Advanced ducting technology from Kingspan Insulation is providing pre-insulated air distribution with a touch of style at the University of Lincoln’s new £6 million student centre.
Air ducting at The Engine Shed, the 1500 capacity Students’ Union entertainment and live music venue on the Brayford Pool campus, was fabricated from 500 square metres of Kingspan KoolDuct rigid phenolic insulation panels.
The stunning building, designed by UL Architects, the University’s own architectural practice, is a renovated former engine shed containing office accommodation, a performance venue and nightclub space, bars and dining.
The design for the performance venue included black painted, open ceilings with exposed ductwork. Kingspan Insulation’s KoolDuct System provided a practical, effective ducting solution, which was capable of fulfilling the modern, young aesthetic for the building.
Kingspan KoolDuct rigid phenolic insulation panels are faced with a protective reinforced aluminium foil, designed to prevent vapour permeability but giving a neat finish, which is more aesthetically acceptable in open to view applications. The insulation is extremely compact and durable and, importantly for this project, is available pre-fabricated with a black exterior facing.
The System was installed by Ducted Air Systems of Lincoln. They hadn’t used Kingspan products before and took advantage of the Kingspan training course to equip their workers for the job. Director Neville Williams said: “It was the first time we had used KoolDuct and to be honest, we were quite sceptical about it. I thought it would be fragile and wanted to use the old metal ducting. But after using KoolDuct, I have to admit I’m converted. We were all surprised at how rigid it is and how easy it was to fabricate and install; and its appearance was very good. We were really pleased with how the job looked.”
The Engine Shed Student’s Union building is part of the £100 million development of the Brayford Campus, built on a formerly derelict site. The use of Kingspan Insulation on the development supports a design ethos which has resulted in the campus being nominated for a sustainability award from The Academy for Sustainable Communities (ASC).
The Engine Shed will play a major role in establishing The University of Lincoln Student’s Union as a top-class national venue and has already hosted performances by several top-name bands.