Technal launches MODAL – The highest performing, most thermally efficient and secure low rise facade system in the UK

Architectural aluminium glazing specialist, Technal, has launched MODAL – the UK’s first low rise façade system to achieve such a high level of security, performance and thermal efficiency as standard.

This rapid-build modular solution is also believed to be the only low rise glazing system to be tested to BS 7950 – the British Standard for the enhanced security performance of windows.

MODAL features a number of new innovations which allow it to achieve an unprecedented level of security without the need for any modification to the standard system. This makes it ideal for applications such as schools, and for projects to be specified and fabricated to meet Secured by Design criteria. The innovations include:

• Both glaze-in and glaze-out fixed lights that can be used on the same elevation without any alteration to the sight lines. An industry first, this feature offers maximum security and ease of glass replacement wherever needed on the façade.
• A four-point bi-directional espagnolette locking system. The mushroom-shaped point of the lock prevents the MODAL opening vent from being lifted from the outside to disengage the lock.
• A specially-designed screw for the integral opening vent has been developed to prevent removal of the bead and glass from the outside, and yet still allow easy glass replacement for maintenance.
• A glaze-out security kit for MODAL fixed light glazing makes the façade even more secure.
• Safety guards fitted to the top corners of the open-out vent reinforce the hinges of the vent frame for additional protection against intruder access.

Exceeding Building Regulations Requirements

MODAL has also been developed to deliver the highest level of thermal efficiency for low rise glazing and will exceed Building Regulations requirements – both current and likely revisions.

The standard system is fully thermally broken and will achieve exceptional thermal performance and low U values – whether the specification is for a fully glazed façade, or incorporating the MODAL integral opening vents, or Technal’s GXi sliding window and balcony door.

For example, MODAL will comfortably attain a U value of 1.0 W/m2K with a combination of 50 per cent fixed light glazing and 50 per cent insulated panels, using a glass specification of 1.1 W/m2K. 

MODAL has also been successfully tested to both curtain walling and window standards (British and European) – BS EN 13830 for curtain walling and BS EN 14351-1 for windows – giving specifiers further reassurance of the system’s superior weather resistance and outstanding performance.

MODAL uses a highly engineered and innovative modular framing system designed to reduce work on site and to give specifiers the widest choice of configuration options currently available in the UK for façades up to two storeys.

It will provide robust, stylish, secure and high performance glazing for low rise applications such as schools and colleges, healthcare facilities and leisure projects. Variations for single and two-storey façades include single, double and triple glazed units; fixed lights; integral opening vents; doors; an integrated sliding window and door system; infill panels – and many combinations.

For further information about the revolutionary MODAL rapid-build low rise façade system or to download a technical brochure, visit www.technal.co.uk/MODAL.

Project Name: MODAL - the UK’s first low rise façade system to achieve an exceptional level of security, performance and thermal efficiency as standard