Kawneer glazing systems help breathe new life into Heron Hall

Architect and contractor worked together to bring steel-style Kawneer windows to the £17 million rescue of a partly derelict college.

Kawneer's GT70 slimline renovation windows as fixed lights and top-hung casements are complemented by AA®100 curtain walling, AA®541 fixed lights and top-hung casement windows and series 190 doors on the redevelopment of a former Middlesex University site in Enfield, north London.

Now the 1,680-student secondary school and sixth form Heron Hall Academy, the redevelopment comprised the refurbishment, remodelling and extension of an unoccupied 1930s Grade II listed technical college over two years by main contractor Willmott Dixon.

The glazing systems by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer were installed over a year by JPJ Installations - the GT70 windows replacing the original steel windows on the Art Deco façade and the mullion-drained curtain walling, AA®541 windows and series 190 heavy duty commercial entrance doors on the concrete frame extension.

In line with current thinking, the new wing was designed to complement rather than replicate the original. Its arrangement reflects that of the original building whereby the major communal spaces, in this case the new dining hall, are arrayed down its centreline to connect the teaching wings to west and east.

It is visually separated from the original by new Kawneer-glazed stairwells while Kawneer ribbon windows were used to reflect the proportions and horizontal emphasis of the listed building.

The removed elements are replaced with a new three-storey block featuring Kawneer's curtain walling and AA®541 windows, purpose-designed to connect the original wings and accommodate new dining and specialist teaching facilities.