We’ve trawled the length and breadth of the UK for this month’s applications, from an academy in deepest Kent to a former crofter’s cottage in the Hebrides
A) Because it's open and accessible
When architect Wilco Stekkinger of Holder Mathias was asked to create an open and accessible building for the University of Glamorgan in Wales, he was able to do so quite literally with the installation of an impressive 22m-high glass facade.
The glazing on the the so-called Atrium building forms a walkway between the original teaching building and a new space that is home to a theatre, cinema, television studios, music practice rooms and sound recording studios. High visibility Pilkington Optiwhite and low emissivity Pilkington Optitherm SN were specified within the structural frameless glazing system, a combination which results in a U-value of just 1.4 W/m2K, while improving light transmission and clarity.
B) Because it improves learning
With a brief to deliver a modern and exciting learning environment that also improves exam results, architect BDP Partnership had its work cut out designing the Marlowe Academy in Ramsgate, Kent.
To improve the impression of space and light to create rooms suitable for open learning the practice opted to specify more than 1,100m2 of Velfac’s 200 System composite glazing, used in punched and ribbon windows and in glazed screens.
The internal pine framing increases the feeling of warmth, while the aluminium exterior sash improves durability. The results went down so well the building won the 2007 RIBA Sorrell Foundation Schools Award for excellence in school architecture.
C) Because it can withstand constant use
After 15 years of use, the manual revolving doors at St Helens, Aviva’s head office in the City of London, needed updating. Tormax was contracted to design and install two replacement doors, this time automatic versions.
Providing access for the 2,000 people who enter the building every weekday, the 3.4m diameter doors are driven by Tormax 5251 operators, which the manufacturer says ensure smooth functionality even in near-continuous use.
The high-torque, microprocessor-controlled door operators can be activated in a number of modes, either starting rotation when slight pressure is applied to a door leaf, or when the door activators are triggered. For rapid evacuation a break-out facility is included and the doors incorporate an external night shield for after-hours security.
D) Because it can hold its own in bad weather
Located on the remote Hebridean Isle of Harris, the Blacksheep House is created from the ruins of a traditional ‘black house’ – a crofter’s cottage – and designed to withstand the harsh climate.
A key feature is a 9m semi-circular window in the living room at one end of the property, which provides views from northwest to southeast, and incorporates NorDan’s argon-filled fixed lights.
The exposed location, where changeable force 10 winds are common, meant high-performance windows were vital and NorDan’s windows are developed to deal with the harsh Scandinavian climate while delivering a low U-value of just 1.4W/m2K.
‘The aim of Blacksheep House was to be as close to zero carbon as was possible,’ says architect Stuart Bagshaw. ‘The thick walls and low U-value windows give high levels of energy efficiency.’
NorDan provided all windows and external doors for the property, which was voted Home of the Year 2008 by viewers of the Channel 4 programme Grand Designs Live.
E) Because it's discreet
Easy access and discreet operation were the main considerations when specifying automated entrance doors for the £35m redevelopment of Birmingham’s historic town hall.
Headed by Birmingham City Council’s urban design department, the project had to meet the demanding requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), while preserving the building’s Greek-inspired grade I-listed architectural style and satisfying the strict requirements of English Heritage.
Working with Tuscan Hardware, Geze UK specified its TSA 160 UFO electro-hydraulic underfloor operator with toughened glass fitted into the structural glass arches.
The system attaches to the glass screen of the two main entrance doors without compromising the original arched design and ensures DDA compliance in accordance with BS83000.
Source
Construction Manager
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