"curtain"

An architectural masterpiece in Dubai Marina setting a new global benchmark.Standing at 365m, the high-rise development is set to become the world’s tallest hotel, containing 1,042 luxury suites and serviced apartments set across 82 floors.IntroductionThe award-winning, sculpture-like design has been conceived to embrace the benefits of vertical living, with a glass curtain wall façade offering panoramic views across the city, whilst its gently curved form reflects the ever-changing daylight. To ensure this striking design achieved the necessary passive fire safety, specifying a fully tested and certified perimeter fire barrier system solution from an experienced manufacturer was vital.Design and specificationThe skyscraper’s beautifully curved unitised glass façade presented an interesting challenge when it came to specifying suitable passive fire protection. In accordance with the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code, the curtain wall elevations required a perimeter fire containment system, comprising a firestopping system installed continuously between the floor slab edge and spandrel panel at each floor and included protection to the spandrel zone. This solution also needed to have proven its fire resistance performance in achieving a challenging 2 hour minimum (EI 120 or FT 120) fire rating. What’s more, the specification called for the use of perimeter firestopping seals that could maintain their integrity around the curved elements of the design, and that would be able to continue providing the required fire resistance should sections of the façade collapse. It also stated that any firestopping assembly should be procured from a single manufacturer that had a minimum of three years’ experience in the market.With over 50 years’ experience in the development, manufacture, and supply of passive fire protection products, Siderise were ideally placed to meet the project’s strict criterion and its enhanced perimeter fire barrier system was specified from the outset.The chosen system uses CW-FS Curtain Wall Firestops to provide 2 hour fire resistance for floor-to-floor horizontal compartmentation and zone-to-zone vertical compartmentation at each partition and curtain wall interface. This was supported with a single layer of CW-FB Curtain Wall Fireboard to provide the required 2-hour fire resistance to the spandrel and vertical mullions at each building level. The UAE Fire and Life Safety Code compliant system designs for this project was based on two tested and certified systems, one to EN 1364-4: 2014 and the other ASTM E 2307.The EN 1364-4 test included movement cycling of CW-FS Firestop to EAD 350141-00-1106 before fire testing to demonstrate that the perimeter fire barrier will be able to withstand the constant deflection of the façade due to forces such as wind and occupancy loads acting upon it. The product easily accommodates this movement thanks to its unique pre-compressed vertical-fibre stonewool Lamella construction. This also makes it ideal for ensuring integrity within the curved elements of the construction as its compression allows it to fit tightly against the floor slab and curtain wall, even in areas with an inconsistent void gap.Installation and inspectionInstallation quality is fundamental to the performance of passive fire protection products. To ensure this is achieved, our UAE technical team along with GIG’s site services team conducted site installation training. This included constructing a façade mock-up assembly for each fire rated design to clearly illustrate how to properly install the spandrel protection system and demonstrate the expected standard of work to identify the corrective actions that need to be taken before sign-off by the project consultant.

A state-of-the-art leisure centre in Bristol designed by LA Architects features extensive use of Technal’s aluminium curtain walling to help create a vibrant new facility and encourage more local people to participate in sport and physical activity. The privately financed project is also one of the first centres in the UK with a 50m swimming pool to achieve a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.

The 110m, 29-storey curved on plan Westmark Tower is the tallest residential tower completed in central London during 2021. Part of Berkeley Homes Central London’s prestigious West End Gate development in Marylebone, it features more than 14,000m2 of unitised curtain wall.Anodic Bronze and GRC Effect PPC was applied expertly across the envelope.

Located on the north side of Wrexham town centre, the BREEAM excellent Yale Campus one of the largest projects undertaken by Coleg Cambria across its network of six campus sites, which has a base of 7,000 full time and 20,000 part time students.Maximising daylight and ventilation, the glazed façade spans 1,200 sqm across the building. Specified for proven performance and thermal insulation, TECHNAL curtain walling offers a fully capped, mullion-drained solution. With an aluminium substructure width of 52mm, it creates a slim sightline while also providing the necessary strength and inertia requirements.Contributing to higher credits for the critical Energy 01 part of BREEAM, which is concerned with the reduction of energy use and carbon emissions, TECHNAL A-rated Dualframe 75 Si windows offer exceptional energy efficiency. For the Yale campus, a U-value of 1.1W/m2K was achieved. As well as being inserted within the curtain walling, the windows have also been fitted in a vertical panel format to create a striking rectangular pattern within the gold cladding.

Spearheading an ambitious programme of regeneration, Canada Water Library resembles an inverted ‘ziggurat’ – a terraced pyramid of successively receding storeys – that partly overhangs the Canada Water basin.The £1.4m building sits at the edge of a civic plaza and a stretch of open water. The expanding pyramid form integrates a compact footprint at ground level with progressively wider floors above. The building is clad in light bronze anodised aluminium panels with sequined perforations, interspersed with recessed curtain wall screens. This design gives the project a sculptural appeal and a striking visual effect.Finished in bronze anodised aluminium, the structural sealant glazed facade and commercial doors were specified for the ground floor. A Visible Grid Facade has being used for the strips of curtain walling to the three upper floors, with top hung concealed vents and aluminiumdoors providing access to the balconies.The library forms part of the vibrant quayside at Canada Water - a historic Docklands that was once a bustling port. It was designed to exemplify the importance of the library, education and community facilities for local people and focus on the new phase of regeneration.

Parallel opening window vents by Kawneer were specified for a mental health project that is arguably without parallel. Some 88 AA®100 SSG parallel opening vents were used as concealed windows, to maintain the same aesthetic as the façade, within AA®100 mullion-drained curtain walling and AA®720 doors on the new £40 million London headquarters of the world-famous Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.The Kawneer systems at the Anna Freud Centre were specified by architects Penoyre & Prasad as they were a “cost-effective” solution to their needs and enabled them to use the same systems for all areas of curtain walling and rooflights. The project has enabled the relocation of the mental healthcare charity to bring together its global expertise in practice, research and policy under one roof from its residential properties in Hampstead to a purpose-built facility near King’s Cross. This comprises a six-storey new-build and the refurbishment of a century-old former chocolate factory and warehouse.

The £1m centrepiece in the restoration of a historic park in Lancashire has been completed, incorporating innovative use of the MX curtain walling system from Technal. The dramatic sculptural pavilion in Avenham Park was the winning design in an RIBA competition. The building has a strong geometric design, which includes a complex zinc-clad ‘saw tooth’ roof and extensive use of timber, aluminium and glass.

YY217E Anodic Gold Pearl adorning the full rainscreen, curtain walling and external columns of the new and improved Warwick Arts Centre situated on the University of Warwick’s campus.Designed by Ellis Williams Architects with Bond Bryan as delivery architect an, the Warwick Arts Centre involved a complete upgrade to the original building and forms a key venue for Coventry’s year of UK City of Culture in 2021.

The curved teaching space and the auditorium block are connected by a curved segment known as ‘The Link’ which runs through each floor of the building. This linking component features Schüco FWS 50 curtain walling both in the construction of the walls and horizontally in the roof skylights to let natural light into the centre of the building. The Link also acts as an important device to separate the two geometrically opposed buildings.

Wales Air Ambulance have a new headquarters with a new purpose-built office bringing the charity and the airbase together. Local aluminium fabricators and installers Atcost Windows of Llanelli won the contract to supply and fit all the glazing products throughout the building. Kestrel’s curtain walling was specified to create an impressive frontage to the building and maximise natural light to the common areas and meeting rooms.

Transformation of a 1960's office block to a state-of-the-art student accommodation. Metal Technology’s System 17 Silicone pointed and High Rise curtain walling was used extensively thought-out the project. The end result is testament to System 17’s limitless flexibility and aesthetic appeal whilst meeting all structural requirements and delivering high levels of thermal and weather performance

The new 2,500m2 research facility for the University of Nottingham provides laboratory, office and support accommodation for the UK Government Energy Acceleration Research Initiative alongside the university. Using Passiv Haus certified Aluprof MB-TT50 curtain walling and MB-104 Passive windows and door systems, the building achieved Passiv Haus accreditation. Architect: Lewis & Hickey Main Contractor: Robert Woodhead Construction

Visitors are greeted into Reynaers Knowledge Centre through an automatic door beneath a sleek cantilever running the length of the building. They enter into a double-height showroom and reception area and can travel up the stairs on to a viewing platform overlooking the showroom. This allows guests to experience a true representation of the scale and quality of the products on display, including multi-level curtain walling, bifolding doors and accessible windows.

Comprised of 82 luxurious one and two bedroom apartments in the heart of Birmingham City centre, featuring Reynaers CF 68 single leaf bi-fold door, SL 68 slim line window, CW 50 curtain walling and the beautiful CP 130 lift and slide door. These high-spec apartments are located in an unrivalled location making it attractive for both tenants and investors.

As a key part of the University of Lancaster's Preston Campus, the £32 million Engineering Innovation Centre provided the university and Lancashire based manufacturers with state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. This helps to train an extra 500 graduates, including an increasing number of female students, gaining degrees in subjects such as mechanical, energy technologies and aerospace engineering. Throughout the entire project, there were a number of technical challenges that needed to be met. These include the building's proximity to a very busy roundabout, the floor to floor heights, physical security, the expected levels of solar gain as well as design detailing requirements. Having a total glazed area of 3,100m2, the aluminium curtain wall carries over 40 different types of IG units, along with high density foam inserts utilised alongside decoupling joints in the mullion section - achieving 50 Dnfw flanking sound reduction, as well as 37 dB sound reduction for noise outside the building. In addition to achieving high levels of thermal insulation, being fabricated from aluminium, the curtain walling frame elements can be recycled, helping to achieve the BREEAM rating of Excellent.

The University of Lincoln invested £19 million in the construction of the Sarah Swift Building which is home to the Schools of Health & Social Care and Psychology. Aluminium Visible Grid curtain walling, doors and windows were specified for this project, and were chosen due to their versatility and aesthetic qualities. This five-storey academic building houses a broad range of flexible learning spaces for students and staff - including new teaching areas, offices, clinical simulation facilities for the school's healthcare programmes and psychological laboratories for extensive research. Furthermore the building also includes the Professional Development Centre, a facility that provides ongoing training for professionals that require skills-based training. Visible Grid curtain walling also offers design flexibility. Available in a choice of glazing gaskets, it achieves superior load distribution and is suitable for flat or faceted facades.Technal’s aluminium doors and windows were also used throughout the building. The specified doors are ideal for high traffic applications and offer exceptional levels of security and thermal performance. The doors were also chosen as they meet the requirements of Part Q of the Building Standards, having achieved PAS 24:2016.

One St. Peter’s Square in Manchester provides 268,000 sq ft of office space in the heart of the central business district. The building has been designed to meet the extremely exacting demands of a BREEAM Excellent’, Grade A’ compliance. SIDERISE was instrumental in helping to achieve the required acoustic performance both horizontally and vertically though investigation and treatment of the potential weak points. This included a significant upgrade to the curtain wall mullions.

Looking as though it were poised to take flight, the Blackburn Wing is a multi-award-winning venue. Glass balustrades on the balconies and runways – created by Q-railing – together with floor-to-ceiling curtain walls allow for stunning unobstructed views of the surrounding woodland. In total, 140 metres of stand-off balustrade were installed, with Easy Glass MOD 0763 glass adapters and stainless steel cap rails.

The building comprises of 3 sections, varying in height with retail space on the ground floor and student accommodation from the 1st to 10th floor being operated by Unite Students, which runs student accommodation sites across the UK. The project utilises Aluprof MB-SR50N capped curtain walling and inward opening vents with an external mesh to prevent objects from being release at high level from inside the building.

Large scale redevelopment of the old BBC studios in Oxford Road. Each plot is decorated in distinct feature colours. Two enhanced durability bronze metallic shades applied to all window and curtain walling elements, whilst two bespoke matches to glazed terracotta can be found on the lower ground feature mullions.Finishes: Interpon D2525 Y2214F Anodic Bronze & YW283F Bronze + Interpon D1036 purple and cream terracotta.

Large laboratories, dubbed ‘super-labs’, use AV and acoustic technology to allow up to 120 students to be taught different lessons at the same time in the same space. There is also a range of flexible spaces that help bridge the gap between disciplines, allowing researchers to find better solutions by working together. The labs and research areas benefit from plenty of natural light and ventilation thanks to large expanses of glazing constructed with Schüco FWS 50 curtain walling.

Seveme’s expertise in metal structure works combined with Pyroguard’s multi-functional range of toughened fire safety glass, Pyroguard Protect, enabled the build of the new Algeria Gulf Bank headquarters. Through the informed specification of additional counterpanes, the curtain wall of this futuristic building was able to achieve an EI120 fire rating, as well as effective solar control. Meanwhile in the internal lobby, where safety and style were key, a unique composition that combined both requirements was used.

The award-winning and BREEAM Outstanding Engineering Building at the internationally renowned Lancaster University features a complete range of architectural aluminium glazing systems from Technal. Located on the Lancaster University campus in the North West of England, the new engineering facility was awarded Winner of the RIBA National Award for 2015 and was highly commended by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in the Design through Innovation category at the 2016 RICS North West Awards. Purpose-built to a world-class standard, the scheme comprises of 4,701 sqm of workshop, laboratory and office space in two concrete framed blocks either side of a dramatic four-storey atrium. Using passive techniques to achieve the environmental performance measure of BREEAM 'outstanding' in the design assessment, which is in-line with Lancaster University's sustainability and carbon reduction targets. With this in mind, aluminium doors and curtain walling were chosen for this project. The Facade is featured throughout the building, and was specified for its contemporary aesthetics. The system also includes concealed vents to allow natural ventilation without compromising the architectural integrity of the facade. With natural light being a key part of the specification, Technal aluminium curtain walling allowed larger and heavier glazing units to be installed thanks to its superior load distribution, permitting more natural light to flow through the building's rooms.

Architectural glazing systems by Kawneer, including aluminium heritage-style GT70S windows appropriate for the conservation area, have helped to transform the façade of an old radio and television factory into the new four-storey London Screen Academy building at Highbury Grove in Islington, north London.Kawneer’s GT70S slimline renovation open-in windows were the “focal new element” of the renovation of the façade of the four-storey building at Highbury Grove in Islington, north London, where Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained curtain walling and series AA®190 TB entrance doors also feature.The GT70S windows with narrow sightlines were installed over 12 weeks by a team of eight from specialist sub-contractor and Kawneer dealer JPJ Installations throughout the 8,050m2 building, with the AA®100 curtain walling, which also has narrow 50mm sightlines, used on the rear elevation and the series AA®190 TB severe-duty welded doors used on the main entrance.This cutting-edge new free school by the Department for Education provides world-class film industry focused vocational training, including behind-the-camera roles, costume design, production management, distribution and marketing, alongside a broader curriculum, for 17 to 19-year-olds.

The new Dunfermline Learning Campus will incorporate the relocation of a college and two schools: a new Fife College Halbeath Campus, St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School. Due to open in 2024, the 55 acre, circa £220m ‘super-campus’ will accommodate up to 2,700 school pupils and 2,500 college students.Designed by AHR Architects, the high school development is being delivered by BAM Construction for Fife Council and is one of the largest Passivhaus buildings in the world, at 26,666m². The schools form part of AHR’s and Fife Council’s journey to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.Metal Technology has been appointed to supply its ‘next generation’ System 5-45 Hi+ Inward Opening Windows and System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling. Both high performance products have been purposefully designed to meet the required Passivhaus energy-efficiency criteria and have been approved as Certified Components by the Passive House Institute, with System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling achieving the highest ranking of A+.Metal Technology’s systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Further products to be supplied for this exemplar campus include System 5-20D Hi+ doors, System 23 Louvres and LV023 Barrier Grilles.

The re-development by Liveman Properties has converted the Dock Office into a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with an additional 14 new duplex apartments constructed on the existing building roof. DV Architects, Liverpool, specified Technal’s MX Toggle Glazing curtain walling for the steel frame extension and Technal FY65 windows. Architect Billy Hodge commented, “The Dock Office is a local heritage asset and great care has been taken to make sure that the character of the building is not altered.

Good acoustics, like high quality thermal insulation, is one of the most important considerations for house builders and architects. This is because of high density living and, in particular, the popularity of sold floors. For example, one of the latest trends are concrete floors. The problem is further exacerbated by the desire for large areas of glass and the absence of soft furnishings, such as curtains and carpets. The result of all this is that absorption of sound is difficult creating an unpleasant environment. One solution is to line the ceilings with cost effective and high performance Troldtekt acoustic panels.

Location: Harrow Business Centre Project: CommercialProduct: Shadex 100 Brise Soleil, 700mm projection Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7046 Matt Telegrau 2 Fire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018) Support method: First Fix Brackets & Isol8 Chucks: Curtain-walling mullions Architect: KDS Associates Ltd Contractor: Brennan Group Sub Contractor: HKL Specialists Limited

Project type: CinemaLocation: St Catherine’s Road, Grantham, LincolnshireProduct: Shadex 150 Brise Soleil Horizontal (First Fix Brackets off Curtain Walling)​Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7046 Matt Telegrau 2Fire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Architect: N. B. D. A.Contractor: G. F. TomlinsonSub Contractor: Optimus Architectural Ltd

In the course of the restructuring and refurbishment of a multi-storey library tower (MST) for the School of Law and the linkage of the tower to the adjacent Peter Froggatt Centre (PFC) to form a new student hub at Queen’s University in Belfast, the architects TODD decided to use Wienerberger’s Lincoln Red brick to tie the scheme into its surroundings. Generally, the brick was laid traditionally, but brick slips secured to a proprietary backing board were also used to form soffits and glazed into the curtain walling on the PFC façade.

Architectural glazing systems by Kawneer were specified as a “key aspect” of the new regional head office of British Sugar’s parent company, the FTSE 25 Associated British Foods (ABF), for their pedigree and quality.CPMG Architects selected products from all of Kawneer’s portfolio for the building on a 4.5-acre site at Cygnet Business Park, Hampton, Peterborough, which would enable the relocation of almost 400 people from ABF businesses locally (AB Sugar, British Sugar, AB Mauri, ABF Ingredients and ABF) with the addition of purpose-built conference and training facilities and a showcase central reception area. Kawneer’s aluminium AA®100 SSG (Structurally Silicone Glazed) curtain walling features on the ground floor reception, meeting/conference spaces and south-facing restaurant/café while AA®100 mullion-drained curtain walling has been used on the first and second floor open-plan offices of the three-storey building.In addition, the 5,755m2 (GIA) building features ultra-thermally efficient AA®720 doors, large (3m high by 9m wide) AA®3572 sliding doors and over-sized (2.4m by 0.7m) AA®720 parallel opening windows, all installed by approved specialist sub-contractor Norman & Underwood.

Completed in August 2017, the award-winning University of Roehampton library is at the heart of the university’s 54 acre campus in Wandsworth. Providing a light, modern and spacious environment for the university’s students and staff, the striking new library provides over 1,200 study spaces, staff support and work areas over four floors, as well as being home to around 350,000 books.The new building features a range of Smart architectural systems, including EcoFutural doors, Smart Wall and MC Wall curtain walling. Given that the library has been designed to be a passive building in terms of energy, with highly-insulated facades and high levels of air-tightness, the highly thermally-efficient EcoFutural system was specified for the library’s doors, with the striking large-format units a key element of the building’s design.The design of the curtain wall system also created a dramatic façade, featuring concealed transoms which have enabled seamless ‘glass-to-glass’ joints to be used, as well as accommodating a series of masonry panels which were hung from it.The versatile, high performance door system has been used to excellent effect to enhance the aesthetics of the new Roehampton library building, and has also been used in a range of new build and refurbishment projects across the UK, including both commercial buildings and residential developments.

Broadgate, at the heart of the City of London, is home to a mix of prestigious buildings and architectural designs. One of the latest building designs is UBS’s new headquarters, by Ken Shuttleworth of Make Architects, which promises to be one of the world’s greenest buildings.With the project well underway, ISG Construction called-upon Roché to assist, thanks to our track record in handling unique, high-profile projects. We installed a number of fire curtains, fire shutters (including a bespoke design 9m-wide fire rated shutter) and V77 vision shutters.

Location: Hemel Hempstead, HertsProject Type: Local Authority OfficesDevelopment Cost: £11.2mProduct: Aluminium Eaves SystemSecret Fix Soffit PanelsMonocoque Support System & Curtain-Wall Surround​Finish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 2001 MattFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Dacorum Borough CouncilArchitect: Aukett SwankeMain Contractor: R.G.Carter LtdSub Contractor: Drayton Windows Ltd

Architectural solar shading combats overheating and contributes to a comfortable indoor climate in Van Marcke's new office building. Vertically installed aluminium DucoSun Wing louvre blades provide an answer in combating overheating. At the same time, they provide added architectural cachet structurally. These wing-shaped louvre blades act as an extra shell for the curtain wall. They cut out the sunlight, thus preventing the interior temperature from rising too high on hot days. Annoying reflections on computer screens are thus definitely a thing of the past.

Designed by AHR, built by Vinci Construction and installed by our approved specialist subcontractor APiC UK Ltd, Kawneer supplied its fully integrated tried and tested AA®100 and AA®110 Curtain Wall Systems, AA®190 TB Doors and AA®720 Windows to aid the redevelopment of the project. Kawneer’s energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing products ensured that the performance of Northgate matches its striking appearance. A use of terracotta on the project subtly references at Chester’s Roman past.