Award-winning regeneration scheme uses Technal’s new curtain walling option
An award-winning city centre
regeneration project in Wakefield is one of the first applications of a new addition to Technal’s MX aluminium curtain walling suite – the MX62 option developed to accommodate larger dimensions and maximise natural light. Designed by Carey Jones
Chapmantolcher, the first phase of the £140m Merchant Gate development is located in the heart of Wakefield’s historic Civic Quarter and has created a vibrant new centre for business, leisure and living. Five high specification buildings and a multi-storey car park feature more than 2,600sqm of Technal’s façade systems, fabricated and installed by Dortech Architectural Systems.
The MX62 curtain walling was used for the ground floor retail units on each block, achieving large unsupported spans of up to 4.5m. This latest option from Technal enables architects and contractors to specify even larger sizes of glass to help reduce the reliance on artificial lighting. A maximum weight of 600kg per transom can be specified for MX62, compared to up to 400kg for the standard visible grid system. It is available in three mullion/transom sizes – 80mm, 140mm and 200mm for further design flexibility
and will accommodate 8mm to 44mm glazing as a flat façade.
At Merchant Gate, Technal’s MX Visible Grid system was specified as bands of curtain walling for the upper floors of buildings E and F. This ribbon effect is ‘broken up’ with the introduction of glazed spandrel panels in shades of green, yellow and blue. In other areas, panels of glazing were set into resin concrete tiles and contrasting natural timber-faced laminate cladding panels.
The curtain walling was faceted to two corner elevations and also encloses the full height stair cores for the commercial and residential elements and the car park. Finished in dark anthracite grey, the MX system carries a variety of glass specifications to meet the acoustic and solar control requirements according to the orientation of each elevation. Top hung concealed vents provide natural ventilation throughout. The 17-acre Merchant Gate
development was identified as one of the most important regeneration projects in the North of England. Phase one has created a lively and prosperous new quarter through a combination of mixed- use buildings, delivering 66 one and two
bedroom apartments, 89,000sqft of commercial and leisure space, a 1,450 space multi-storey car park and a large public square.
Technal’s MX curtain walling suite has all the aesthetic, durability and low maintenance qualities of aluminium, combined with constant 52mm sight lines to create a uniform appearance across a comprehensive range of design options – low to high rise curtain walling, visible grid, ribbon, structural, beaded, faceted, acoustic, and sloped glazing. This high performing façade solution has all the advantages of one fully integrated system – consistent interfaces, simplified specification, ease of fabrication and installation, cost efficiency and reduced time on site. All the options in the MX suite have been rigorously tested to BS EN standards for wind resistance, water tightness and air permeability. For further information about Technal’s portfolio of commercial aluminium window, door, curtain walling, and low rise façade systems, visit
www.technal.co.uk or call 01924 232323.
Creative solution for the Liverpool University Dental Hospital
The Liverpool University Dental Hospital is primarily a teaching establishment for the training of dental undergraduates so the appearance of the facilities, and in particular the common room, is an important factor in attracting new students when they visit on open days. The common room is on the fourth floor and has spectacular views across Liverpool so
the Trust also saw its potential as a venue for functions.
With the room divided into two distinct areas by a glass panelled partition, the Gerflor products have been used to differentiate the spaces while making it feel very unlike a normal healthcare environment.
Gerflor’s Creation Wood Plank Buxton Oak is the key floorcovering and has been installed throughout the ‘soft’ seating area and defines the main circulation space within the ‘hard’ seating area. Here the dining areas are highlighted within the flooring by rectangular inlays consisting of a band of Creation Mineral Smart Ivory tiles infilled with a panel of Taralay Indiana Guinea. The edges of the room are relieved by
Building & Facilities Management – September 2011
borders of Creation Mineral Smart Ivory. The installation itself was technically challenging due to the integration of tile and plank products and the minimisation of waste from offcuts while all the products had to satisfy the requirements of wear resistance and low maintenance. Ideal for high-traffic areas, Gerflor’s Creation decorative planks are bevel edged and have highly grained and embossed surface textures which add authenticity and sophistication. They benefit from a polyurethane surface treatment (PUR), making maintenance easy.
Taralay is the most durable and easy to maintain sheet flooring on the market. It offers ultra low whole life costs due to Protecsol® surface treatment which eliminates the need for polishes. In addition, it has excellent chemical and stain resistance and hygienic benefits due to Sanosol® anti-bacterial and fungicidal treatment. Tel: 01926 622600
www.gerflor.co.uk
feature :: building & refurbishment 15
Building & Refurbishment
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