Pilkington Planar supports a new era at Business School

Durham University Business School’s new £16 million fit-for-purpose building utilises NSG Group’s world class Pilkington Planar to create an inspiring space for students to learn.

Approximately 500m2 of Pilkington Planar was specified incorporating Pilkington Planar Sun 70/39 coating, which was double glazed, laminated and connected to Glulam beams structure by articulated Pilkington Planar 902 fittings and stainless steel spring plates.

The use of Glulam beams layers of wood glued together to create the support structure for the glazing rather than steel work adds warmth and a contemporary feel to the building. This challenging project was installed by O.J Taffinder Ltd.

Durham University’s world-renowned Business School is one of an elite group of UK schools with Triple Accreditation. However, its existing facilities were in need of expansion and modernisation to underpin the success of the courses offered and GSSArchitecture was commissioned to create a fit-for-purpose facility to enable the School to achieve its strategic objectives. To do this the architects wanted glazing that was both visually striking but also energy efficient and Pilkington Planar fitted the bill.  

James Elliot of GSSArchitecture said: “GSSArchitecture specified Pilkington Planar Sun on a geometrically challenging façade for Durham University Business School, to provide a contemporary look which would limit solar glare and overheating. The service Pilkington United Kingdom Limited provided from inception through to completion was impeccable and this is reflected in the completed building which the client is delighted with.”

Pilkington Planar systems remain the world’s market leader for structural glazing systems. With its unrivalled stability and safety, this innovative product allows architects to build entire structures out of glass, allowing architects design flexibility to create bright and highly attractive working environments, with more light and a greater feeling of space.