"architectural glass"

Whilst good design is about creating a balance between aesthetics and functionality, great design evokes emotions. Historic architecture and interior design represent a place in time that people connect with; a historic building has charm whilst modern designs have the ability to inspire.

Orbis OS210/OS211 Glass Infill Side and Top FixThe Eastbourne College Project 150 delivered a sports hall, competition pool, fitness suite, squash courts, dining and common rooms, pavilion and 32 classrooms, while also providing connections between key College facilities. The development, to mark the college’s 150th anniversary, enabled the Eastbourne College to take a giant leap forward providing several high-quality facilities in one substantial build. Delta Balustrades worked with the architect from early concept design stages and provided technical expertise and advice. The Orbis balustrade system throughout provided a consistent glass balustrade style throughout the building and could be utilised for the external pavilion areas also. Whilst mainly throughout new build areas of the college, the look and style of the balustrades was especially important to complement the College’s iconic buildings and environment. Due to the proximity to the sea, special attention had to be given to the materials and finishes for the external balustrades, and 316 grade stainless steel with a Lustre bright polished finish was required to be suitable in a marine environment.

Hunter Douglas Architectural supplied the steel interior ceiling and aluminum exterior ceiling for the new conference center (BMCC) in Bruges

In 2018, pioneering polycarbonate roofing supplier Twinfix marked the first use in the UK of its premium bolted glass canopy. In fact, two of its new “spider-bolt” contemporary canopies have been used at the new Trumpington Park Primary School which supports the new Great Kneighton housing development near Cambridge, along with an existing secondary school and existing library building.

About the projectIn the summer of 2016, Paterson Gordon Architecture were approached to renovate an existing steading that stood in a derelict state. However, the stunning views of Loch Lomond created an inspiring opportunity to design and build a modern family home.Which FAKRO products were used?This property required an increase of natural light for a dark space within the building which could not fulfil its highest potential. By specifying DMF-D U6 and DXF-D U6 flat roof windows, Paterson Gordon Architecture was able to deliver a substantial proportion of natural light into the central hallway. DMF - D U6 Manually-operated Flat Roof WindowManual opening flat roof windows.The type F window is equipped with an energy-efficient triple-glazed DU6 glazing unit.The external glass is 6mm toughened while the internal glass is laminated and anti-burglary P2A Class.Heat transmittance co-efficient for the whole window is U-Value 0.88W/m²K. (glass U-Value 0.5W/m²K).Acoustic rating 34Db (-1.-3).The multi-chamber UPVC upstand is RAL 9010, the internal finish is RAL 9010 white PVC.The step and profiles are in black 9005, the glazing edge colour, called darkness, effect which comes from RAL 9005 (black) the coating has hue of grey.Can be used on roofs with pitches between 2-15°.DXF-D U6 Non-opening Flat Roof WindowNon-opening flat roof window.The Type F Window is equipped with an energy-efficient triple glazed DU6 glazing unit.The external glass is 6mm toughened while the internal glass is laminated and anti-burglary P2A Class.Heat transmittance co-efficient for the whole window is U-Value 0.88W/m²K. (glass U-Value 0.5W/m²K).Acoustic rating 34Db (-1.-3).The multi-chamber UPVC Upstand is RAL9010, the internal finish is RAL9010 White PVC.The step and profiles are in black 9005, the glazing edge colour, called darkness, effect which comes from RAL 9005 (black) the coating has hue of grey.Can be used on roofs with pitches between 2-15°.The existing part of the barn specified conservation-style roof windows to suit the original roof openings. To meet this requirement, FAKRO conservation windows were specified and installed. The characteristic feature is a black vertical mullion bar down the middle of the window and its black cladding. Making it suitable for traditional construction. Most of FAKROs standard windows are available as a conservation window.Why were FAKRO products specified?Primarily, the appearance of the flat roof windows was behind the reason for choosing FAKRO, along with the diverse product range and the ability to install the windows onto zinc, slate, and single-ply membrane roofs.

Designed by architects Studio E, the BREEAM Excellent rated building features over 2,000 Ultima aluminium insulated panels in varying lengths and depths up to 4500mm and 800mm respectively, finished in four different RAL colours The company also supplied a range of ventilated Bird’s Beak style panels, pressings, copings and cills that further added to the overall aesthetic of the building’s façade. The Ultima aluminium insulated panels were designed, supplied and manufactured by Metalline Architectural Fabrications. Metalline has become one of the UK’s leading fabricators of specialist architectural fabrication in the UK, developing innovative solutions for a range of flagship projects. Finished in four different RAL colours – reed green, pastel green, light green and mint turquoise – the overall effect of the multi coloured, multi-dimensional panels is one of inspiration that sits perfectly with the ultimate goals of the Academy’s vision for its pupils future. Metalline’s Ultima aluminium insulated panels are extremely versatile and possess excellent acoustic, thermal and fire performance ratings. They are typically produced using class A1 non-combustible insulation core and can be adapted to fit a variety of facade details, which include the ability to be glazed into a standard curtain walling or structural glazing system. The panels can also be perforated and manufactured into a variety of shapes to meet the most challenging design criteria. Ultima aluminium insulated panels can be fabricated up to an impressive 6000mm in one length.

Orbis OS200 Vertical Bar Infill Side FixOrbis OS211 Glass Infill Top FixProviding more than 120,000 sq ft, of innovation space for high growth enterprises, this project is situated within Imperial College London’s White City campus. Built by a market leader with specialist expertise in modular buildings, this project demanded a high level of innovation, and a balustrade supplier that delivered on cost, quality, and timescales. The main reception area is dominated by a large feature stair providing access to all floors, and the Orbis balustrades with glass infill achieve a stunning first impression and allow maximum light through the space from the vast glazed roof lights above. Throughout the three core stairs, which are used for general circulation and escape routes, the vertical bar infill panels within the Orbis balustrade was used. This robust modular panel solution is pre-manufactured to speed up installation on site, which was extremely important to the main contractor. Individual stair cores were not closed for extended periods of time, which means greater productivity, less management time, and reduced risk for the main contractor.

Uxbridge's largest ever luxury commercial space is a monumental 324,630 sq ft. Radii AG was approached by dn-a architecture and Bowmer and Kirkland with the task of designing and installing a five-story central atrium with additional fire-solutions. Radii AG offered a streamlined design to ensure a stunning appearance with a time-conscious installation. Linear 27 was used with 40dB Rw toughened laminated glass for the atrium.This helped create the 100-meter long 'street' that ran along the heart of the building. FireStop E30 single-glazed partitioning screens, with FireTec doorsets and automated sliding doors were also installed.

Club Venu is a premier destination for dining, dancing, arts and culture. Set in a beautiful waterfront location, it’s undoubtedly one of the most stunning attractions in North Wales. The architectural plan included a roof terrace on the second floor, which incorporated a balustrade. In total, more than 40 metres of stainless steel Q-line balustrade with glass clamps, handrails and offset handrail brackets were mounted. Modern and minimal in appearance, this solution nevertheless offered considerable time and cost savings. The exterior balustrade delivered unbeatable safety without sacrificing transparency. The result is a stunning, uninterrupted view of the waterfront.

The architect has created a connection with the outdoors in, utilising large fixed rooflights from Glazing Vision to bring daylight into the house and frame the surroundings.‘The most beautiful spot in the Netherlands’; that is the description of this country house in the marina ‘t Raboes according to the owners. Located on the Eemmeer, a place in the middle of nature, and away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The architect has created a connection with the outdoors in, utilising large fixed skylights from Glazing Vision to bring daylight into the house and frame the surroundings.Bringing in daylight with large minimalist skylights was a key requirement for the architect. The horizontal application of large glass surfaces demands a lot from the design and after many discussions, the architect was confident that Glazing Vision was the rooflight manufacturer that could implement what they had in mind.No framework in sight. Insulated glass with excellent insulation values. Glass that blends seamlessly into the architect’s design. A way to bring the outdoor feeling inside.Three multipart skylights have made this architectural vision become a reality.The back-to-back angles fit in very well with the rest of the modern contemporary interiors. To make it possible to darken the rooms, Glazing Vision has applied custom-made sun protection from Topshade.At the spot where the river Eem flows into the Eemmeer, architect De Kort van Schaik designed the country residence ‘t Raboes. The clients wanted to create a place where they could fully experience nature, but also withdraw from the hustle and bustle of the city.The house consists of three parts, connected by three covered terraces. Concrete walls and floors which blend seamlessly into the environment and large windows that frame the polder landscape.All energy on ‘t Raboes is generated locally. The solar cells on the roof of the marina building supply electricity. A heat pump that uses the surface water of the Eemmeer provides heating for the house and swimming pool.In the living areas, wood stoves have been used, all which use wood from their own grounds, providing readily available extra heating capacity.A beautiful contrast is created by the yellow epoxy bathroom furniture, designed by Sabine Marcelis. A piece of furniture consisting of a bath, wash bath and shower stands as a free-standing sculpture in the concrete bathroom. The skylight forms a completely frameless glass roof, which gives you the feeling of being outside even more.Sabine Marcelis states that she has designed her dream bathroom. The subtle rotation of the furniture gives you a fantastic view of the landscape from the bath.Taken aback by this stunning property, the architectural press has been impressed with all aspects of the design. De Volkskrant gives the Huis op ‘t Raboes five stars. “The Rotterdam architectural firm De Kort Van Schaik designed a house in which you live with the elements and at the same time are protected against them, thanks to a thick concrete coat.”

The Queens Quay project is the UK’s first large-scale water source heat pump, taking the latent heat from the nearby River Clyde and using it to heat the 23-hectare Queens Quay development which will include 1,200 homes, commercial facilities and essential infrastructure. The project saw us deliver a complete energy solution which included our next generation of smart, in-home technologies which bring transparency and functionality to both the client and end user. Our vTherm°e Heat Interface Unit (HIU) and Glass app were chosen as the preferred products as they are heat-pump-compatible and facilitate the decarbonisation, digitalisation and electrification of heat.

Number One Valentine Place is a new grade A office building and winner of the 2013 New London Architectural Award for an office building. The external façade of the property features a range of aluminium pressings, glazed in Ultima aluminium insulated panels and Feature Beam, Metalline’s renowned aluminium beam, along with fifty aluminium fins specifically designed to offer solar shading for the building’s south facing position. All pressings and panels were finished in a specialist blue grey anodised finish where Metalline’s superior application and expertise are becoming renowned with architects and contractors throughout the UK.

The Selection of a sustainable facade system from architectural aluminium specialist TECHNAL satisfies the requirement to deliver a sustainable and energy efficient building for the University of Bath's Institute of Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systmes (IAAPS) - a new, world-class automotive propulsion research facility in Bristol, constructed to achieve BREAAM Very Good standard. The 11,464 m2, two-storey building was designed by architect Stride Treglown who partnered with DKA Architects to realise this ambitious project. Main contractor Rydon constructed it as a single-stage Design and Build contract. The impressive front elevation façade features TECHNAL GEODE MX curtain wall, which is manufactured using Hydro CIRCAL® 75R recycled aluminium - a prime-quality alloy made with at least 75% recycled post-consumer scrap aluminium - the highest share of recycled aluminium on the market.  Stride Treglown Project Architect, Victor Martos, explains why this was such a smart specification choice when constructing to BREEAM standards: “Originally, we had specified another system but switched to TECHNAL as it uses CIRCAL recycled aluminium and REDUXA low-carbon aluminium, which makes the system very attractive for buildings such as IAAPS that target a high level of environmental performance.” Fabricated and installed by Bristol-based Architectural Aluminium and Glass Ltd (AAAG) to a planned eight-week delivery programme, the curtain walling combines a linear and an arc section on plan to create a striking faceted façade that runs 43m and is 10m high. The double-height curtain wall joins the rectangular arched entrance at a sliced angle. Project Architect, Victor Martos talks through the architectural intent, he said: “Aesthetically, it was important for us to highlight the vertical joints over the horizontal joints so as to emphasise the height of the glazing and maintain the architectural proportions with the main entrance arch alongside. The TECHNAL curtain walling system allowed us to achieve this. It is very flexible in terms of the design options for mullions and transoms.” Vertically, the curtain wall mullions have an additional capping piece or “fin” finished in an Anthracite Grey powder coating (RAL 7016). This extends 200mm beyond and goes all the way from the base to the head of the curtain wall, creating a vertical trame design. On the horizontal, SSG silicone sealant transom joints offer a seamless look. “The fact that the external fins could be self-supported without the need of additional structure or ties was fundamental to achieving the desired verticality,” adds Victor. AAAG Bristol Estimating Manager Richard Flicker details how the façade was constructed: “Each vertical height section is split into four panels, which alternate between vision glass and lookalike, opaque spandrel panels to conceal the M&E services behind.” The glass specification is continuous to maintain the same level of reflection and uniformity across the entire curtain wall. It also had to meet thermal requirements, as Richard explains: Thermally, the façade had to achieve low heat gains through the façade, which meant careful glass specification. “Following numerous calculations and close discussion between myself and the construction team, Saint Gobain COOL-LITE SKN 154 solar control glass was selected. This offers a low G Factor (0.28) and helps control the amount of heat that penetrates into the building by reflecting it back to the outside.” The open plan office space behind the floor to ceiling glass panes also contributes to BREEAM Very Good, as Stride Treglown Project Architect, Victor Martos explains: “Ensuring an even distribution of light entering from the north, it reduces the need to use artificial light during the daytime and reduces overall building energy consumption,”  He adds: “Engaging early with specialist suppliers to maintain momentum and quality throughout, meant we could also optimise BREEAM credit opportunities. For example, the external fin feature also assisted in achieving credits regarding the visual comfort and control of glare from sunlight as they provide shade from direct sunlight.”The new IAAPS facility includes offices, test facilities and control rooms for engines, propulsion, power trains and chassis dyno cells. The base build of this world-class facility is now virtually complete and is scheduled to open in 2021 once specialist technology installations are complete. The project will support global automotive industries to deliver future generations of advanced propulsion systems and ultra-low emission vehicles. 

A holistic business solution, which offers various possibilities to work, meet, connect and enjoy the time spent with partners, employees and clients sharing the passion of good wine. The inside of the building features approximately 130 m2 of various Contraflam glass solutions, which ensure maximum fire safety while emphasizing the architectural design. The round shaped partition walls connecting production and meeting rooms, in particular, were a great challenge for glazed fire-resistance. The fire doors were developed and produced in collaboration with Forster Profile Systems and provided the necessary accessibility while ensuring fire safety for up to 30 minutes.

SAS International delivered unrivalled metal ceiling solutions for a stunning refurbishment to The Atrium Building, Sandyford. SAS was selected for its unique SAS740i linear ceiling solution with integrated lighting. This ceiling design, characterised by floating rafts, influenced the entire atrium design. Specified in a contemporary grey, SAS740i rafts were suspended 20m below the glass atrium room through a stainless-steel cable system. Black SAS130 Mesh tiles were also installed to contribute to the industrial architecture. Completed in November 2018, SAS designed and delivered timeless metal ceiling solutions that will bring the building well into the next phase of its lifetime.

In close consultation the decision to use DucoSun Cubic 300, combining functionality and aesthetics, was made quickly. The unique rectangular louvre blades in DucoSun Cubic 300 not only ensure that the heat from solar radiation gets absorbed efficiently, but they also give a sleek, linear accent which definitely adds architectural value. The blades of DucoSun Cubic 300 were installed vertically in front of the glass windows. Vertical solar shading guarantees maximum privacy, while still allowing an adequate outside view at the same time. Using DucoSun Cubic 300, we were able to achieve the desired aesthetics and performance requirements.

We’d never heard of the Williamson Tunnels in Liverpool. Now they’re truly ‘etched’ on our minds, thanks to an innovative architectural façade design. More than 2,000 perforated panels clad the car park with a design that represents the network of 200-year-old tunnels beneath Liverpool’s streets and rainscreen cladding on the stair core protect against the elements.“The façade looks great,” said Morgan Sindall Construction’s Senior Quantity Surveyor, Graham Golding, who singled out Maple for praise during what was a challenging build. “We had the Covid pandemic, weather issues, little bespoke changes and a myriad of other problems but Maple fitted in. Accommodating is the word I would use – they were one of the best (contractors) on site.”

The ChallengeThis purpose-built, cutting-edge medical research facility forms part of the Karolinska Institutet and is now one of Europe’s largest laboratories.Home to over 1,600 scientists and support staff and with such a high footfall, the safety of individuals took centre stage in the design and construction of the facility.Additionally, ensuring a design aided world-class medical research was of utmost importance. This meant creating inviting, collaborative meeting spaces which were flooded with natural light, as well as rooms that could achieve the correct acoustic and impact performance requirements to contribute to the accuracy of the laboratory’s critical research.To achieve all of these requirements, specifying the correct materials was crucial to achieving the architectural vision of the building, centered around a spectacular glass atrium that connects the outside with the inside. Pyroguard was approached to deliver a solution that would ensure compliance with safety regulations.The SolutionWith glass playing a crucial part in the building’s design, it provided a practical way of delivering adequate fire protection, making Pyroguard Firesafe ideal for the project.With EW-classification, the solution protects against flames, smoke and radiant heat for between 30 and 120 minutes, while also providing additional radiant heat control to deliver greater fire protection.The structural integrity of the product further ensures it can be handled and installed in the most challenging applications, including Biomedicum’s beautiful glass atrium.

The LAMILUX Glass Roof PR60 was designed and installed as a continuous atrium using 60 panes of glass covering an area of 14m X 15m. The framing detail ensured a seamless transition to the wall abut at the head, whilst sitting on perimeter supports at the verge and cill. High performing glazing with double silver coating prevents overheating in addition to the glazing designed to be walked on for cleaning and maintenance purposes. LAMILUX were able to provide a better solution than the original concept by using larger panes arranged in four flush tiers installed with a 3° surface inclination.

Project:Ast+Dagdelen Architects approached Surespan to manufacture a glazed walk-on basement skylight for use at ground level to bring light and a means of delivery access for materials and goods to their model workshop which is situated beneath their architectural practice. Product:The single leaf 500 (19.5?) x 2400mm (95.5?) electrically operated and thermally broken access hatch featured TripleLite 34mm double glazing with a 1.4kN concentrated pedestrian load. The hatch was finished in a polyester powder coating to match Valspar Bronze.

LAMILUX designed, supplied and installed both the supporting steelwork and atrium glazing to illuminate the central zone of the venue with natural daylight. Structural calculations were generated to ensure that the steelwork, which was assembled from five sections, could withhold the weight of the high spec glazing used. 76 fixed panes, walkable for maintenance and weighing 65kg per m², create the 20m x 9m wide unusual curved glass roof with wall abutment detail. 3 anchor points, which forms part of the rooflight system, were installed so that maintenance personnel are able to fix their safety harnesses onto the anchor points.

The striking angular design of the £16 Million, five-storey headquarters for safety equipment specialists Arco, forms part of the regeneration of the historic waterfront Fruit Market area in Hull. To the front elevation, the stunning façade created using Senior’s thermally efficient SF52 curtain wall makes a tremendous first impression, whilst SPW501 PAS24 certified commercial doors and Secured By Design Certified SPW600 windows ensure safety and security.With its glass fronted atrium, open plan work spaces, social meeting areas and auditorium for presentations, Arco now has the facilities to meet future needs as the company continues to grow. 

The new sixth form college located at the site of the city’s former Masonic Hall has been sympathetically restored and extended to provide a number of new facilities, whilst maintaining the building’s architectural grandeur. The construction materials for the new build elements were carefully specified to both complement and enhance the existing Italianate Villa style. Doors, windows and curtain walling from Senior’s innovative Hybrid range, which features aluminium on the exterior to provide a durable and low maintenance solution and engineered timber on the interior for a natural look and feel, provided the perfect solution.

Designed by Leonard Design Architects the Waterside Apartment scheme is a luxury residential development on the banks of the River Trent, and a pivotal part of the wider regeneration of the area. It comprises 121 luxury apartments and duplex penthouses, with offices and leisure facilities on the ground floor. To make the most of the breath-taking views, an extensive high performance fenestration package was specified from Senior Architectural Systems. This included thermally enhanced SF52 Curtain Walling and SPW600 Windows plus Senior’s patented PURe® SLIDE aluminium doors renowned for their innovative thermal break and outstanding energy efficiency.

Mann Island is where cutting edge architecture and modernurban living meet English history. Situated at the heart ofthe Liverpool docklands, the £45 million ‘Building 3’ wasbuilt for commercial use and has since been leased byMersey Travel.The UNESCO world heritage site was once the startingpoint for millions of emmigrants on their journey to the ‘newworld’ countries of America, Australia & New Zealand.Now an architectural hotspot, Mann island has becomeone of Liverpool’s most vibrant and upcoming areas.Comprising of office space and apartments, the waterfrontdevelopment attracts over 25,000 visitors per day alone.Allgood were employed to supply high end ironmongeryand an access control package. Mersey Travel wereparticularly concerned about providing facilities that wereaccessibile to people of all ages and disabilities. To meetthis specification, Allgood Trio both supplied and installedunderfloor and overhead operators in addition to magnetlocking systems to create automatic doors.Allgood provided a full hardware package that incorporatedstainless steel signage, kicking plates and lever actionflushbolts to match the buildings modern interior design.Allgood also worked with the client to design andmanufacture specially made pull and lever handles in orderto match the range of glass, oak and walnut doors.As always, Allgood delivered on time and exactly to theclient’s requirements, ensuring that the building’s interiordesign and functionality were to as high a standard as thearchitecture.

Bringing natural, simple and light aesthetics to busy campusIssueThe Aarhus University campus is easily recognisable with its long yellow brick buildings rising between trees, mature plants, lakes and paths in a park close to the city centre. The architecture of The Skou Building, which was named after Nobel Prize winner Jens-Christian Skou and is home to the Institute of Biomedicine, needed to be retained, while modernised.ApproachArchitect company CUBO Arkitekter designed the space, which was opened in 2018 and won the City Architects Award in 2019, with a focus on reinterpreting the campus architecture. The building is designed as two staggered lengths that meet in a central atrium. Glass slits have been inserted vertically throughout the building, affording wonderful views of the external spaces and the local cathedral.Inside there has been an emphasis on reducing the number of different materials used, to create a simple, bright and natural look throughout. At the same time, some of the organic, natural shapes in the green spaces outside are drawn into the building, promoting the biophilic design.SolutionThe first two levels of The Skou Building now feature white walls, oak interiors and large glass sections, continuing the biophilic feel. To provide safety throughout the 9000 m2 of corridors and laboratories on the top six floors, Altro Walkway 20 in Cloud has been used, reducing the risk of slipping to one in a million. In addition, 750 m2 of Altro Walkway 20 SD static dissipative flooring in Fog has been used in laboratories which had specific safety requirements. To complete the biophilic design, works of art have been used throughout the building to bring the outside in.

Britannia Leisure Centre is a new multi-sport community complex in Hackney. A key driver for the client was that the building should have a compact footprint. This was achieved by stacking the facilities, creating a rooftop MUGA with tennis courts and 5-a-side football pitches.Lang+Fulton supplied the external steel mesh panels which crown the building and provide panoramic views of London. These were made from their Terra-34 grating which features an anti-climb aperture. The tall slender panels were designed to continue the architectural theme of the building’s columns and vertical elements and were finished in a graphite grey ppc to compliment the neutral palette of stone, concrete and glass.In addition a grating screen was supplied to secure the upper levels of the stairway providing natural daylight and through visibility to the entrance atrium and cafe area.The steel grating also conformed to the requirement for material durability and low maintenance which were key specification considerations.The Britannia Leisure Centre has received multiple awards including Overall Building of the Year (New London Architecture).

There has always been a relationship between design and the marrying up of form, function and aesthetics. While popularity of materials and styles comes and go over the years, how products look, feel and perform is constant. This interesting interplay is explored in the latest online theme from Troldtekt A/S, the Danish manufacturer of acoustic panels. Comprising expert articles, white papers and interviews, the ‘Architectural Beauty’ theme looks at the concept of architectural beauty and the importance of aesthetics in leading certification schemes for sustainable building. It acknowledges that it is not always possible to harmonise the aesthetic with the practical but that there are some ways in which they can be combined to provide value to a building while enhancing its beauty. Australian artist and designer Jay Dee Dearness sums it up well - “Beauty is the melding of functionality and aesthetics in just the right proportions to achieve the desired result.’ Acoustic product manufacturers, such as Troldtekt, embrace this relationship and are at the forefront of practical, aesthetic and high performance products and design. Troldtekt’s wood wool panelling is a perfect canvas allowing architects and designers to realise their most creative schemes, safe in the knowledge that acoustical performance will not be compromised.Since 1903, Copenhagen has presented annual awards for beautiful buildings, landscaping and urban spaces within the city. The Copenhagen Building Award comprises four categories - new buildings, restoration, refurbishment and urban environments. “We present the awards to honour the architects, engineers and developers behind the projects. Also, we’re keen to support projects and urban spaces that are of particular benefit to the city and its citizens”, comments Camilla van Deurs, City Architect of the City of Copenhagen and chair of the building award jury.Copenhagen’s Grøndalsvængets School (pictured), is one of the winning projects chosen by the Copenhagen Building Awards 2020. The school has undergone thorough renovation and expansion, all designed by JJW Arkitekter. It now has a fully modern learning environment where the original qualities have been preserved – and where the indoor climate is exemplary. Like most schools, it used to be noisy by nature from the exuberance of children. Now, this stunning example of architectural beauty shows how large bright spaces, natural daylight and interesting design works well with aesthetic high performance products. It also shows how wood wool acoustic panels make such designs possible while dampening ambient and reverberated noise which would otherwise be unbearable for users.  Many buildings have unique challenges relating to acoustic issues but all can benefit from acoustic panelling to help contribute towards improving the interior environment. Specified throughout the UK and Europe, the benefits of 100% Troldtekt natural wood wool panels include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Samples, case studies and technical information are easily sourced from www.troldtekt.co.uk (tel 01978 664255). In addition, information on Troldtekt’s Architectural Beauty theme can be found at https://www.troldtekt.com/news/themes/architectural-beauty or https://bit.ly/3jvFmV2

Brookland House is the latest refurbishment project by Beech Holdings, who are known for taking unloved buildings and transforming them into sustainable homes.Formerly a neglected office block, Brookland House now provides 25 contemporary eco-friendly apartments for both students and professionals. Built with sustainability in mind, the apartments benefit from an energy efficient glazing package from Senior Architectural Systems. This includes double glazed SPW600e windows, elegant and thermally efficient SF52 Curtain Walling with slim sightlines and arched frames at the head, plus robust SPW501 commercial doors, which are certified to PAS24 and Secured by Design standards.

Berry Court is a new private ‘build-to-rent’ £27 million residential development of 113 one, two and three-bedroom quality apartments plus 217 multi storey car park in the heart of Bournemouth. Designed by Bright Space Architects, Berry Court reflects the art deco heritage of Bournemouth with clean horizontal banding and sweeping curves. A comprehensive fenestration package from Senior Architectural systems was specified, comprising thermally efficient windows and sliding patio doors for the apartments, plus curtain walling and commercial doors for the main building to make the most of the stunning views over the town and out to sea.

Maple teamed up with award-winning architects to develop architectural façades for the 10-storey Stanley Street Car Park in Salford.  Architects AHR wanted to cloak the multi-storey in 3D hexagons, made up of individual ‘kite-shaped’ aluminium panels. Trouble was, they had only ever tried the design with paper.“Our design was a big ask,” admitted Dan Barnes, Regional Director of AHR, “but over a series of workshops and meetings with Maple, we turned what could have been a very complicated job into a simple bespoke system. I’m looking forward to working on other projects with them in the future.” 

914m of Orbis OS210 balustrades and handrails installed in the tallest residential building in the city centre of Bristol, Castle Park View. With Orbis balustrades with glass infill installed to 48 flights of stairs in just 14 days.The 26-storey residential tower provides 375 new homes, hosting a rage of sustainable features and achieving a level four in the Code for Sustainable Homes certification.

The architectural façade is one of the most striking landmarks of a £750m development in Manchester city centre that’s been described as ‘a million miles from ordinary’. And yet, it began life just nine miles away in Maple’s factory.“The best thing I can say about the project is that it looks exactly the same in real life as it did on the original CGI,” said developer Bruntwood’s Senior Project Manager.

Glazing Vision worked closely with Architect, A R C Architecture Ltd, and Contractors, Matrod Frampton Ltd, on this incredible project located in Lymington, Hampshire, where the client was looking for their new pool room extension to include a large, flat rooflight, creating a peaceful and naturally lit room, perfect for a relaxing swim. They were also looking for a rooflight within the loft area of the home to allow natural daylight and ventilation to the space.Glazing Vision’s Flushglaze Fixed Multipart Rooflight in Slate Grey Matt was specified for the roof of the pool house, which was an impressive 3800mm x 10360mm in size, which almost mirrors the size of the swimming pool below.Bespoke glass was selected for this particular project. The double-glazed outer pane was made up of heat soak tested, toughened glass which offers a greater resistance to thermal stresses and provides better protection against glass breaking, reducing risk of injury, essential with a pool directly below.Argon gas filled the space between the panes of glass which helps insulate the room and minimises the transfer of heat through the glass along with a black warm edge spacer which is an insulating plastic composite material that becomes a barrier to heat loss.The inner pane consisted of heat soak tested, toughened, PVB laminated glass which prevents glass shattering under impact by holding the shards together on the membrane so they cannot become lethal, and includes a soft coat low E rating of 1.1, helping with the energy efficiency of the room by reducing energy costs.The product was tested to class 1 in accordance with CWCT TN66/67 which is essential for rooflights which might be walked on for occasional cleaning/ maintenance activities, and which will therefore need to support both the weight of people on the glass and their equipment, which may be required on this occasion.The rooflight was supplied in 6 sections with internal back-to-back angles at the joints between each section. The 6 sections were sized to achieve an equal split when viewed from underneath.Our Skydoor Electric Hinged Access Rooflight was specified on the roof of the loft space which is ideal for ventilation and regular access, and offers natural daylight to the space below. Intelligent actuators ensure synchronized operation between the two supporting mechanisms, so the Skydoor opens to a maximum 87° in one fluid, trouble-free motion, providing you with easy access to the space above.The glass was a double-glazed unit comprising of a heat soak tested, toughened, soft coat low E (1.1) outer pane, with Argon Gas within the space between the panes and black warm edge spacer, with the inner pane consisting of heat soak tested, toughened, PVB Laminated glass, and was also tested to class 1.Both rooflights were expertly installed by our sister brand, Glazing Renovations.“Glazing Vision were helpful in explaining the two different upstands required for the different glazing systems. The installation team were helpful and carried out their work in a professional manor.” – Steve Davies, Site Manager, Matrod Frampton.

Victorian Library receives perimeter sealing system and sash window repair by VentrollaKEY FEATURES: COMMERCIAL, SASH WINDOWS, PUBLIC BUILDING, RENOVATION, VENTROLLA PERIMETER SEALING SYSTEM (VPSS), VICTORIAN.Ventrolla leant a hand with the renovation at Gants Hill Library, Ilford, repairing 12 period timber windows.The work formed part of a major refurbishment project overseen by Ongar-based construction company, Bolt & Heeks Ltd. The project took three months to complete and involved extensive repairs to the building’s original art deco features, including a number of architectural glass roof lights and the parquet flooring.Paula Garsdon, Marketing Manager for Bolt & Heeks, said:“The library dates back to 1938 and it was important to carry out maintenance work in a way that was sympathetic to its origins. We liaised closely with the Borough’s Conservation Officer and carefully selected partners, including Ventrolla, who specialise in dealing with historic buildings.”“The library has been refurbished throughout and this, together with the renovated windows, creates a comfortable and welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy.”Gants Hill is the oldest library in the London Borough of Redbridge. Now reopened to the public, it features new study areas, an additional eight computer terminals, wi-fi access in the reading room and new themed areas for children and teenagers.Ventrolla offers a bespoke renovation service for timber sliding sash and casement windows as well as timber doors. Its unique Perimeter Sealing System significantly improves the window’s performance and energy efficiency.Ventrolla's central office is in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with regional Ventrolla offices located throughout the UK and Ireland.

A range of Ultima aluminium insulated panels incorporating an eye catching perforated outer skin have been specified on the new Reflector residential development at Chambers Wharf in The Southwark district of London. Designed by Simpson Haugh Architecture the properties featured over 1500 sq metres of Ultima aluminium insulated panels glazed in to the structural glazed system across multiple buildings on the development. Each of the panels were finished in a distinctive Basalt Grey PPC colour, that featured a unique perforated outer skin which stood proud of the glazed in panel. These were fitted via a toggle system together with an internal channel surround that added to the distinctive appearance of the building. Ultima aluminium insulated panels are a highly versatile façade panel that can be adapted to fit a variety of external applications. Available in sizes up to and including 6000mm x 2000mm, Ultima panels are fire tested to BS476, provide excellent thermal performance and are supplied with A1 non-combustible insulation materials. They are available in a wide range of high grade anodised colours and PPC finishes.