DIARYDATES
Celebrating Form, Functionality and Finishes
Façade systems for award winning and BREEAM outstanding university building
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THE AWARD-WINNING AND BREEAM Outstanding Engineering Building at the internationally renowned Lancaster University features a complete range of architectural aluminium glazing systems from pioneering façade specialist, Technal.
Located on Lancaster University’ s campus in the North West of England, the new engineering facility has been designed by leading architectural practice John McAslan + Partners. Technal’ s technical support team and fabricator LDG Contracts worked alongside main contractor Eric Wright Construction to deliver the most thermally efficient solution, which features Technal’ s FXi65 window system, CD doors and MX curtain walling.
With the capability of realising Uw values as low as 1.3w / m2K, over 196 of Technal’ s most innovative casement window system, FXi65 have been installed throughout the building.
Featuring a stylish‘ visible’ opening frame with an infill of up to 52mm for a contemporary finish, the FXi65 windows appear as both punched hole and inserts within curtain walling offering varying configurations yet visually-consistent window types across the building.
Furthermore, by specifying Technal’ s CD heavy-duty door, LDG Contracts was able to provide a solution perfectly equipped to
handle the demands of a high traffic area. Featured to ground floor thoroughfare locations, the doors are specified as hinged configurations and include single and double leaf options. Offering a flush threshold, ideal for disabled access, the doors are double glazed to BS6262.
Featured throughout the building, 252sqm of Technal’ s MX Visible Grid capped curtain walling was selected for its contemporary aesthetics. The system includes concealed vents that allow for natural ventilation without compromising the architectural integrity of the façade.
With natural light being a key specification requirement, MX Visible Grid allowed larger and heavier glazing units to be installed thanks to its superior load distribution.
Installed to the spanning, entrance screens, 160sqm of MX Trame Verticale curtain walling, also complements the building’ s design. Its projecting aerofoil transom caps add depth to the façade whilst the slender face trim gaskets are flush, with the front face of the infill, softening the corresponding sections. LDG Contracts and Technal also worked closely to provide a bespoke top hat along with perforated panel details that complete the stylish façade.
www. technal. com / en / uk
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NEW CONFEX EMBRACES THE use of materials during all stages of architecture and construction, from structure to finishing.
Materials 2017- the new conference and exhibition focused entirely on the cuttingedge of material solutions for architecture, construction, and design- was conceived from the burning necessity for a nuanced perspective on building product specification and procurement.
Sustainability, cost, life-cycle performance, thermal and acoustic efficiency, and potential for re-use and recycling are just some of the variable characteristics which must be taken into account when choosing materials for a project. Materials 2017 delivers a transparent platform where construction professionals can gain confidence in their specification choices down to the last of these details.
In addition to showcasing striking aesthetic designs created with different materials, the conference and exhibition will explore functionalities of materials which extend beyond the visual. The emphasis on materials for structures, envelope, façades and finishes is testament to the fact that Materials 2017 adopts a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to architects’ needs.
Materials 2017 Chair and Moderator Ruth Slavid said:“ Architects, of course, talk about form, space, and light, but in order to create those you have to create them with the materials.”
To register for your free ticket to Materials 2017, please visit www. materials2017. co. uk / register
Sage Gateshead, an iconic glass building in Gateshead Quays, UK
CLEARVIEW-UK. COM » MAR 2017 » 29