external fixtures


Aluminium system solutions that help to realise your design ambitions


Realising the design potential of a building does not have to be limited by systems, explains Paul Duffy of Reynaers Aluminium


systems can offer a multitude of benefits to architects, clients and developers. Often the standout feature of a building is the façade, the


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components of which can make all the difference to an eye catching structure. Having the component parts to realise an impressive design is important and architectural aluminium systems can play a major role in bringing the original design concept to life. Curtain walling systems, in their various forms, allow all sorts


of shapes and configurations and can facilitate the most intri- cate of designs often in the most restrictive of spaces. Be the façade flat, inverted, sloped, convex or even concave there is a system to accommodate the most complex of design as well as complement the overall design of the building itself. In order to achieve this necessary synergy between the


design and finished building early involvement in projects can help all concerned. It allows the opportunity for systems, that may not have been considered, to be suggested or recom- mended by experts.


Bespoke systems Curtain walling solutions can take on the most intricate of forms offering the realisation of striking building design and affording architects unlimited design freedom. In some circum- stances the requirement is to develop a complete bespoke system solution in order to meet the concept of the building design. However, most important in all of these decisions is the operational capability of the system, not least of which is the air tightness, determining the energy efficiency of a system, the wind load resistance and water tightness. Element façades enable unitised façades to be pre-assembled


prior to installation on-site. This is particularly appropriate where curtain walling has to be installed in a restricted space or even from inside a building. The glazing units are factory fixed directly into the pre-assembled frame, reducing the number of components on-site and further minimising construction time. Specification of such a system is particularly appropriate where installation and construction deadlines are tight and the products allow the fabricator greater flexibility during the façade fabrication time prior to delivery on-site and installation.


hether it is empowering iconic building design, superior insulation or the unequalled recycl- ability of the material, architectural aluminium


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‘In order to achieve this necessary synergy between the design and finished building early involvement in


projects can help’ Paul Duffy, Reynaers Aluminium


Brise Soleil Commonplace today is the use of Brise Soleil, the highly effective and often automated louvre system fitted to the external façade of a building. In use they offer protection against glare and heat build up. Many such systems are fitted as original equipment on new builds, but can be retrofitted on existing buildings. Integration of external sun blinds allows control of the


energy efficiency of a building, eliminating the need for energy intensive air conditioning systems. This can also be integrated with photovoltaic cells coupled to the building management system. Similarly, incorporation of automated ventilation systems in the top of windows and doors facilitates the required airflow for a building by automatically opening and closing as the wind pressure fluctuates.


Energy efficiency New buildings, whether commercial or residential, all look to include energy efficient and recyclable materials. This has seen the introduction of windows and door systems with much higher thermal insulation properties. The evolution of window and door system design and


thermal performance now sees the window’s U-value as a key indicator to its performance and acceptability within the building envelope, as detailed in the Part L requirements. These values indicate a material’s thermal insulation – the lower the Continued on page 39...


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