A multitude of glass surfaces were used to provide patients with
continuous visual contact with the world outside. Reynaers’ CS 77-HI
windows were specified, as they offer the highest performance and
thermal insulation, in full compliance with Belgian standards.
Sustainability was also a priority for the AZ Sint Maarten building. The
focus on keeping spaces compact yet comfortable has resulted in
less building envelope being needed per square meter, thus reducing
the construction costs and energy loss in the long term. A waving
brise soleil envelope was designed as a second skin for the building,
offering solar protection for patients and personnel and introducing a
playful, delicate element to the building.
Following research into form, inclination and a building simulation
model to monitor thermal comfort in patient rooms, VK Architects and
Engineers created this unique brise soleil solution by using curved
lamellas. When it came to making the design a reality, Reynaers worked
closely with the contractor, MBG to tailor the existing BS 100 system to
fit the project’s needs. The end solution includes no less that 63,000
metres of profiles, creating a ‘skin’ for the building that adapts to the
façade orientation. For instance, smaller distances between slats were
used in the west and the east due to the lower position of the sun,
compared to the south where the position of the sun is higher.
Commenting on the collaboration with Reynaers, Erik Vereecken,
Project Director Healthcare at VK Architects & Engineers said: ‘One
of the key elements in this project was the wind tunnel test to verify
the overall resistance to wind loads and acoustical impact. This test
convinced everybody of the quality of the technical solution provided
by Reynaers’.
Another unique element of AZ Sint Maarten is the fact that the project
was an early adopter of BIM (Building Information Management)
in 2010. Being able to make use of 3D modelling has meant that
aspects such as airflow and mechanical and thermal simulations were
evaluated and optimised long before construction began.
A video showcase of the AZ Sint Maarten project is available here:
https://www.reynaers.co.uk/en-UK/inspiration/aluminium-project-
references/az-sint-maarten.
Further details are available from: Reynaers Aluminium Limited,
Tel: 0121 421 1999, or email: [email protected],
website: www.reynaers.co.uk.