The second phase in the creation of a new academic square at the University of Warwick, one of the UK’s top five performing universities, has now been completed. Designed by architects RH Partnership, the new building for the Mathematics Institute and Department of Statistics features a range of advanced glazing systems from architectural aluminium specialists, Technal.
The new three-storey scheme has allowed the two university departments to relocate to purpose-designed facilities on the main campus and to increase capacity for the faculty. The accommodation includes lecture theatres, seminar rooms, administrative offices, undergraduate work rooms, individual academic offices, common rooms and a central ‘street’ with a large circulation area.
Technal’s acclaimed MC Trame Horizontale curtain walling was selected for the front elevation to express the stair tower. This highly innovative system highlights the horizontal profiles across the façade using a ‘C’ cap to add interest and a more contemporary finish for the building envelope.
MC grid curtain walling was specified for other areas of the building, with concealed windows set into the curtain wall to allow natural ventilation. These systems are complemented by Technal’s FXi46 casement windows used as punched openings for the rendered wall and ribbon glazing for the areas of terracotta panelling and cedar cladding.
Commenting on the choice of façade systems, Peter Haley, Project Architect at RH Partnership, said, “Technal was able to provide us with a complete solution from one source, which suited the project budget and the essence of our design – simple, modern windows, conventional grid curtain walling and the Trame Horizontale feature curtain walling.”
“The Trame system was considered a good and cost-effective alternative to planar glazing and has given the projecting staircase a crisp appearance, with its fine horizontal lines and glass to glass joints at the corners. The result reads well on the elevation and complements the palette of materials used on the adjoining computer science building.”
Technal’s systems were finished in a grey polyester powder coating and glazed in solar reflective glass. The fabricators were St Gobain Solaglas.
The MC Trame curtain walling suite has the option of highlighting the vertical or the horizontal profiles for further design flexibility, and can be supplied with tilt/turn or top hung concealed vents if opening lights are required for natural ventilation.
Website is free and open to all professionals. To beneficiate from Technal services and solutions.
