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Stainless steel strips on vertical glazing act as
eyeliner to accentuate crystalline quality and effect.
Glass has an important role because it’s much more
than a game of appearances, or performance. So it really
has to meet environmental and aesthetic standards in
one sweep?
Yes, glass is a key component with any contemporary
building. The extent of glazing and its performance is vital.
Glass has two key roles here: the zigzag form of the glazing
was a conscious decision to assist with the environmental
performance. By rotating the glazing away from the west,
it faces the north-west and south west, the glazing system
is more efficient. It acts as a mirrored, reflective surface
and some of the quality of light internally is from incidental
reflection. The refracted light from these mirror strips looks
like ribbons of light on the façade. The glass reinforced
concrete skin acts as a canvas. The interesting quality is
that those light rays are accidental rather than deliberate.
What about local versus imported content?
That’s a major consideration for our team as a specifier.
We specify for performance. Our relationship with local
companies such as Viridian is important. One of
the important goals of this project was to lean more
towards locally processed glass and in-market local
producer support.
At what stage do you involve firms such as Viridian?
Usually quite early on. As a design practice we like to
involve their technical people from the outset. We have
a very strong relationship with Viridian. There is a whole
series of design criteria to meet, how much glass we
include the amount of the façade that is vision glazing
and how it should be treated. The technical input from
Viridian is vital and their level of expertise and service
is a contributing factor as to why we bring them on board.
ou can’t do great buildings
Y
without everyone involved
giving their all. That’s what
had to happen on this
building.
WAYNE SANDERSON, ARCHITECT