Templemore Baths
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Date Completed
2023
Sector
Leisure
Main Contractor
Heron Brothers
Project Overview
Project Context
Templemore Baths is a heritage-led refurbishment and extension project located on Templemore Avenue in Belfast. The scheme combines the restoration of one of Europe’s last remaining Victorian baths with a new-build leisure facility, effectively doubling the footprint while retaining the character of the original building.
Thornton was appointed to deliver both the roofing and façade packages to the new extension. The design intent was to introduce a contemporary copper-toned façade and a robust roofing solution suited to a high-humidity leisure environment, while ensuring the new structure sat comfortably alongside the historic red brick building.
Scope of Works
Thornton delivered an envelope package comprising both roofing and rainscreen façade systems, along with all associated interfaces and perimeter details.
The roofing system was constructed using Kingspan Topdek.
The façade was formed using a Kingspan hook-on cassette rainscreen system in a PPC aluminium copper-effect finish. This was supported on an aluminium bracket and rail subframe fixed back to both blockwork and carrier panels, to create a drained and ventilated cavity.
Cap flashings to the perimeter of the roof were formed in PPC aluminium to match the façade. Window interfaces were completed using bespoke, site-measured aluminium picture-frame flashings to maintain alignment and tolerance across all elevations.
Supply Partners
Technical Delivery
Key Challenges & Solutions
As the existing structure was opened up, variations in levels and construction tolerances became apparent. The façade design was adapted to suit actual site conditions, with the rainscreen allowing the subframe to accommodate both blockwork and SFS grounds without affecting performance or aesthetics.
The interface between the façade and pre-installed windows required particular coordination. With both elements pre-ordered, there was little tolerance available. This was resolved through bespoke, site-measured picture-frame flashings, allowing dimensional variations to be absorbed while maintaining consistent external dims.
The visual quality of the façade was critical. The copper-effect cassette system required precise alignment to avoid variation in panel joints and setting-out. A strict grid was established using laser datum lines, with all brackets and rails checked prior to installation to ensure accuracy across the elevations.
On the roof, the high-humidity internal environment required careful consideration of condensation risk. The Kingspan Topdek system, including AquaSafe liners, was selected to manage moisture migration and maintain long-term performance. Coordination between roof and façade interfaces ensured continuity of airtightness and weathering at all junctions.
Close coordination between design, site teams, and the wider project team ensured that both the heritage constraints and technical requirements were managed without disruption to programme.
Performance Outcomes
The completed project provides a fully integrated roofing and façade solution suited to a high-humidity leisure environment, while respecting the character of the original building.
The Kingspan Topdek roofing system delivers reliable waterproofing and condensation control, supporting the operational requirements of the pool and internal spaces. The rainscreen façade achieves the required thermal and fire performance, with a fully non-combustible insulation build-up and verified U-value calculations.
The copper-effect façade integrates cleanly with the surrounding architecture, providing a consistent finish across all elevations. Bespoke detailing at windows and roof interfaces ensures continuity of performance and alignment despite underlying structural variation.
The works were delivered in line with programme and quality expectations, contributing to the successful completion of a significant heritage and regeneration project in Belfast.
How the project came to life
