The modern, double skin facade extension provides additional 657m², and incorporates a new reception entrance off Alexandra Road, workshops, teaching spaces as well as design studios. The original circular reading room has been restored and made available as a public venue.

As the main extension to the Grade II listed building, the twin wall facade runs the full 38m of the Alexandra Road elevation. Designed by D2e, a multi-disciplinary engineering and management consultancy, the facade comprises AluK SL60 curtain wall system forming the internal wall, and structurally bonded glazed toughened laminated glass skin forming the outer wall, with an interstitial space between them.

The gap between the internal and external wall allows to control the flow of air and temperature within the building interior, using the air exhaust louver on top and the air inlet louver at the bottom to create a ‘chimney’. In winter, solar gain can be collected in the buffer zone, brought into the building and offset the heating costs, while in summer, when overheating can be an issue, windows can be closed and heat rejected using mechanical ventilation.

Banks of bespoke, top hung, open-in AluK 58BW window system are located on the internal wall open and close automatically depending on weather conditions, regulated by sensors located on the face of AluK’s SL60 curtain walling system. Manual operation is also possible to introduce further air. With a visual sightline of 60mm and a mullion depth of 150mm, the SL60 ensures that stringent aesthetic parameters set out by the architect were adhered to. The horizontal Vierendeel members, also designed to incorporate a 60mm face, ensured that the requirement of visual transparency of the main facades was attained. With demanding structural requirements, the 150mm deep mullion was adequate to conclude and surpass the project specification.

Internally, the SL60 system seemingly spans 12m unsupported between structural columns. The support comes from a bespoke design of the aluminium Vierendeel Truss walkways, fixed at floor positions and supported by hanging stainless steel rods that are structurally retained in tension. These in turn act as a carrier for the glass Brise Soleil blades which run the full width of the building following the spectrum of the rainbow.

The glass wall is structurally supported back to a series of internal 525mm deep, 19mm thick toughened low iron glass blades. The 12m span of the blades was achieved with one joint to minimise the amount of stainless steel bracket components. The glass wall is structurally supported back to a series of internal 525mm deep, 19mm thick toughened low iron glass blades. The 12m span of the blades was achieved with one joint to minimise the amount of stainless steel bracket components.

PROJECT: Withybush Retail Park

AluK (GB) doors and curtain walling systems have been supplied for the refurbishment of an existing retail unit for Debenhams at the Withybush Retail Park in Haverfordwest, Wales. Specified by Holder Mathias, in collaboration with Kier Group, AluK’s aluminium building systems were installed for the new shop front and display windows.

The Debenhams store was the last phase of a complete refurbishment of the 7 units at the site which has transformed what was a tired scheme into a successful, contemporary retail destination,” explains Mike Swain, Technical Director at Holder Mathias. “The works for the Debenhams store started in January 2013, with the shell unit being handed over to the tenant in June 2013. The store has now opened following the tenant’s fit out.”

Combining design flexibility with functionality, the SL52 Curtain Walling System installed (see technical specifications opposite) enables specifiers to create impressive continual expanses of glass that not only enhance the aesthetics of a building but also provide the functionality and performance required to meet and exceed current standards.

Glazed frontage

Also specified was the GT55 NI Door System, which is perfect for heavy traffic areas where no insulation is required. This system provides the ultimate in security, certified to LPS 1175:SR2 and by ‘Secured by Design’; it is one of the most secure swing door systems available on the market.

“AluK met all our requirements in terms of design, performance and service. The design concept was to produce a clean, uncluttered, double height glazed frontage. AluK was able to provide a curtain walling solution with flush silicone jointed glass to meet the project design criteria,” adds Mike Swain.

Combining design flexibility with functionality, the SL52 Curtain Walling System installed enables specifiers to create impressive continual expanses of glass that enhance the aesthetics.

SL52 Curtain Walling System

Designed to offer a flexible, high performance solution, the SL52 Curtain Walling System is a capped solution that enables specifiers to create impressive facades that not only enhance the aesthetics of a building but also provide the functionality and performance required to meet and exceed current standards.

Design features

• 52mm capped high rise curtain walling system
• Glass loads of up to 400kg
• Can be faceted, curved or angled
• Various drainage methods including mullion and zonal
• Wide range of face caps to meet your design requirements
• Fully integrated vent options including POV, TBT, Top Hung, Side Hung, Fixed Light
• Large range of box sizes to optimise small to large spans of glazing
• CWCT Certified

Options

• Standard, Steel-look and Alu-steel framing options available
• Glazing and infill range from 6mm - 50mm
• Fully integrates with all AluK window and door ranges
• Available in single or dual colour option, polyester powder coating and anodised finishes

Configurations

• Flexible design allows SL52 to be tailored to suit your project needs
• Multiple construction options including traditional shearblock T-connectors, front loaded transoms with sprung T-connectors and special profiles that achieve semi-unitised off-site construction
• Concealed mullion drainage options and visible zonal drainage option
• Varying mullion depths allowing a wide range of achievable Ixx values
• Wide range of mullion depths ensures maximum structural optimisation

Technical specifications

The SL52 system is thermally broken and has been designed to offer flexibility in specification and installation. A complete range of configurations and options are available to meet the needs of your project’s aesthetics and performance. These include a wide selection of cap designs and the incorporation of fixed lights, opening vents and an extensive range of doors. The system is available in any RAL colour and can be dual colour (inside and out) if required. Anodised finishes are also available with marine grade guarantees on request.

Download the full, free AluK 2015 Specification Guide plus technical bulletins and colour guides at www.aluk.co.uk/literature.