Keyworth School in Nottingham recently underwent a major transformation, with a complete recladding project delivered by Zeno Facades. As well as the removal of existing concrete panels, the refurbishment involved the installation of over 1,600m² of Valcan’s Ceramapanel A2 Fibre Cement cladding, in a mix of colours and textures, including Natural Contour Lines Raw, Hearth Brick, and Natural Textures Touch in Cinnamon, specified by ECD Architects.

Gordian Building Solutions custom-fabricated the panels to incorporate an intricate design, deliberately centring the grooves on each piece to deliver the desired visual effect before installation.

The project presented several challenges, including carrying out remediation works during term time while the school remained fully operational. The teams worked in close collaboration to ensure the safety of all building users.

Greg Beaver, Operations Director for Zeno Facades, shared his experience, “The recladding of Keyworth School offered more than a technical opportunity - it became a chance to redefine the visual and environmental identity of a much-loved community building. Working with the Equals Trust, ECD Architects, and AMR our goal from the outset was to deliver a façade solution that respected the school’s character while addressing long-term performance, safety, and sustainability needs.

On why Ceramapanel was chosen, he explained, “Valcan Ceramapanel emerged as the ideal material choice. Its durability, fire performance, and clean, modern aesthetic aligned with the Trust’s priorities for resilience and future-ready construction. But beyond compliance and performance metrics, Ceramapanel enabled us to completely refresh the school’s appearance -bringing warmth, texture, and a contemporary edge to a building that serves as a daily backdrop to young learners’ lives.”

He continued, “Recladding a school in full operation requires coordination, sensitivity, and a commitment to minimal disruption. The project team worked meticulously to phase installation around school hours, ensuring safety and continuity for staff and pupils. It became a demonstration of how well-planned construction can integrate seamlessly with an active educational environment.”

“As the façade took shape, it became clear how transformative a thoughtfully designed skin can be. The renewed exterior offers improved thermal performance, extends the lifespan of the building envelope, and reduces ongoing maintenance demands - delivering both economic and environmental benefits for the Trust. Just as importantly, it has given Keyworth School a refreshed sense of identity: confident, contemporary, and built to last.”

Catherine Cox, Trust Executive Officer for Equals Trust, praised the work and its impact, “From start to finish, we have never experienced such a professional team, so absolutely focussed on all aspects of delivery, from material quality, to professionalism, unmatched hard work

and consideration for a working school. Mario (Site Manager for Zeno Facades) has admirably led a professional team who have been completely dedicated to the quality outcome we have today. The building is warm and revitalised, ready for another 50 years. Our heating has never been so effective, and the school has never looked so good. The comments in the village reflect the surprise that the building could look that good, but that is without the understanding of the hard work and layers of work that have gone into it.

Your team has worked round children’s playtimes, arrival and leaving times, and even opening times – scheduling work to ensure that safety is not compromised and have worked long days to bring an enhanced project in on time. They have been kind, personable, friendly and caring.”

She added, “The quality of work is tremendous – when I walk into or out of school I am struck by the consistency of the materials and the precision in which the cladding has been attached. As I look across the school from our office, I can see the same attention to detail has been afforded across the whole site, whether it is visible a ground level or only seen from height. The quality of workmanship has also been consistent, whether it be the effort put into the internal layers or to the external finish. Having witnessed the team working, I know how much pride has been taken with our school to make it warmer, safer and sustainable.”

Toby Green, Business Development Manager at Valcan commented, “It has been such a great project for Valcan to be involved in from the start and a pleasure it was to work with Zeno Facades, ECD Architects to supply our fibre cement Ceramapanel panels to improve not just the aesthetics of the façade, but also to make the building perform better and more economically. It has also been great to work on such a well-coordinated project, delivered on time and in a high-quality finish.”

To summarise, Greg concluded, “This project stands as an example of how recladding - when approached with care, technical understanding, and material intelligence - can elevate an entire educational setting. For the Equals Trust, it represents a strategic investment in quality. For the school community, it offers a renewed and uplifting environment. And for us, it’s a project that demonstrates the impact great façades can have - not only on buildings, but on the people who use them every day.”