windows and doors
Access issues
of Part L
By Simon Bowden, Technical Director at GEZE UK
Reducing a building's carbon footprint through eco-friendly design is already big news in the construction industry but cur- rent legislation to improve energy efficiency in retail and office space, including en- trances, creates another hot potato for architects, specifiers and constructors.
From new product development, to the elemen- tal impact of an entrance's location, the access point to a building can become a major obstacle for many, in the need to maintain a constant temperature and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. By its very nature, an access point must allow movement between the outside and inside of a property, which creates energy loss and increases carbon footprint. The access point must also be convenient to use, durable for high footfall sites, comfortable for staff working close to the entrance, accessible for all and be aesthetically pleasing. Specialists in entrance control systems like GEZE UK, are already working on new products and techniques to improve the energy efficiency of entrances, but the initial challenge lies with the architect, who must plan the site and style of each entrance with energy efficiency in mind. By situating a main entrance on the side of a building that is exposed to the elements, for example with prevailing winds or in strong sun- light, makes it more difficult for a satisfactory level of efficiency to be achieved. Incorporating a staggered entrance system will also help to preserve energy and prevent heat loss or gain, but this needs to be considered at the initial design stage, rather than compromising the architect’s version later. GEZE UK is already working with developers to enhance the efficiency of their entrances, using a combina- tion of design techniques and new products. Intelligent sensing on automatic doors ensures that entrances are fully accessible, but by using unidirectional radar sensors, the doors are only open when a user approaches reducing 'hold open' time by 40 per cent. Responding quickly to issues is also a key element of maintaining energy efficiency once the building is in use. Ongoing maintenance and experienced, local service teams are an essential component; ensuring doors remain efficient and effective. GEZE UK has developed iContact, a new remote monitoring system which enables engi- neers to be instantly informed of any issues regarding an automatic door, and in the event of a fault, to remotely close the doors to pre- vent heat loss and ensure the building is secure. This instant approach to servicing looks set to be key in the battle to reduce energy consump- tion. When these techniques are combined with special products, the effects can be even more dramatic. Glass entrances can be designed using efficient Low E coated glass that reflects UV rays, or using argon filled double glazing, which buffers heat loss and gain even more effectively.
Sky high at Canary Wharf
40 Bank Street in London’s Canary Wharf has a new Levolux Glass Fin Roof Enclosure, creating
a sleek appearance that can be seen for miles around. 40 Bank Street required additional genera- tors and plant to be installed at roof level. To ensure the modifications to the 153 metre building would not detract from architect, Cesar Pelli and Associates’ original design (now Pelli Clarke Pelli), a new Glass Fin Roof Enclosure was designed and installed by Levolux – screening plant from view. The bespoke screening solution comprises 336 Glass Fins and an attractive stainless steel and alu- minium frame that reaches six metres in height, cloaks the additional generators. While the Glass Fins offer a highly attractive method of concealing the plant equipment, they also allow good natural ventilation allowing the generators to operate effi- ciently. From all angles and from any height, the 33 storey building appears with flawless clean lines that run from the bottom to the very top. The Levolux Glass Fin Roof Enclosure effectively screens plant from view, whilst providing a striking visual feature that enhances the building’s overall appearance.
For further information, visit
www.levolux.com
Slide and fold solution
The ASS 70 FD is an aluminium, thermally insulated folding/sliding door system from Schueco UK Lim- ited. Its excellent water-tightness and attractive design with radiused frame hinges has made it a popular choice for a wide range of environments. Delivering 'U' values as low as 1.7 W/m2
K, the sys-
tem can accommodate up to 18 leaves, each with a maximum width of 1200 mm and a maximum height of 3000 mm. A flush threshold option makes the ASS 70 FD particularly suitable for commercial sites like car showrooms and restaurants, where the slim meeting-stile sight-line of only 60 mm (allowing the maximum area of glass) is another advantage. It is also possible to specify a turn-tilt door leaf to pro- vide ventilation. The ASS 70 FD is water-tight up to class 9A EN 12208 and with inward-opening versions, optional security fittings allow the system to achieve a Class 2 EN V 1627 standard of burglar
Cool resolution to Beaufort Park
Beaufort Park is a £16 million green field office development, providing 45,650 sq feet of Grade A office space and features a number of low carbon technologies, including a custom Solar Shading solution from Levolux. In total, 86 exter- nal fixed Glass Fins were installed on the east and west facing elevations at ground and first floor levels. Each laminated Glass Fin, measuring 2700mm long, 400mm wide and 21.5mm thick, is finished with an acid etched effect and is secured to the building using folded stainless steel components. The Glass Fins limit the exposure of the building’s windows to direct sunlight, while allowing plenty of natural daylight to filter through into the building. As a result, excessive solar heat gain is prevented and the need for air conditioning is significantly reduced. Levolux also installed its Z profile 85mm Louvres, to form a screen measuring 2750mm in height and stretching a total of 102 metres.
For further information, telephone 0208 863 911, email
info@levolux.com or visit
www.levolux.com
24 Architects Choice
resistance. Fast, accurate fixing of all versions is as- sured by a unique built-in frame adjustment device.
For further information, telephone 01908 282111 or visit
www.schueco.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36