"curtain"

Project DescriptionBioMed Realty’s development comprises 94,000 sq.ft. of new office accommodation over three storeys located in the heart of Cambridge’s Granta Park Estate. Rated BREEAM “Very Good”.The building features a dramatic top-lit central atrium space arranged at the heart of the floorplates. It affords the client, a leading international biotechnology company, to operate in exemplar facilities in a flexible environment to meet current needs, planned growth and evolving working patterns, including future proofing for laboratory uses. Aukett Swanke’s design embodies quality, simplicity and elegance, which enabled rapid construction to meet the proposed occupation date.Specific Project ChallengesThe façade design needed to be optimised so that the building could capture heat in the winter, minimise heat gain in the summer and maximise the use of natural daylight.The south-facing elevation, therefore, required a dynamic screen, acting as a brise soleil, maximising daylight opportunities and simultaneously avoiding excessive solar heat gain in the building interior.Solutions OfferedAsh & Lacy provided a bespoke two-step facade solution, using 3mm natural silver anodised aluminium to meet both the aesthetic and practical requirements at BioMed Realty.South elevation panels were rectangular perforated and mounted on a frame in front of the glazed curtain wall to form the dynamic screen.North, East and West elevation panels consisted of matching solid castellated panels with an embossed pattern matching the dynamic screen panels.

Manchester's Milliners Wharf development is a part of the "Hat Box" regeneration of New Islington. This high-end residential development was designed to ensure residents feel safe in their home by specifying products with high security features. As such, our aluminium door was chosen for the ground floor apartments and top floor duplex apartments, which incorporates an invisible door closer as well as concealed locking groover for a tight and secure mechanisam. These features, along with the single-leaf open in and open-out hinged doors that meet PAS24 certification for burglar resistance, resulted in the Secured by Design certification.Along this door system, aluminium sliding doors were used for the balconies and was specified for their durability alongside aluminium windows. This further assisted in the Secured by Design certification. There are several optional additions to the window system which provides the ability to customise for each project. In this case, the Hat Box development benefits from tilt before turn windows made possible with the systems durability and strength. The hinge mechanism can support glazing up to 130kg. As well as a safety element, it was important to ensure that the building's occupants would be living in a healthy environment. In building's where there is a difference of U values between the walls, windows and doors, there is a risk of high humidity which could potentially cause issues with condensation and mold. The issue was overcome at Milliners Wharf through the thermal efficiency offered by our aluminium curtain walling. Less energy is lost between the inside and the outside of the facade. This consistancy in temperature and improvement of the air quality in the room means that the room needs much less energy to heat and cool it.

Located in the commercial heart of Belfast, Donegall Place, formerly a bank building, has been part of the city landscape for over 50 years. The 5-storey building expands over 82000 square ft and is comprised of both office and retail space, part of which has been the home to Boots since the 70s.Project Year: 2021Architect: GM Design AssociatesProduct: ASSA ABLOY RD100-3 Wing Revolving doorProject Background: In 2017, the Architect obtained planning approval to extend and refurbish the building and upgrade lobby areas, shop fronts and facades including the main entrance. Looking to install an EN16005 compliant manual activated revolving door with integrated air curtain, the main contractor, Graham Construction, got in touch FAAC Entrance Solutions to submit their proposal for this project.Solution: FAAC presented the RD100 Revolving Door as the best product for this entrance, not only for representing a more cost-effective solution, but also by installing a power assisted automatic door rather than a manual one, made for a safer and more user-friendly entrance, thus providing better value overall. With built in LED lighting and finished in Matt Graphite Grey, the new door complete with COBA Plan.a, the most durable entrance matting, now forms part of the modern and welcoming new entrance of 35DP. For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.All Pictures by Donal McCann Photography

Castlebrae Community Campus officially opened its doors in Spring 2022. The new 700 capacity secondary school, which has the potential to be increased to 1,200, was constructed next to the East Neighbourhood Centre and Library (a project Metal Technology also delivered for Hub South East Scotland).Designed by JM Architects and delivered by Morrison Construction, this fantastic new building for The City of Edinburgh Council provides an exciting, inspirational and creative learning hub for the community. It forms one of the final pieces of a 20 yearlong regeneration project to improve housing stock and community facilities in the area. The development was very much a collaborative design, with numerous workshops and meetings to engage the community in the process.The relationship between the interior and exterior of the building was crucial, developing a holistic approach to improve the learning, attainment and health and wellbeing of the community. Metal Technology Ltd supplied its System 4-35Hi+ top hung windows, System 17 curtain walling, System 5-20D Hi+ doors and System 23 louvres and were manufactured and installed by approved fabricator Avtek Ltd.The project has been shortlisted for the following awards: Pupil/Student Experience and Inspiring Learning Spaces at the Education Estates Awards taking place on 18th Oct and Inspiring Learning Spaces at the Learning Places Scotland Awards taking place on 15th Nov.Word has it that the pupils are greatly enjoying and benefiting from their wonderful new learning space and environment – what it’s all about! We’re delighted to have been a part of this build for the Craigmillar community.(Photography Credit – Cadzow Pelosi)

The landmark Health Innovation One building is an innovation hub offering co-location space for external organisations as well as being the new home for Lancaster University’s Medical School and Division of Health Research. The space is designed to encourage collaboration, where external organisations can draw upon the University’s expertise to address significant health challenges and improve health and wealth outcomes in the region and beyond.Architects John McAslan + Partners sought to realise the University’s ambition to establish itself as a major international presence in the field of Health and Medicine through the design of this new HIC. JMP’s campus masterplan will bring together businesses, the NHS, students and academics from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds. Central to this campus is the Innovation Hub, representing phase one of the development.The scheme comprises a café, quiet reading areas, private meeting rooms, open breakout zones and a business lounge for more formal conversations. Close consultation with the University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine has resulted in a scheme that offers maximum flexibility, the promotion of interdisciplinary working and collaboration, the provision of exceptional working and learning environments, and a holistic building design that is sustainable and energy efficient, targeting an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM standard.To achieve this performance for the £3M glazing package, fabricator Alucraft working to main contractor BAM Construct, utilised Metal Technology’s System 17 Curtain Walling in a bronze anodised finish and from our Thermal ranges, System 5-20D Doors and 5-20 windows.

RIBA STIRLING PRIZE WINNER, Evelyn Grace Academy in Brixton South London, benefits from the flowing façade integrating seamlessly with Sotech's Optima IPC Cladding. The external facades of the academy, designed by award wining architect Zaha Hadid, feature flying angles and oblique lines and, to maximise external space the building bridges, a full-length running track. The internal design generates natural patterns of division within highly functional spaces to create four small schools within the whole, each with its own identityIn addition to partnering with the specialist contractor McMullen to identify the optimum solution for the fixing components, a scaled mock-up incorporating the Sotech Optima IPC interlocking plank system, finished to the specification required, was built on site incorporating two sections of the building integrated into the glazed curtain wall. This level of detailing provided the contractor and the architect with the reassurance that the rainscreen system, and the specified colour and finish, would meet the performance and design requirements of the project.The Optima IPC system has been independently tested by Vinci, including both horizontal and vertical planks in the material and finish specified for the Evelyn Grace Academy together with a number of other finishes including copper, aluminium and zinc. Achieving 2Kn serviceable load, the system successfully met the rigorous test requirements.The specification of the highly engineered Optima IPC for the £37.5 million Academy resulted in the bespoke manufacture of each panel, many incorporating complicated angles and tapered corners in two directions, each with a 5mm shadowgap and secret fix joint. Curved soffits and cills completed the package, which totalled in excess of 1500sqm of Optima IPC.

Installed alongside some interesting brass architectural detailing, TECHNAL aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling has been specified and installed at Heathervale House, transforming the outdated office development. Situated in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, Heathervale House is a commercial property that has been used as an office space for decades. Originally clad in brick, slate and hung tile, the building had shown signs of disrepair, looking tired and dilapidated. To bring it back to life, the building owner developed plans to undertake a wide scale refurbishment and extension of the property. Following a feasibility study, the building was handed across to design-led architectural practice MortonScarr. From the outset, MortonScarr recognised how important updated glazing systems would be in improving the aesthetics and performance of the building, both internally and externally. Previously, Heathervale House had featured small, brown-framed windows, which limited how much sunlight those inside the offices received throughout the day. The entire facade of the three-storey building was re-clad with concrete tiles, with interesting projecting brass window boxes also incorporated. The window boxes, which feature TECHNAL systems, added visual relief to the building externally, whilst maximising internal vistas for the occupants. TECHNAL also assisted on a large rear extension, a new glazed lift to the front and two additional fully glazed storeys on top of the existing roof. Flooding the new office spaces with daylight, the large glazed expanses are shaded by two-storey bronze louvres. As a result the newly fitted office now brings in much more natural light than before.

England’s home of Rugby has been given an impressive face lift with bespoke aluminium shingles and engineered ceramic granite rainscreen cladding materials supplied by EH Smith.2,350m2 of interlocking cladding panels were manufactured from aluminium alloy 3005H45, 0.9mm – 1.2mm thickness with a precoated Aluquartz zinc brushed finish. These were all supplied to a tight site programme of works and installed whilst the stadium was still operative having a fully concealed clip / bracket fixing support system.In addition to the shingles, EH Smith Facades supplied 500m2 of specialist Italian engineered ceramic granite cladding panels in three different formats; 6mm traditionally bonded, 12mm rainscreen panels on a secret fix aluminium support, and 6mm thick material incorporated into the spandrel panel of the curtain walling. All the ceramic panels were supplied with a Hytech impregnated coating which gives a self cleaning mechanism and air purification through a phototcatalytic reaction.EH Smith in conjunction with our Engineering partners Systea worked closely with the cladding contractor Prater to provide a full static calculation and indicative setting out and fixing details for the structural aluminium support grid to provide a cost effective support solution for this unique cladding façade.Project: Twickenham StadiumPlace: LondonCountry: UKBuilding type: Sports + Culture + RecreationType of construction project: RenovationCompletion: 2018SYSTEA wall bracket: Aluminium-L-BracketSYSTEA profile system: ALWI-V and UBE NGCladding material: Aluminum shingles and ceramic panelsFastening: ConcealedArchitect: KSS Design, LondonPhotos: EH Smith Specialist Facades

With both areas viewed up close by tourists and visitors every day, the striking finish of Syntha Pulvin coatings from Sherwin-Williams were perfectly matched to the job and offered a marketleading warranty.Even after three decades, previous Syntha Pulvin applications were still going strong. This prompted an extension of the guaranteed warranty, from 25 to 30 years – providing one of the most reliable coatings available in the industry. All Syntha Pulvin products offer exceptional weather resistance, prevent UV fade and deliver thermal shock resistance. The durability of Syntha Pulvin matte coatings has even been tested successfully in Florida’s hot climate – the equivalent to more than 30 years in Northern Europe.There are more than 100 colours available in the Syntha Pulvin matte and metallic ranges, all manufactured under carefully controlled conditions. These finishes are 100% recyclable and can be applied to aluminum and galvanised steel window frames, cladding panels, curtain walling, roofing and most architectural metalwork.The full range complies with BS6496, BS6497 and BS EN 12206-1, is BBS Certified and conforms to Qualicoat Class 1 and GSB standards. Syntha Pulvin products are also only supplied to approved applicators.“Syntha Pulvin was the ideal product for the Spinnaker Tower,” said Chris Mansfield, Commercial Director, Metalion Ltd. “Not only is the colour matched perfectly to the large amount of render used on the project, but the 25-year warranty offered at the time effectively closed the deal.”Project DetailsArchitect: HGP Greentree Allchurch EvansApplicator: Metalion LtdCoatings Supplier: Sherwin-WilliamsProducts: Bespoke Mix Syntha Pulvin powder coating

MODERN COASTAL ARCHITECTURE CREATED USING TECHNAL SYSTEMSLayered recessed glazed facades, created using TECHNAL aluminium systems, maximise occupant views and deliver a sleek seafront architectural focus for new, luxury apartments overlooking the beach at Gorey in Jersey.Designed by Jersey-based Morris Architects, the development called The Beach comprises six apartments across four floors with undercroft car parking. Constructed by main contractor, Camerons, the glazing package was coordinated by installer Style Windows who worked with fabricator Bonam and Berry Ltd to develop the specification. “Using layered glazed balconies and recessed facades, the building takes on a stylish streamlined appearance. A sweeping corner provides an open, translucent structure, which minimises impact on the adjacent cottages and the beach. Secondary vertical columns have been used to help articulate the horizontal curved form of the balconies.”Ricardo Marques, architectMaximising the beautiful view for the building’s occupants using minimal profiles was a priority for the design team, without compromising the façade’s weather performance at this exposed location. This was achieved using a range of aluminium systems from the extensive TECHNAL range.  For easy access to the balcony area on the seaside elevation, the TECHNAL C160S Lift & Slide aluminium door system has been installed to each level, combining minimal sightlines and high thermal performance with a user-friendly slide action that glides, effortlessly. One of the door sets is an impressive 4.5m wide x 2.4m high, comprising only two panes, both of which are sliding. "Coastal developments always require a diligent approach to glazing specification. The architect had a clear vision for the building and the facade required a precision specification to achieve the right balance between aesthetic and performance in relation to the building's exposed location. Whilst installing beach-side was challenging, the finished facade looks impressive."Dave Sutcliffe, Style WindowsTo achieve the curved glazed corners at each storey level, TECHNAL Elegance 52 ST Curtain Walling has been fabricated to the specified quadrant, with an external radius of 1.9m, resulting in an impressive glass arc width of almost 3m. Combined with the 2.4m floor to ceiling height, the Elegance 52 ST system has allowed for a truly breathtaking sweeping curve to the building. Internally, the mullion of the curtain walling aligns perfectly with the adjacent Lift & Slide doors, giving the façade an elegant, continuous flow across the elevation."This is the beauty of TECHNAL systems. Even with the high wind loads of this exposed location, we have been able to create a sleek facade solution."Ricardo Marques, architectOther TECHNAL systems used on the project include four single doors and one double-set from the Dualframe Dualsecure 75mm range as well as its STII Doors to the entrance and escape doors. A selection of Dualframe 75mm SI windows in top hung, side hung and pivot configurations have also been installed throughout the building.Taking advantage of the dual colour facility and to combat the extreme weather conditions of this coastal location, externally the systems are anodised to Anolok™ Umber 543 in contrast with the white rendered walls. Internally, a white powder coat finish has been used to maintain the light bright design inside the apartments.To the north facing elevation, standard low-e toughened glass was specified with the rest glazed using solar control glass."Bonam and Berry has supplied TECHNAL architectural aluminium products continuously for over 40 years, and uses the complete range of systems for residential, commercial, educational and all public and private sector applications."Andrew Spencer, Commercial Director at Bonam & Berry

Providing a secure and reliable office entranceEDF are one of the UKs largest energy providers, with their head office serving as the strategic hub that plays a pivotal role in its overall functioning and success. At FAAC Entrance Solutions, we understand just how vital a secure and reliable entrance is to such an important business. From the initial design working with Pick Everard, we reviewed the best entrance solution, to meet the clients brief and requirements.Project Year: 2023Product: FAAC A1400 Slider with pocket screen & TK35 profileProduct: RD100 Revolving DoorProduct: Magnetic mWing Pedestrian GatesProduct: FAAC Airslide Sliding DoorProject Background: The facilities team at EDF wanted to increase security with a safe and secure entrance that would suit their ground structure. They wanted a full entrance solution with a revolving door at the end of a bridge with a sheltered glass tunnel leading up to a pair of automatic sliding doors and security lanes. As part of the project, we worked closely with the contractor Imtech Inviron Ltd and all the project team, whilst meeting all challenges along the way, we aimed to create the perfect solution without disrupting the space and flow of the foyer whilst entering and exciting the building.Solution: One key item was enabling staff to be able to enter the entrance corridor through a revolving door, providing a sustainable and weathertight area out of the weather, then having a secondary entrance through a pair of automatic sliding doors, therefore providing an improved entrance with high protection against all weather conditions. To comply with Part M of buildings regulations, we provided our unique FAAC Airslide automatic sliding door system, to ensure accessibility for all.Once inside the building, we installed a bank of 3 security lanes, to control the access for authorised users only and preventing unauthorised personnel from entering the building.Revolving door: The RD100, a power-assisted door, elevates functionality for any office entrance with pedestrian traffic. This compact revolving door accommodates various pedestrian flows effortlessly and at their preferred pace. Manually activated, pedestrians push the door to start. Once the smart system activates, it guarantees smooth movement in both directions, reducing effort and power use, easing entry/exit, and reducing the carbon footprint.Sliding door: Our FAAC A1400 sliding door’s innovative “energy saving” feature empowers this system to discern transit direction, meticulously optimizing opening and closing times. This functionality effectively prevents unnecessary air dispersion, even amid cross traffic occurrences. The resulting product is environmentally conscious, reliable, secure, technologically advanced and notably, cost effective in the long term.Pedestrian Gates: The Magnetic mWing Pedestrian Gate system ensures swift visitor flow with quick opening times and preset travel features, ensuring high-security standards in both monitored and unmonitored areas. Engineered for durability and comes with a unique surface finish.AIRSLIDE Sliding Door: FAAC supplied and installed 1 of our unique AIRSLIDE automatic sliding doors, with an integrated air curtain. An air barrier protects the entrance area from the cold in winter and the heat in summer, without dispersion. This solution, designed for automatic entrances, allows the air to be kept inside the building, thereby helping to reduce energy consumption.The AIRSLIDE system combines the automatic opening and air curtain systems into a single unit, with obvious aesthetic and functional advantages. Its sleek design makes it easy to integrate into any architectural perspective.Check out more of our Energy Solutions.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

The extraordinary, purpose built SuperLab in Oxford provides much needed lab space and fantastic facilities for the next generation of science entrepreneurs and innovators. The new state-of-the-art building is located close to the city centre and the university, which spins out around 15 science firms a year. Created and built by Oxford-based Robin Swailes Design and Development, the SuperLab offers almost 7,000 sq ft of accommodation for up to 84 staff and blends contemporary design with the latest efficiency features while meeting the needs of the modern workforce. The building is made of 95 per cent recycled aluminium and features a grey water system using collected rainwater to flush the toilets, thermal efficient panelling, air source heat pumps and solar panels to minimise its carbon footprint and keep running costs as low as possible. Metal Technology Ltd supplied a range of its high-performance glazing products for this unique development via approved fabricator Alternative Windows. Products used were: System 17 Curtain Walling, System 5-35Hi Tilt Turn Windows, System 4-35Hi Fixed Casement Windows and System 10-35 Thermally Broken Commercial Doors. Curved walls, round windows and open ceilings create a sense of space and wellbeing, topped off with advanced acoustics, quality finishing touches and a playful interior. The result is an inspiring and design-focused workplace that encourages collaboration. Outside, a roof top recreation area provides space for al fresco meetings, eating and drinking with views over Oxford’s Dreaming Spires. A fantastic project to have been involved in, which ultimately encourages young and innovative science pioneers to stay and further their career on home soil.

Sherwin-Williams, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of powder coatings, has helped transform London’s skyline with a stunning new look guaranteed to last for decades.The multimillion pound refurbishment of Great West House in Brentford – one of the capital’s landmarks – demanded a finish that had guaranteed reliability and matched the bold ambitions of its owners, CLS.Market-leading Syntha Pulvin coatings from Sherwin-Williams had a proven track record on the UK’s most prestigious developments, with a 30-year guarantee – making it the obvious choice for the Great West House’s refurbishment. Powdertech (Bicester), a Sherwin-Williams approved applicator, applied nearly 4.5 tons of Syntha Pulvin powder coatings in silver metallic to the two-building development (named GW1 and GW2), covering every inch of its metalwork.“This was a particularly large and impressive job, but it’s the kind of complex, intricate powder coating work that we specialise in,” said Peter Hudson, Commercial Manager, Powdertech (Bicester). “The Sherwin-Williams Syntha Pulvin coating is one of the prime products in the market and we use it on almost every project, as the coating’s inherent quality and long guarantee appeals to our prestigious clients.”These powder coatings are 100% recyclable and can be applied to aluminum and galvanised steel window frames, cladding panels, curtain walling, roofing and most architectural metalwork. All products are fully weather resistant, prevent UV fade and offer thermal shock resistance. The Syntha Pulvin matte coating’s durability was also successfully tested in Florida for five years – the equivalent to more than 30 years in Northern Europe.Project DetailsClient: CLSContractor: Powdertech (Bicester)Coatings Provider: Sherwin-WilliamsProducts: Silver Metallic Syntha Pulvin Powder Coating