High specification
curtain walling fabricated using Technal MX Grid system, has been successfully
employed in the construction of a new science annex at the University of
Manchester.
Working alongside
Dortech, the fabricator, Technal provided excellent energy and acoustic
performance, while contributing to the visual appeal of the building.
The Schuster Annex on
the University of Manchester’s main campus is intended to become a catalyst for
excellence in STEM teaching; and is linked to the circulation spaces within the
existing building. Designed by the leading practice, Hawkins Brown, and constructed
by sector specialist Willmott Dixon, the annex forms part of the new
masterplan.
Dortech is the
fabricator responsible for supplying an integrated package of Technal systems,
which also includes FXi65 aluminium windows.
James Sutherland,
Managing Director of Dortech, commented: “We were awarded the contract for the
Schuster Annex by Willmott Dixon, following a competitive tender process; with
our package including a number of striking design features.
“These included 1,000m2 Technal MX Thermally Broken Curtain Wall
with 200mm extending face caps as well as the FY65 ‘punched-hole’ windows in RAL 7043 Traffic
Grey, plus some 1,500 linear metres of aluminium flashings. The glazing units
feature the use of SGG COOL-LITE SKN 14 glass with digitally printed artwork.”
While the 8mm
COOL-LITE outer leaf provides solar control, the thermal performance of the IG
units also benefits from an argon filled 18mm cavity and a 10.8mm thick inner
leaf of coated laminated glass. The glazing specification, along with the
design of thermally broken framing system also deliver a sound reduction of
40dB or more without special enhancement.
Referring to the
success of the curtain walling and fenestration solution from Dortech and
Technal, Willmott Dixon’s Project Manager, James Goodwin, said: “This was a
challenging project, not least because of the building’s proximity to a main
road and the MRI (Manchester Royal Infirmary) with ambulances and other
emergency services going past all the time. In terms of the acoustics, the
transfer of noise, it has performed wonderfully well. Also, the Technal systems
meet all of the thermal insulation requirements whilst, aesthetically it looks
fantastic. Everyone is pleased with the completed project.”
Completed last year at
a cost of approximately £11m, The Schuster Annex provides some 2,500m2 of space across its four floors; with
what has been named the “Ideas Mill” and break out spaces at ground level.
It has been delivered
to BIM Level 2 and utilises a high value, passive approach to help achieve a
BREEAM Very Good rating within a tightly controlled budget. Amongst the factors
targeted in the design were air quality, the availability of natural light and
good thermal comfort throughout the building. As one of the world’s most
recycled materials, using aluminium curtain wall and window systems will assist
in gaining BREEAM points, while Hydro Group can offer customers products
manufactured from billets certified as 100% recycled.
Technal is part of the
Hydro Group, a world leader in aluminium solutions that also encompasses sister
brands Sapa and WICONA. Through its globally renowned Hydro Technology Hubs,
the group is shaping a sustainable future, with innovative products that satisfy
and surpass customer expectations, in line with demands of CSR and increasing
environmental regulations.
