DIARYDATES
Celebrating Form , Functionality and Finishes
Façade systems for award winning and BREEAM outstanding university building
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THE AWARD-WINNING AND BREEAM Outstanding Engineering Building at the internationally renowned Lancaster University features a complete range of architectural aluminium glazing systems from pioneering façade specialist , Technal .
Located on Lancaster University ’ s campus in the North West of England , the new engineering facility has been designed by leading architectural practice John McAslan + Partners . Technal ’ s technical support team and fabricator LDG Contracts worked alongside main contractor Eric Wright Construction to deliver the most thermally efficient solution , which features Technal ’ s FXi65 window system , CD doors and MX curtain walling .
With the capability of realising Uw values as low as 1.3w / m2K , over 196 of Technal ’ s most innovative casement window system , FXi65 have been installed throughout the building .
Featuring a stylish ‘ visible ’ opening frame with an infill of up to 52mm for a contemporary finish , the FXi65 windows appear as both punched hole and inserts within curtain walling offering varying configurations yet visually-consistent window types across the building .
Furthermore , by specifying Technal ’ s CD heavy-duty door , LDG Contracts was able to provide a solution perfectly equipped to
handle the demands of a high traffic area . Featured to ground floor thoroughfare locations , the doors are specified as hinged configurations and include single and double leaf options . Offering a flush threshold , ideal for disabled access , the doors are double glazed to BS6262 .
Featured throughout the building , 252sqm of Technal ’ s MX Visible Grid capped curtain walling was selected for its contemporary aesthetics . The system includes concealed vents that allow for natural ventilation without compromising the architectural integrity of the façade .
With natural light being a key specification requirement , MX Visible Grid allowed larger and heavier glazing units to be installed thanks to its superior load distribution .
Installed to the spanning , entrance screens , 160sqm of MX Trame Verticale curtain walling , also complements the building ’ s design . Its projecting aerofoil transom caps add depth to the façade whilst the slender face trim gaskets are flush , with the front face of the infill , softening the corresponding sections . LDG Contracts and Technal also worked closely to provide a bespoke top hat along with perforated panel details that complete the stylish façade .
www . technal . com / en / uk
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NEW CONFEX EMBRACES THE use of materials during all stages of architecture and construction , from structure to finishing .
Materials 2017 - the new conference and exhibition focused entirely on the cuttingedge of material solutions for architecture , construction , and design - was conceived from the burning necessity for a nuanced perspective on building product specification and procurement .
Sustainability , cost , life-cycle performance , thermal and acoustic efficiency , and potential for re-use and recycling are just some of the variable characteristics which must be taken into account when choosing materials for a project . Materials 2017 delivers a transparent platform where construction professionals can gain confidence in their specification choices down to the last of these details .
In addition to showcasing striking aesthetic designs created with different materials , the conference and exhibition will explore functionalities of materials which extend beyond the visual . The emphasis on materials for structures , envelope , façades and finishes is testament to the fact that Materials 2017 adopts a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to architects ’ needs .
Materials 2017 Chair and Moderator Ruth Slavid said :“ Architects , of course , talk about form , space , and light , but in order to create those you have to create them with the materials .”
To register for your free ticket to Materials 2017 , please visit www . materials2017 . co . uk / register
Sage Gateshead , an iconic glass building in Gateshead Quays , UK
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