We adapted our SOLEAL FY65 aluminium window specification to meet the narrower than normal opening vent dimensions at a best-in-class £52 million student village in Coventry, balancing requirements for daylighting, ventilation, student safety and aesthetics. 

A total of 3,500 sqm of FY65 aluminium windows together with GEODE MX 52 curtain wall and Stormframe STII high traffic entrance doors were fitted at the 893 home development. The installation not only contributed to the creation of an uniterrupted, zero combustible facade but also provided a low maintenance solution for AXO Student Living, the building owner. 

Designed by award-winning practice FBM Architects, Paradise Street is architecturally inspired by the originally medieval city of Coventry. The scheme's homes are arranged in a wall, and three towers to address the busy ring road, with a gatehouse opening into a 2,000sqm piazza. 

To enhance student wellbeing by maximising ‘free air’ ventilation and minimising the use of artificial light, every single window in the development is floor-to-ceiling with each student’s desk located across the window so they can take full advantage of the views of the city.

Balancing the ventilation and necessary daylighting requirements led to the introduction of a fixed and opening vent to each room. This however, presented a whole different design challenge when it came to the window detailing, hailing a true example of design and technical collaboration between the architect, contractor, fabricator, and TECHNAL.

Complementing the subtle textures used for the façade’s anodised aluminium panelling as well as the interior colour scheme, the TECHNAL systems are dual colour. Externally they are finished in pearl beige (RAL1033) and white, internally.

Other TECHNAL systems installed include 500sqm of MX52 Visible Grid Curtain Wall. This has been installed into an angled brickwork detail, creating an interesting wedge shape design to the common room spaces.

To the main entrance, TECHNAL high traffic STII doors have been installed and tested to Secured by Design. These feature maglocks and automatic gearing that are tied into the Building Management System, ensuring all doors open in the event of evacuation.