When it was decided the world-famous Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews would have a multi-million pound facelift, only an exceptional product would be up to the job. Designed by Edinburgh based architects Sedley Place, the £8million 2,300sq m extension was completed in January 2018. For a hotel recently voted Scotland’s best wedding venue, this project demanded the highest standards.
The new Kohler Waters Spa is the first of its kind outside the USA and features 13 treatment rooms, a 20m indoor swimming spa pool, hydrotherapy pool, cold plunge pool, steam room and rooftop garden with hot tub.
The Knauf AQUAPANEL® Indoor Ceiling System was the perfect solution for the leisure centre extension, an environment in which ceilings are exposed to large amounts of moisture, chlorine and salt. All components of the Knauf AQUAPANEL® Indoor Ceiling System are engineered and tested to withstand the most challenging wet conditions.
Another product was initially specified at the outset, however the main contractor, who was experienced in using Knauf products had recommended the use of the complete Knauf AQUAPANEL® Indoor Ceiling System which included the suspended Knauf C3 ceiling metal components and Knauf AQUAPANEL® SkyLite.
Knauf worked in partnership with interior systems’ specialist distributor Nevill Long to supply the materials required for the build, which were installed by subcontractor Clyde Valley Joiners (CVJ). Willie Main, Business Unit Manager for Nevill Long Glasgow said: “Nevill Long have been working closely with Knauf for many years now and we are delighted to have played a key role in such a high-profile project. Working together we were able to ensure deliveries were on time, flexibility given on build schedules and provided on-site guidance when required.”
John Cameron, the architect behind the project, said “We did not have an issue with the change in specification providing that the products had equivalent performance and this could be demonstrated. The local Knauf representative provided the necessary information to show equivalence.”
Knauf AQUAPANEL® SkyLite cement boards are lightweight 8mm cement boards which are ideal for interior ceilings in wet and humid areas. Made from water resistant and inorganic materials, the boards prevent mildew forming and spreading. The suspended ceiling structure features metal components coated to achieve a C3 class for corrosion resistance, providing protection against high humidity and chemicals.
Knauf AQUAPANEL® Cement Board Indoor was also used on the walls of the Kohler Waters Spa and, as with Knauf AQUAPANEL® SkyLite, it can be easily and accurately cut on site using a coarse bladed saw, or simply by scoring and snapping which allows simple and efficient installation.
Sedley Place Architects added: “We were happy with the performance of the Knauf products on the project and the level of service provided in response to any queries we had as the project progressed”.