Lithodecor’s Airtec Glass ventilated rainscreen cladding system has recently been installed on Price Tower at the University of Chester. Specified by Architects ADP, the Airtec system was used to replace a failed glass cladding system which had experienced delamination.
ADP were appointed with Galliford Try for the recladding and refurbishment of Price Tower, which comprises seven storeys of cellular office and open seminar/teaching spaces above ground level with three access points. The Tower had been identified for refurbishment due to a combination of factors. Externally the brutalist 1960s concrete cladding had begun to spall in locations and aesthetically did not resonate with the University’s aspirations. The Tower’s prominence was seen as a key physical marker for the University in the city and needed to reflect the University’s forward thinking approach.
The building envelope was thermally upgraded plus solar shading improvements were made to the south and west facades. Internally, limiting floor layouts restricted usage and a preferred reconfiguration of teaching facilities on the lower floors and academic office to the upper floors was designed. A full structural and conditional assessment was carried out, to meet modern standards of teaching and other accommodation.
On inspection of the envelope at 12 months, defects were observed where the laminated glass cladding system was showing signs of delamination; at this point the original over-cladding system was condemned and an alternative system needed to be found. It was decided that the Airtec system was the best, tested solution that would match the original design intent.
Peter Hay, the University’s Director of Estates and Facilities, says, “Price Tower is a landmark structure, both for the University and for the city. It is heavily used by students and staff, so it was vital to ‘future-proof’ the building as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
Galliford Try, main contractor on the project installed the Airtec Glass system after stripping back the existing cladding. Representatives from both Galliford Try and ADP visited Lithodecor’s site in Germany to view the manufacturing process and understand how to install the system. Lithodecor supported both parties through the whole project with design and technical expertise plus working drawings for the system. Paul Pritchard, Galliford Try comments, “We had not used the Airtec Glass system before, but we are delighted with the finished project and found Lithodecor very supportive throughout the whole project.”
Approximately 375m2 of Airtec Glass with a blue/grey coloured finish was installed creating a transformation for Price Tower while in keeping with the architect's original vision. The panels consist of toughened safety glass bonded to a lightweight concrete base. The robust composite panels, up to 32mm thick and up to 4.7m² in size, are installed by hooking onto an aluminium frame with concealed clip-type fixings.
Adam Pearson, ADP comments, “ We are delighted with the resulting appearance of Price Tower with Lithodecor’s Airtec System installed, which has breathed new life into this prominent building for the University of Chester.”
Ben Parry, Lithodecor added, “The Airtec Glass system is manufactured to exacting standards with tight tolerances and robust testing. We are also pleased with the finished project and it’s really given Price Tower a new facelift yet is in keeping with the University's original design aspirations.”
