One of the first applications of the new MX SSG structural glazing system from Technal has been used in the construction of a striking new hub for innovation at the University of Leeds.
The scheme was designed by Carey Jones Architects to reflect the pioneering spirit of the university’s Innovation Centre and to create an exciting point of interest on the campus.
Built by Miller Construction, the three to four storey development comprises a dramatic zinc-clad pavilion building, which is linked to a new teaching block by two full height glazed screens constructed from Technal’s new MX SSG frameless glazing system.
MX SSG forms two self-supporting screens spanning 14m, which are integrated with a steel lattice structure behind the curtain walling. The system carries 2sqm glazed units, helping to realise the architects’ specification for a clean and sheer expanse of glass with no caps.
Technal has recently expanded its MX curtain walling suite with the MX SSG structurally glazed option, which meets architects’ requirements for significantly less visible aluminium and flush glass façades. The system has a number of patented features for enhanced performance and to facilitate installation; it can accommodate 6mm, 28mm or 34mm structural glazing or 50mm composite insulated panels, and is available as a flat façade or faceted up to 3º.
At the University of Leeds, the MX SSG façade system was also used to the ground floor of the hub building, where it is set back from the curved structure above.
The new teaching block for the Institute of Health Sciences, which forms part of the Innovation Centre project, uses brick cladding to relate in colour and texture to the surrounding architecture. Here, Technal’s FXi65 aluminium casement windows are glazed into an MX curtain wall sub-frame that also carries cedar board panels.
The high specification FXi65 windows were inserted into the zinc rainscreen cladding as punched hole and ribbon glazing, to provide light and ventilation for the hub building, with MX sloped glazing flooding the upper floor with natural light.
Technal supplied the glazing systems for the project in partnership with fabricator and installer Hurricane Architectural. The systems were finished in a grey polyester powder coating throughout and glazed in grey antisun glass for a contemporary appearance and to reduce solar gain.
The Innovation Hub is part of a £10.5m initiative to encourage innovation in healthcare and bioscience. It provides incubation units and serviced office accommodation for new knowledge-based businesses, an innovation space for training, seminars and conferences, and offices for the University Business Support Services.
Project Name: Innovation Hub
Project Location: University of Leeds
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