EDITOR ’ S CHOICE
Aluprof are committed to further reducing carbon emissions in production that will occur over the coming years using new and emerging technologies .
for any given project and how further carbon savings can be achieved through the supply chain .
Not being complacent at this level of carbon content , Aluprof are committed to further reducing carbon emissions in production that will occur over the coming years using new and emerging technologies . But , we need also to consider aluminium ’ s considerable benefits in use , particularly in facades . Whilst we know of aluminium ’ s light weight and its ability to be easily shaped through various processes , its long life in use is what impresses specifiers and clients alike .
One of the oldest first uses of aluminium in fenestration is the well documented Bodleian Library in Oxford . Aluminium windows from James Gibbons were installed in the ‘ New University Library ’ at Oxford University 85 years ago , further highlighting aluminium ’ s extraordinarily long service life . The building , designed by Giles Gilbert Scott and built between 1937 and 1939 , was a much needed addition to the Bodleian Library whose collections are used by scholars from around the world . The windows were inspected and chemically cleaned ten years ago and they are expected to continue performing well into the current century .
One of the latest projects to be completed with an aluminium facade is the ground breaking Forge in London . The Forge is the first commercial building constructed and operated in line with the UK ’ s Green Building Council net zero definition and energy reduction targets . It comprises two new office buildings and a public courtyard . Located on Sumner Street , The Forge is a Landsec office development located just behind Tate Modern in London and is one of the most innovative projects in London , pioneering several new construction methods fit for the decades ahead .
Breaking new ground , the project is the world ’ s first large-scale office scheme to be built using a standardised “ kit of parts ”, in an approach known as ‘ platform design for manufacture and assembly ’ ( P-DfMA ), which applies the advances made by the manufacturing industry to construction . Aluprof UK were invited to take an early design role in developing a unitised facade system , the MB-SE120 which has a UW value of < 1.3 W ( m2K ) that meets the P-DfMA specification pioneered by architects and engineers Bryden Wood . Construction was led by Sir Robert McAlpine and Mace , working together in an innovative joint venture ( JV ) partnership .
Using the latest anodising and fabrication technology the life expectancy of the facade on the Forge can be assured for many decades ahead - a testament to aluminium ’ s continuing sustainability .
Aluprof are proud to be one of Europe ’ s largest aluminium systems companies . Specification support is available through the company ’ s website at www . aluprof . co . uk , directly from their UK head office in Altrincham or from their London office at the Building Design Centre by phoning + 44 ( 0 ) 161 941 4005 .
PAGE 21 - ARCHETECH