CONTRACTS & PROJECTS
Groundbreaking research building The University of Warwick’s new £6.7million Mechanochemical Cell Biology Building is equipped with a host of innovative technologies that enable it to push the boundaries of biomedical research, including a bold Solar Shading solution from Levolux. BMJ architects undertook the design of the 16,000sqft building, which represented a significant challenge. Not only were they required to satisfy the client’s scientific brief, but also a targeted BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’, which was achieved. The completed building creates an attractive focal point for Gibbet Hill campus, sitting proudly at its main entrance. The building accommodates research laboratories, equipment suites, and offices, all requiring controlled environmental conditions to be maintained throughout the year. To help make this possible, Levolux was invited to develop a custom Solar Shading solution. The custom solution comprises an intricate arrangement of external, fixed aerofoil- shaped aluminium Fins, which wrap around two elevations, providing solar control for the building’s glazed openings. Eleven vertical Fins have been applied to the building’s west-facing elevation, each measuring 700mm in depth and ranging in height from 6750mm down to 1900mm. These interconnect with thirteen horizontal Fins using 90 degree welded, mitred corners. The horizontal Fins, each measuring 400mm in depth, appear as two vertical stacks that run continuously along the building’s south and west facing elevations, with an upper stack of seven Fins and a lower stack of six Fins. The seamless arrangement of vertical and horizontal Fins could only be achieved by combining Levolux’s Infiniti Fin system with its Triniti curtain walling bracket. This not only allows impressive spans, but also offers the flexibility to cantilever the Fins past the last support and for the vertical and horizontal Fins to be fixed at precise angles to create the optimum sun cut-off angle. By effectively absorbing and reflecting the sun’s rays before they impact on glass, on exposed south and west facing elevations, the interior remains protected against excessive solar heat gain. For more information, visit
www.levolux.com
Access improved Entrance fit for a King
A striking glass entrance at Kingsthorpe Grove Primary School in Northampton, which was shortlisted in last year’s 3R Awards (Refurb, Rethink, Retrofit), is sporting two Slimdrive SL sliding automatic operators from GEZE UK, seamlessly enabling access for all. Architectural firm EllisWilliams has created a highly transparent building which links the Grade II listed primary school to its nursery, while complementing and enhancing the traditional Edwardian architecture. Two sets of bi-parting automatic glass doors form a lobby to reduce heat loss or gain, providing a sustainable, safe, functional and elegant entrance. The bold, crisp lines of the framework, creating an eye-catching diamond shape above the entrance, combined with glass for maximum light and transparency, are an essential part of the architects’ design, which is why glazing specialists Birchdale Glass called on GEZE UK to supply its Slimdrive SL operators for the automatic entrances. At just 7cm high, they can be mounted almost invisibly to the glass, making them the ideal choice. For more information telephone 01543 443 000, email
info.uk@
geze.com or visit
www.geze.co.uk
22 | Architects Choice |
ArchitectNews.co.uk
Chase Mobility has provided a low rise bespoke, balustrading disabled lift solution to a new 18-storey building on Aldermanbury Square in London. Quality of access was the driving force behind the brief of this project, where architects had already been appointed and designs approved for this new building. Working closely with the architects, Chase Mobility was able to ensure that regulations and the architectural needs of the client were upheld and delivered. Ease of use and quality of access for disabled passengers as always is of paramount importance. Toughened low iron glass panels with brush polished, profile edges and stainless steel posts were designed by Chase to aesthetically fit with third party handrails already in situ. Stone slab floor and matching stainless trim completes the look, while cab enclosure`s stainless post contains integrated call buttons. For more information telephone 01902 675 835 or visit
www.chasemobility.co.uk
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