School of Science, Engineering & Environment (SEE), Salford

The SEE Building at the University of Salford forms a central part of the wider Salford Crescent masterplan - a £2.5bn regeneration initiative aimed at delivering future-ready education, research and commercial spaces. Designed by Sheppard Robson, the 15,300 m² facility consolidates 12 academic directorates, including robotics, architecture, aeronautical engineering, computing, physics and the University's Maker Space.

With collaboration embedded into every aspect of the design, the building is structured around a dramatic triple-height atrium, naturally light by a 45-metre rooflight. Informal study zones, breakout spaces and exhibition areas are interspersed throughout, creating an active circulation spine that promotes cross-disciplinary engagement.

TECHNAL's Contribution: High-Performance Aluminium Building Solutions

From the outset, the architectural intent required facade systems capable of delivering stringent performance criteria while maintaining a strong industrial aesthetic. TECHNAL provided a suite of high-performance aluminium window, door and curtain walling systems, enabling the architect to fulfill these design, sustainability and technical ambitions.

Curtain Walling - Structural Expression and Light Transmission

TECHNAL's aluminium curtain wall system forms a key part of the building envelope, enabling generous natural daylighting to the atrium and laboratory spaces. The system supports:

• Slim sightlines to maintain the architectural rhythm

• High structural capacity suitable for large, exposed facade spans

• Excellent thermal insulation and weather performance

• Integrated vents to support mixed-mode ventilation

Windows - Ventilation, Adaptability and Energy Efficiency

The SEE Building required an adaptable window strategy aligned to potential future changes to teaching layouts. TECHNAL's aluminium window systems were selected for:

• Configurable opening options for both trickle and boosted natural ventilation

• Deep reveals providing solar control and optimised shading

• Robust thermal performance in line with the University's fabric-first strategy

• Design flexibility to follow the building's 1.5m facade grid for long-term adaptability

Doors - Durability for High-Traffic Academic Environments

TECHNAL provided high-performance aluminium commercial door systems, delivering:

• Reliability under high-frequency students and staff use

• Strong acoustic and thermal characteristics

• Integration with the wider facade for aesthetic continuity

• Safety and accessibility features suited to public buildings

A Design Language Rooted in Engineering

The building's industrial aesthetic is reinforced through exposed internal structural steel painted in the University's signature yellow, contrasted with blue and red feature staircases. TECHNAL's aluminium building systems complement this engineering expression through:

• Refined, contemporary external profiles

• Precision-engineered joints and concealed fixings

• Crisp white aluminium cladding panels used alongside scarlet window reveals

This detailed coordination - supported by early manufacturer engagement - allowed the project team to specify facade interfaces that were elegant, repeatable and efficient to deliver.

Performance, Sustainability and Circular Design

Sustainability was a critical driver for the University. The SEE Building operates as a fully electric, BREEAM Excellent-rated facility supported by TECHNAL's low-carbon aluminium expertise.

Supporting the University's Low-Carbon Objectives

All TECHNAL aluminium building systems are manufactured using Hydro CIRCAL® 75R as standard. This delivers:

• Embodied carbon reduction by 80% when compared with the European average for primary aluminium

• High post-consumer recycled content (at least 75%) without performance loss

• Alignment with UK net-zero carbon pathways and procurement frameworks

This complements the building's:

• Mixed-mode ventilation strategy

• Fabric-first design approach

• Highly efficient services engineering delivered by Arup

Design for Future Flexibility

The facade follows a strict 1.5m module, enabling internal layouts to be reconfigured as teaching methods evolve. Larger glazed areas highlight key spaces such as:

• Heavy engineering laboratory

• Aeronautical laboratory

• Robotics and maker spaces

• The main atrium and entrance

This adaptability supports the University's long-term academic and operational strategy.

Delivering Social Value and Educational Impact

As part of the wider Salford Crescent regeneration, the project achieved substantial social value outcomes, including:

• Local employment and supply chain engagement

• Apprenticeships and training opportunities

• Student access to the construction site via Morgan Sindall's Knowledge Quad initiative

This integrated educational model supports the SEE Building's role as both a teaching facility and a "living lab" for engineering students.

Summary: A High-Performance, Future-Ready Academic Building

The SEE Building demonstrates how TECHNAL aluminium facades, windows and doors support:

• Architectural ambition through refined detailing and slim aesthetics

• Environmental performance aligned to BREEAM Excellent

• Long-term adaptability for next-generation STEM education

• Robustness and reliability for intensive academic use