Design Buy Build Issue 40 2019 | Page 117

Early in the buildings life these dysfunctional original units had been blocked out, now, with the support of Aluprof, the building retains not only its original design intent but offers high levels of thermal efficiency thanks to the introduction of double glazing and high performance thermal breaks in the frames design. With the careful selection of glass, the change in available light, as the sun is obscured by clouds, is minimised, thereby offering a more constant light level in the gallery space below. Reinstating a now controllable blackout blind below the rooflight offers further flexibility for the use of the gallery space below. Architects on the project are Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and the redevelopment of the gallery is just part of a wider £35 million upgrade of the Southbank Centre in time for its 50th anniversary. Of heavy ‘Brutalist Architecture’ design, popular back in the 1960’s, the architect has sympathetically updated the gallery meeting today’s display requirements, but maintaining the original design intent of the period. Serving the whole of the UK and Ireland, Aluprof UK’s head office and warehouse facility is located in Altrincham, Cheshire. Aluprof systems are increasingly being specified on a wide range of residential and commercial projects across the UK. Systems are designed, fabricated and installed by selected, specially trained local companies, to ensure each fabricated product meets Aluprof’s exacting standards. Further information is available on the company’s website at www.aluprof.co.uk and specialist advice is available directly from Aluprof’s UK head offices on +44 (0) 161 941 4005 or from their London office, based at the Business Design Centre, Islington, on +44 (0) 207 288 6415 117