Clearview National February 2020 - Issue 219 | Page 67
GLASS&SEALEDUNITS
History boys and girls
Modern glazing brings new life to Victorian gatehouse as student hub
» STUDENTS AT ROYAL HOLLOWAY
University of London will now find a brand new,
architect-designed private accommodation and
social hub located in Egham, Surrey.
The privately-owned facility, called Hox Haus,
is in an extended and re-modelled Grade II-listed
Victorian gymnasium located a short bus-ride
away from Royal Holloway, University of London.
The project blends its original Victorian
brickwork with two new glazed ‘light box’
additions which will provide students with light-
filled spaces in which to work, socialise and relax.
Michael Metcalfe, national sales manager -
UK processing, at Pilkington United Kingdom
Limited, part of the NSG Group, said: “There is
a good body of research evidence building that
suggests there is a strong relationship between
natural light in working and studying spaces
and the wellbeing of those using the space.
“It has been shown to promote better
sleep, increased physical activity and increased
productivity, all conducive to more effective
study.”
In order to maximise the benefits that the
glazing delivers to students using the facility, a
structurally-glazed curtain-wall system from
manufacturer Raico was selected for the project.
The system ensures that, externally, only a
narrow silicone joint remains visible between
each pane of glass, maximising sight-lines
in and out of the building while minimising
obstructions to natural light entering.
A CLEVER APPROACH TO
CLIMATE CONTROL
The glass used throughout features the
high-performance Pilkington Suncool™
66/33 solar-control coating. This means that
just 33 per cent of the sun’s energy can pass
through, significantly reducing the heating
effect on the interior, while 66 per cent
of light is allowed in, maintaining excellent
brightness and views.
Further solar control is provided by
the shading created by anodised metal fins
that project from the glazed wall in key
areas, a feature that also adds a distinctive
contemporary aesthetic to the design.
Michael Metcalfe continued: “In any building
that has large areas of glass, there will
always be a risk of excessive heat build-up,
which can result in either an uncomfortable
environment for occupants or high running
costs and poor environmental performance if
high levels of air-conditioning are used.
“Our solar-control coatings are
engineered to minimise this effect, making it
easier to maintain an ideal temperature all
year round without compromising on the
advantages large areas of glazing bring to a
building.”
David Holt, Founder of architects and
designers 74 said: “We wanted to create a
light-filled and largely transparent overall
space that brings the outside in, references
the building’s semi-rural location and offers a
warm, comfortable and relaxing home-from-
home for students. The interior feel was to
be like a country retreat or clubhouse-with-
a-twist.
“Fostering social interaction was at the
heart of the design, and the glazed elements
play a key role in that. We wanted all of the
spaces, even those intended for individual
study – to feel connected.”
Paul Williams, managing director at Vitrine
Systems, said: “The combination of Pilkington
solar-control glazing and the state-of-the-art
Raico structural glazing units means students
will get maximum benefit from working in a
bright and airy space, whilst having beautiful
views of the surrounding countryside.
“The high quality off the materials also
gives the building a ‘premium’ feel which will
help fill students with a sense of pride in
their surroundings and help attract the most
talented individuals to apply to study at the
college.”
Hox Haus opens its doors to students for
the 2019-2020 academic year. It features IT-
equipped workspaces for individual or group
study as well as a downtime space with
TV and games lounges, tea points, vending
machines and built-in bar points to allow
pop-up catering for social events.
pilkington.com/en-GB/uk
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