"curtain"

Project to divide space, to create new production area for allergen control in food production facility

The eye-catching Vista luxury apartment complex brings a powerful new architectural statement to the London skyline. The unusual organic way in which the architect has stacked the two modern buildings with near-transparent residential layers resembles the structure of an animal skeleton. Located in an enviable location near Chelsea Bridge, the large glass frontages of many of the apartments afford outstanding views of Battersea Park. The apartments have spacious, glazed terraces and patios that are seamlessly interconnected both inside and out. The development also features two extensive courtyards.

Coopers FireMaster Concertina is a great way to offer compartmentation between areas like a kitchen and restaurant and able to divide up these two critical areas in a public building and act as a fire break. By installing the FireMaster Concertina meant it would provide the building with an approved, non-invasive means of fire protection that would satisfy the fire regulations as well as ensuring that the open plan design remained as intended. Compartmentation and Protected Means of Escape were required as part of the fire safety solutions.

A subtle, discreet but high-performing curtain track system was required to shade this glazed space. The Silent Gliss SG 1080 curtain track system was selected due to the small size, discreet fixings and high-performing curtain gliding properties.

A faceted on plan curtain wall completed in AluK’s SL52 system is the centrepiece of the two storey community hub known as The Curve in the Bryn Gaer Place housing development. AluK’s technical team worked closely with their commercial fabrication partners Vellacine to design the curtain walling for the project in Newport, which also required an external canopy to be attached to the system. The challenge was to deliver the faceted on plan design in a practical and cost effective way. This was achieved utilising AluK’s SL52 curtain walling system with a variable gasket solution and a single mullion to ensure that the glazing complemented the external façade design. AluK’s SL52 flexible, capped curtain walling system met the aesthetic, thermal, wind and water performance requirements set down by the north Wales based architects Ainsley Gommon. 

Good Hope Hospital set up plans for a new Paediatric emergency department to help care for their youngest patients.  Horsley Hube Architects Ltd jumped at the chance to specify YewdaleKestrel® products which were installed by our clients, Just Fabrics. With safety in mind, anti-ligature products were chosen for the cubicle tracking (K100 Curtain Divider Track), curtain tracks (K6200 Window Curtain Track) and window blinds (KVL31 Premium profile wand operated vertical blinds) with grey Dart PVC fabric. Read the full case study for more information.

Timber curtain walls

Coopers Fire proudly installed multiple fire and smoke curtains in this iconic building in London.Coopers Fire was approached in 2013 to support multiple Architects and Fire Engineers to work through the difficult interface designs on the historic Battersea building that posed multiple challenges in incorporating smoke and fire strategies whilst maintaining the legacy build design.This was a great opportunity to once again put forward the innovative solutions that have attracted Architects to Coopers Fire on many occasions previously.These challenges followed with the introduction of bespoke curtain systems stretching the designs beyond the norm. There was also a need to carry out support testing to validate their capability and to offer comfort to the stakeholders.Coopers Fire offered continual support to the key stakeholders including the Architect and Fire Engineer community, giving them confidence in ongoing collaboration with Coopers Fire for future projects.The Coopers Fire product design and interfacing, complete with valid specifications, went a long way to assist a Contractors partnership decision in supplying and installing the finished product whilst enabling live design changes with the aligned Architect engaged on the project.The project required FireMaster® Concertina curtains 25m width and 12m in height of straight sections, with an integrity rating of 30 minutes.The Coopers Fire Concertina product portfolio allowed for 12m width and 8m height of straight length sections so the product needed re-designing and bespoke engineering to suit the requirements of the project.A specimen of the engineered solution was tested at an accredited fire testing lab. The specimen achieved 66 minutes integrity rating, without failure.The combined engineering design, testing and fire test data allowed Coopers Fire to meet the requirements of supplying a 25m wide and 12m high FireMaster® Open Concertina fire curtain.One major challenge of the large Concertina products was installation. The 12m drop Concertina fire curtains were installed successfully on site using a combination of scaffolding and mobile platforms and at some points with minimal headspace to work within.The Concertinas were so long that onsite redesign and engineering were required to ensure the bottom tray engaged perfectly with the headbox.The Concertina retaining guides were also so long they required onsite welding. A further four levels below the curtain drop, meant that total installation height was higher than 12 metres from the ground spanning over the voids either side of the bridge below.The Coopers Fire production and installation teams collaborated to manufacture the individual parts of the Concertina fabric off site to ensure the programme of installation was kept on time.Coopers Fire installed:47 x Vertical fire curtains7 x Concertina curtains32 x Vertical smoke curtainsThe team used for the Concertina installation specialise in this product and were able to overcome onsite challenges to ensure the huge Concertina fire curtains operated as expected and deployed effectively.

Products used: CW-FS | Perimeter Barriers and Firestops for Curtain WallingWhen it came to providing a proven range of fire protection solutions for a revitalised building in London highlighted by a sweeping and technically ambitious curved façade, Siderise was able to meet the challenge with its CW-FS curtain wall fire stop system.

Clayton Hotels is a collection of well-appointed hotels throughout Ireland & the UK. They are renowned for offering a unique personality with a warm welcoming atmosphere and superior service. Brief:Cunningham Mclean, Glasgow were appointed as the main interior designers. They approached the Skopos Bespoke design service to work to a brief supplied by them. The curtains were required to be a plain linen look in a neutral colourway. For the throws, the interiors team asked for a black and gold     contemporary design with a circular motif. The Skopos Bespoke team used an existing fabric as a starting point and created the luxurious looking ‘Rings’ design, a woven print which is 100% Trevira CS. Outcome:Skopos supplied curtains, sheers, bedding and cushions, creating a template scheme for a number of Clayton Hotels which have undergone a refurbishment. The curtains supplied are a Bespoke Skopos fabric known as Linas Mink. This wide width  fabric was paired with a blackout lining for the curtains to meet the customer’s brief.Shantung Ice was used for the sheer, to add a simple elegance to the scheme.   

This Surrey residence was a stunning new build mansion property which Tillys were honoured to supply a number of products throughout the entire property.A combination of Finesse Roller Blinds with Antique Brass Brackets with, along with Vanquish Roman Blinds and discreet Aura Curtain Tracks with wave curtains were installed throughout to provide privacy, sun control and dress to the windows.

Architectural glazing systems by Kawneer were specifically selected for a £18.5 million extension to the UK’s oldest business school for their ability to meet the building’s design aesthetic and high-performance requirements. The new 3,000m2 extension features Kawneer’s AA®110 and AA®100 mullion-drained curtain wall systems with capped and capless mullions as well as AA®100 zone-drained fully-capped curtain wall. The AA®100 system, with 50mm sightlines, was used in all areas with the exception of two full-height curtain wall screens which featured on the building’s ‘social space’ characteristic that utilised the AA®110 system with 65mm sightlines.

Designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates Architects, the 31 storey 25 Bank Street was completed in 2003. Originally the European headquarters of Lehman Brothers until their insolvency, it was then acquired by JP Morgan in 2010.InterLace designed, manufactured and installed luxury sheer and blackout curtains to boardrooms and executive suites along with electric curtain tracks. Offices have new, and also refurbished existing blinds throughout.

On a leafy street with shops and eateries, this modern hotel with a striking facade is a 9-minute walk from West Ealing tube station and 4 miles from events at Wembley Stadium. Incorporating an asymmetrical curtain wall design the Aluprof MB-TT50 curtain wall system provides the design aesthetic and performance required to meet the architectural intent with Aluprof MB-59S windows to the side and rear elevations.

Fire separation between floors reinstated with FireMaster® Fire Curtains

Aluminium curtain walling by Kawneer has helped an award-winning and cutting-edge combination of industry and academia achieve a BREEAM “Excellent” rating. The National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC), at the University of Warwick, is one of the largest centres of its kind in Europe, and a partnership between WMG (University of Warwick), Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors UK and features Kawneer’s AA®110 mullion-drained curtain wall.

Designed by the award winning HCL Architects, Newfoundland is a London icon on Canary Wharf rising 58 storeys above the river Thames with 636 exclusive fully furnished build to rent apartments.InterLace designed, manufactured and installed luxury dimout curtains to all bedrooms, with matching shading curtains in living spaces. All windows are also furnished with beautiful, light sheers to reduce solar heat gain and maximise resident’s privacy and exclusivity.

Finish: Interpon D2525 Anodic Bronze Y2214F Parts Coated: Windows, curtain walling

Merchant Square was the largest Grade A office development ever to be undertaken in Belfast at the time of completion. Aluprof systems were used to help transform an existing office block with a completely new building envelope. The building has been entirely let to PwC and is their biggest office space outside of London with 3,000 employees.The external envelope was completed using Aluprof's MB-SE75 unitised curtain wall facade system and was then specified in an anodised finish, which then contrasts with the external Corten steel used in a vertical column emphasis to meet the architects design. With the rise in use of unitised curtain wall systems for medium sized projects, this option is becoming a real alternative to a traditional curtain wall solution, especially as costs are becoming more competitive. Unitised systems can also offer up to a 50% reduction in installation periods which can offer significant savings on the project programme.

10 George Street rises 37 storeys above Canary Wharf’s new district, Wood Wharf. The balconies of its superb 327 fully furnished apartments overlook waterside gardens and boardwalks below and give exclusive views of London.InterLace designed, manufactured and installed luxury dimout curtains to all bedrooms, with matching shading curtains in living spaces. The resident’s amenity areas are fitted with heat reducing electric solar blinds for maximum comfort.

SCW curtain wall. SPW300 windows. SD commercial door system. Leicester’s latest newly built school has been creatively designed and fitted with a suite of aluminium doors, windows and curtain wall from Senior Architectural Systems’ high performance ranges, which collectively account for around 60% of the building’s facade. The building is simple and functional, yet the impressive result is a reflection of the school’s aim to inspire and reflect the rich and diverse community it serves.

Built to service both Coventry and Warwick universities, this development comprises of a basement and eleven upper floors. It provides student accommodation for a total of 262 residents in the form of 185 single bed studios, 31 ‘twodio’ apartments and 15 single bed mezzanine studios.Brief:Working with the owners Morlet Properties, Skopos were asked to provide curtains for all bedrooms. The requirement was a durable, unlined, dimout fabric with the relevant FR certification for this contract environment. Full coverage from wall to wall and floor to ceiling was also essential.Outcome:A clean neutral and grey décor was used throughout the complex so a complimentary curtain colour was key.Nero Ebony from the wide width Mezzanotte collection was chosen for it’s light obscuring properties. The black colourway fitted with the sleek, minimal finish.Skopos provided full service including supplying all made-up items, measuring and fitting tracks and curtains in all 231 bedrooms

The 4-star Mercure Sheffield St Paul's Hotel & Spa is perfectly located in the heart of Sheffield city centre.Fusion Interiors Group an established interior design agency, were approached by Accor Hotels to create luxury bedrooms for Mercure Cardiff and Sheffield. As an approved Accor supplier, Skopos were delighted when Fusion provided the opportunity to work on their scheme.Brief:Brand new luxury suites in both hotels needed a chic and elegant interior. The windows covered a substantial area so large subtly designed curtains and sheers were required.Outcome:The interior scheme included contemporary goemetric shapes for the tables and light fittings with a distressed geometric on the carpet. To fit in with the scheme Oru Husky from the Origiami collection was selected for curtains. The wide width fabric with an Art Deco inspired pattern fitted perfectly within the brief. For additional privacy sheer curtains were  chosen from the Astraeus collection—Charm Ice, also wide width, continued the theme with its matt striped texture.Upholstery fabric for the chair was in complete contrast to the rest of the theme. The soft velvet finish of Tahoe crib 5 upholstery fabric brought a distressed glimmer giving the whole scheme another dimension. The scheme used blues and neutrals to deliver a calm and elegant feel to the interior.Skopos provided a full service offer, including make-up of all curtains and sheers, full site measure and installation.

When it comes to showcasing prestige cars from the likes of BMW, Maserti and Mercedes, it’s vital to find the perfect setting and at the new Pure Cars premises in Wakefield, the slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system has helped create a building as impressive as the stock inside.The flexibility of the SF52 curtain wall system has brought the vision of architects The Harris Partnership to life, from the crisp lines of the showroom’s entrance to the smooth curve of the main façade. The eye-catching building boasts a prime location on the approach to the city centre, with the slim sightlines of the curtain wall highlighting the cars on display and offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas for the enjoyment of staff and customers within.The thermal-efficiency of the SF52 system will also help to prevent heat loss from the extensively glazed building which is a flagship dealership for the Pure Cars brand which specialises in the sale of used luxury and prestige cars.With a proven track record of work across the retail sector, Senior has been involved in a number of other car showroom projects across the UK. Senior curtain walling and glazing systems have been designed to help specifers working in this market meet the required environmental requirements by creating high-visibility shop frontages that minimise solar gain to create a comfortable consumer experience.Senior Architectural Systems’ stylish SF52 aluminium curtain wall system has been used to great effect at a new luxury car showroom in Wakefield, creating an eye-catching and thermally-efficient façade that maximises the use of daylighting. The flagship Pure Cars showroom has been designed by The Harris Partnership, with Senior’s fenestration systems fabricated and installed by Vision Aluminium Systems for main contractor Glass Walls and Doors.

Finishes: Interpon D2525 YW206F and YW207F Parts coated: Curtain walling roof panels, louvres Architect: HOK Applicator: Argonaut

Integrating over two thousand employees from across Dublin into one location, Microsofts new offices take on a human-centric form. Covering 33,000 sq m of floor space the new development connects employees from over seventy two different nationalities. Using both Aluprof MB-SR50N capped curtain wall and MB-SR50N EFEKT capless curtain wall systems the project achieves the architectural performance and aesthetics desired. Providing the building users with exceptional natural daylight. Architect: RKD Architects Main Contractor: BAM

Installed by WD Group for main contractors RG Carter, the curtain walling was an integral part of architects Stride Treglown’s vision for the landmark structure, which also features a flying roof. It features AluK’s SL52 flexible capped curtain walling system throughout, with an entrance door fabricated using the suited GT55TB door system. The diagonal design and irregular angles meant that AluK had to create a solution with multiple transom and mullion sections which was cost effective, while still being true to the aesthetic and meeting the static considerations and performance requirements laid out.

Sustainable construction was placed at the core of the first Enterprise Zone office development at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP). Featuring TECHNAL aluminium curtain walling, windows and door systems with the curtain walling extruded using Hydro CIRCAL® 75R contributing to reducing the building's carbon footprint and helped to achieve the BREEAM Very Good rating awarded. This £22 million project begin in February 2019 and comprises of a 7,500 sqm nett area. four-storey building which houses the headquarters for the leading software company, The Access Group. When completed in November 2020, the office development, funded by Leicestershire County Council, is said to be the largest, single-occupier office deal in Leicestershire.The TECHNAL team were approached to offer specification solutions to suit the aesthetics and meet the technical requirements of the project. Designed around a central core with a linking wing either side, aluminium Curtain Walling spans vertically, with the facade also incorporating aluminium casement windows and doors. 

Finish: Interpon D2525 Bespoke High Gloss Silver and Blue Grey Parts Coated: Curtain walling, infill panels Architect: Robin Partington

Kawneer’s AA®100 curtain wall, AA®540 vents, and series 190 and AA®720 doors were specified by the regular Kawneer users for the latest redevelopment of the Wilfred Brown Building at the university in Greater London. The mullion-drained capped and SSG (Structurally Silicone Glazed) curtain wall forms a new sawtooth façade to the first and second floors and is complemented by the AA®540 window vents which are top-hung and also Structurally Silicone Glazed, series 190 heavy-duty doors to the main entrance, and the thermally-superior AA®720 doors.

Designed by Bond Bryan architects, the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum is a bold and ambitious restoration of four existing buildings to form a single cultural hub. The focal point is the restored frontage of a former Victorian school encased by Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain wall to form a stunning façade showcasing the exhibit, which looks even more dramatic when lit up at night. SF52 curtain walling was chosen for its slim sightlines, which allow extensive views of the building’s restored period features and its enhanced thermal performance which helps improve overall energy efficiency.

This stunning bay window in this London private home was specified with Metropole 50mm custom bent to fit. Wave curtains in Colorama 2 from The Collection by Silent Gliss.

Steel slimline windows and doors, steel heritage windows, steel secondary glazing, steel curtain walling, fire rated steel screens, fire rated steel doors

This private home in London required an understated but significant curtain hanging system for a feature bay window. Silent Gliss Metropole 50mm was specified, custom bent to the shape of the bay.

Edinburgh city centre’s landmark £750m mixed-use Quartermile development is benefitting from a highly effective curtain wall façade sound reduction solution thanks to Siderise.

The Silverstone Interactive Museum is a 600m­² motorsport exhibition located at the world famous Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire. The £22 million building, built with a contribution from the National Lottery Heritage Fund consists of a fully refurbished WWII aircraft hangar and a new two-storey extension which serves as the entrance to the exhibition. The TECHNAL curtain walling was a key part of the design and enabled large spans of glass to the front and rear of the building. This provides contrast to the iridescent finish and rainscreen cladding. This curtain wall system enabled large panel sizes of up to 2.8m high and 2m wide without additional steelwork that would have detracted from the intended design and added to the cost. The exposed location meant that airtightness and thermal efficiency were also design considerations. Our curtain walling features a thermally broken construction and high levels of wind and weather resistance. Due to the nature of the building and location close to the circuit, the goal with the acoustic requirements was to achieve a balance of reducing the sound from the track without completely eliminating it. This was achieved with TECHNAL systems using standard double glazing without the need for acoustic glass.