tests Kingspan adaptability

Successful use of UPVC thatch tiles is a first for Kingspan at Chester Zoo - Europe's largest ever Fibre Thatch roof.

Successful use of UPVC thatch tiles is a first for Kingspan.

Kingspan Insulated Panels can now count nine Asian elephants among its satisfied customers, following a building project at Chester Zoo, which included the construction of Europe's largest ever Fibre Thatch roof.

The zoo has a new visitors' cafandeacute; and Elephants of the Asian Forest facility, and for its Cafe Tsavo, the zoo required a building in the style of an authentic African, thatched dwelling.

Africa Roofing's UK's UPVC Fibre Thatch tiles, which have a minimum life expectancy of 50 years, were chosen as a modern, durable alternative to traditional materials.

However, the tiles had never been used over such a large area.

In an industry first, the innovative KS1000 TS roof support system was chosen as a foundation for the roof, which at 1200m2, is the largest Fibre Thatched structure in Europe.

These fibre thatch tiles had never been used with the KS1000 TS system before, and Kingspan's assertion that its system can be used with most building applications was put to the test on this unique project.

To ensure its success, the Kingspan Technical Design Bureau worked alongside Africa Roofing UK's, identifying all technical challenges and dealing with them at an early stage, thus allowing Africa Roofing UK to complete the thatch in only four weeks.

Andrew Chandler of Africa Roofing UK said: "We found the Kingspan Insulated Panels system very easy and safe to work with".

"The application of the thatch at the verge and eave was a world first for us, developed in the UK for the Cafe Tsavo".

"We were delighted to work with Kingspan in contributing to an architectural landmark at the entrance to Britain's most popular charity zoo".

There is a growing trend towards the use of traditional appearance roof construction materials on low and medium rise buildings.

But the industry also requires faster construction solutions, energy efficiency and durability.

The Cafe Tsavo and Elephants of the Asian Forest development shows that the Kingspan roof support system is adaptable to different finishes - even an African themed roof.

The Kingspan KS 1000TS Slate and Tile Support System comprises a through fixed insulated roof panel, providing a weathertight, safe working platform from which to lay tiles, speeding the construction process and increasing both site safety and the durability of the roof.

By combining the latest factory pre-engineered construction technology with traditional materials, the Kingspan KS1000 TS system delivers a high performance, fire rated PIR insulation core, which meets required U-values, and airtightness ratings, exceeding the Building Regulations.

Perhaps however, the last word on the efficacy of the system should go to Sheba, Maya, Thi, Jangoli, Sithami, Upali, Birma, Sundara and Tunga, the occupants of the Elephant House".

"They're thrilled with their new home" said Steve O'Brien, Head of Estates of Chester Zoo, "and so are we.".

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