GLASS & SEALEDUNITS
Multi-Functional Solution for Algeria Gulf Bank Headquarters
» 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 .
Home to one of the country ’ s leading banks , Algeria Gulf Bank ( AGB ) HQ comprises a pair of 25-storey twin towers rising from a shared base with five underground basement levels . Located on the El Biar district roundabout in Algiers , the architectural structure forms a pivotal landmark in the city ’ s skyline . Due to the scale and significance of the building , it needed to create the wow factor from both the outside and the inside . However , it was important that the aesthetically pleasing design and other practical benefits did not compromise on the building ’ s safety .
Tasked with designing , manufacturing and installing the external glass façades was specialists , Seveme . Miguel Sousa , Project Director , commented : “ There were a number of factors that needed to be considered for this project . Firstly , because it is a bank , the building requires high levels of safety and security . As a country in North Africa , Algeria experiences high temperatures all year round therefore solar control was also important for the external application . The main challenge for us during the planning phase was to source a glazing system that could meet both of these specific requirements .
“ The client had high standards – not only in terms of glazing performance but for all aspects of the project . The goal from the beginning was to create a solution that
combines safety , functionality , comfort and aesthetics – and we needed a curtain wall system that was certified to the highest EI120 classification . The capabilities of Pyroguard ’ s products and the research and development that goes into them , along with the knowledge and support from its technical team ensured that we were able to achieve this vision .”
One of the major benefits of Pyroguard ’ s toughened range of fire safety glass is that it can be combined with additional counterpanes , whether acoustic , solar control , decorative or attack resistance , and can be used in various applications to meet individual project requirements . For the 24-floor lift shaft which runs up the spine of AGB headquarters and connects the two towers , Pyroguard T-E120 / 47-3 from the Pyroguard Protect range was coupled with a solar control IGU to create a truly multi-functional glazing system .
Approximately 800m 2 of the Pyroguard T-EI120 glass panes with the solar control layer was installed inside fire rated steel curtain wall , which will provide the lift shaft with integrity and heat insulation for 120 minutes in the event of a fire . It also delivers 1B1 impact classification , UV stability and strong acoustic performance . All Pyroguard products have been approved by Certifire , UK and Efectis , France . An Avis de Chantier project assessment was also provided and certified by Efectis to justify the conformity of Pyroguard T-EI120 in relation to this specific project .
Moving inside the building , the well thought-out design offers the end users spacious and high-quality modern facilities . In the lobby on the ground floor , Seveme installed the same Pyroguard Protect product in the internal partitions . However , in place of a solar control counterpane , a black tinted screen was used for a decorative effect in line with the architect ’ s interior vision . This once again demonstrated the multi-functional benefits of the flexible Pyroguard toughened range and proved that safety does not need to compromise on aesthetics .
Miguel Sousa concluded : “ This was the first project that Seveme had undertaken with Pyroguard and we are already in talks about using their solutions for another project . The team advised us on the composition of the products and were able to manufacture them according to the bespoke requirements needed . They also supported us to obtain the necessary certificates and approvals .
“ This next project will be completely different to AGB headquarters ; it will be in Portugal , where we are based , showing the company ’ s ability to provide fire safety glass solutions for projects across various sectors around the world .”
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74 » APR 2021 » CLEARVIEW-UK . COM