Vivalda discusses how a creative cladding system transformed a Northern Irish primary school, using engraved volcanic rock panels to create a striking facade that celebrates diversity, local history, and hope.

Creative cladding has been instrumental in the aesthetic of a unique school project, that reflects its history, while pointing to a vibrant future. Using Rockpanel volcanic rock cladding, Mill Strand Integrated Primary School in Portrush, Northern Ireland, has created a stunning effect to create a unique and highly personal statement of optimism and inclusion.

Designed for their impact resistance, non-flammable properties and cleanability, this facade product is often specifiers’ first choice for schools, colleges and other public sector projects. In the case of Mill Strand, the material’s non-linear structure made it ideal as a blank canvas on which to convey the rich history of the school, as well as its role as a beacon of hope and inspiration for pupils, teachers and parents alike. First opened in 1987, the school enjoys a mix of pupils from different religions, cultures and backgrounds. For the new building (which opened in late 2024), it was important to create a shared vision for all involved – and this unusual facade now acts as a keynote element of the new development.

Faced with the design and construction of a new school, the leadership team was keen to create a legacy for the old school, while embracing the idea of a fresh chapter. As part of that process, Belfast-based ‘graphic recorder and visual facilitator’ Stéphanie Heckman, who has worked with UNESCO, Friends of the Earth and the British Red Cross, was asked to create several feature facades for the building.

Recently retired head of Mill Strand, Philip Reid, said: “Every school is unique, and more than a building, it is a community. In leaving the old school behind, it was important that the ethos, values and history of the school were preserved and articulated. This rich tapestry needed to be transformed into concise and impactful facades, and literally ‘set in stone,’ using images captured through the life of the school, local landmarks and key quotations, including Mill Strand’s four core values.”

The vision to create

Stéphanie Heckman commented: “I’d never worked on something of this scale before, or on something with such lasting impact and which clearly meant so much to the client. The murals tell the story of the school’s founding, the special connection teachers and pupils felt with Mill Strand, the beach where the school was originally sited and named after, and the core values that drive the staff – in short, the heart and soul of the school.”

Born out of the Good Friday Agreement, Integrated Schools in Northern Ireland support an ethos of diversity, respect and understanding across cultures and religions and between those of different socio-economic backgrounds and abilities.

Teamwork – turning the vision into reality

Founded in 1965, Belfast-based Isherwood + Ellis were architects for the project, with Lowry Building and Civil Engineering of County Tyrone, appointed main contractor. Quantity surveyor Adam Lowry said: “I spoke to Rockpanel’s Ann Bone, who was very informative about the material and fixing methods available, and we talked through options, depending on the application. We engaged Vivalda, who provided complete drawing mark-ups and board rationalisation to minimise wastage. They also supplied panel samples of the CNC laser engraved mural design for client approval.”

Vivalda are able to shape, drill, cut and finish panels to almost any specification using leading edge technology, and hand-held tooling. Vivalda Ireland director, Darren Bowden: “This was certainly one of the most challenging, and rewarding projects we have been involved with for many years. The job required the skills of the whole Vivalda Group, including technicians in Ireland, Birmingham and Hull, to fabricate the complex facades.”

One of the biggest challenges lay in streamlining Stéphanie Heckman’s designs into artwork that could be replicated onto the façades. Having consulted with her, the architect and Vivalda recommended engraving the illustrations onto the board, using 3 mm straight cutters to achieve as much detail as possible.

Bowden said: “The actual fabrication stage of this project deserves a mention, given the fact that there were approximately 30 panels involved (some flat, some curved) – each requiring around eight hours to etch. The work demonstrated the importance of technical skill and teamwork.”

GC Joinery installed the facades at the school. Managing director Gordon Cairns explained: “We found the process of installation very satisfying. Detailed drawings were supplied, along with a labelling system which simplified the process. The high quality pre-bored panels fitted accurately into place, with one or two minor adjustments being easily carried out on site with simple tools. I know that everyone is very pleased and proud of the finished work.”

A special project

Rockpanel specification manager Ann Bone commented: “What a special project to be part of, and one where many of the features that make Rockpanel unique, were able to shine. The lightweight boards are non-combustible, highly resilient to weather, and can be routed, perforated and curved to realise even the most ambitious creative concepts and specifications. Four RAL-matched colours were used at Mill Strand. Working as a team, Stéphanie, the architect, main contractor, installer, and ourselves were able to create something the school and the wider community can be proud of, as part of their story.”

Stéphanie Heckman said: “The murals are the face of the new school, the first thing anyone sees when they come to visit, to work or to learn, each day. They trusted me with the design from start to finish, and together we crafted a visual narrative that will last decades.”

Vivalda’s Darren Bowden concludes: “This project really shows how creativity and teamwork can create stunning results. More architects and developers are approaching us to help them realise often complex facade designs – and this is a trend that we see growing as they realise the true potential of rainscreen facades.”