Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre 

Apprentice Training Centre

Rodeca’s 40mm PC 2540-4 wall panel provided the rainscreen and internal translucent lining on a new apprentice training centre for young engineers at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at The University of Sheffield. The centre focuses on high-level practical and academic apprentice training in sectors such as aerospace engineering.

Designed by Bond Bryan Architects to a brief that included a BREEAM “Very good” rating, the external skin is Rodeca’s Bicolour Opal/Crystal polycarbonate panels with a 20-year UV protection.

The internal skin behind the main façade has Opalised Yellow/Crystal Bicolour panels as a double-skin translucent wall. The three elevations of lightweight Rodeca panels contrast

with black saw-tooth north-lit workshops at the rear of the main building that are reminiscent of buildings from the original industrial revolution.

The four-storey teaching block, affectionately known as “The iceberg” is illuminated during the evening by a cavity mounted LED lighting system.

Client: Sheffield University

Architect: Bond Bryan

Product: External façade: PC 2540-4 Crystal/opal Bicolour & Internal finish: PC 2540-4 Crystal/Yellow Bicolour

Size: 1,800m2