TECHNAL MX52 MATCHES MULTIPLE DEMANDS FOR NEW MANCHESTER COLLEGE

Newcastle-upon-Tyne based Hadrian Architectural Glazing fabricated and installed a total of 2,500 m² of the MX52 system across the main façade, roof terrace and internal atrium to the City College Campus building in Manchester in a contract carried out for sector specialist Willmott Dixon; with SimpsonHaugh Architects leading the design team.  The package also saw Hadrian install 10 of TECHNAL’s STII doorsets for the main entrance and other areas; also including the use of Hydro’s CIRCAL 75R, which radically reduces the level of embodied carbon compared to primary aluminium.

"One of the main reasons we selected the MX 52 for the college was importance of acoustic performance - given the city centre location – and the assembly, including multi-laminate glass with TYLON interlayers, achieves a 38 dB sound reduction.  The glass, from our Polish supplier, also includes a unique frit, primarily for solar gain in relation to the building’s overall H&V strategy, but also offering a very attractive appearance.  

The energy performance requirements also stipulated that the fenestration achieved a U-value of 1.6 W/m² K.  Therefore, overall MX52 was the best product for the job, given the cost constraints.  TECHNAL gave us good support on the project in terms of supply and their routine technical back up where required.”

Darren Nichol, Managing Director at Hadrian Architectural

“The project was all completed to schedule and meeting its various objectives, including achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.  The university is delighted with the building and Hadrian Architectural, who we have worked with on similar schemes, performed well.”

Chris Baker, Project Manager at Wilmott Dixon

Specifiers targeting the upper levels of BREEAM are now regularly opting to utilise the Hydro Group’s sector leading Hydro CIRCAL 75R aluminium which offers a carbon footprint of just 2.3 kg CO₂ per kg of the metal: compared to a European average figure of 8.6 kg CO₂, and a global average of 16.7 kg CO₂ per kg of aluminium.  Across the City Campus contract, 22^% of the aluminium used for fabricating Hadrian Architectural’s package was CIRCAL 75R.  This cuts the total carbon footprint and global warming potential for the project, relating to the glazing systems, from almost three million kg of CO₂ to 1,044,372 kg.

“The Manchester City Campus project was a good example of the relationship Hadrian Architectural Glazing has established with Willmott Dixon which itself has a very strong reputation in the education sector.  As a result Hadrian in fact brought this project to TECHNAL, not only securing the contract, but carrying out most of the design work in cooperation with the project team.  

Our MX52 curtain walling system proved ideal in that it achieved the required thermal and acoustic performance parameters and was extremely cost effective, as well as meeting all the aesthetic criteria.  This follows on from past successes Hadrian has had employing our systems, including the Charles Street hotel in Manchester, the Arbor City Hotel in London and the Sunderland Royal Hospital renovation scheme where installation is currently underway.”

Gill Greenlee, Account Manager at TECHNAL UK

MX52 Visible Grid curtain walling offers specifiers the option of creating larger glazing areas due to the enhanced strength and reduced deflection of the transom sections. Varying IG unit thicknesses can be incorporated into the grid, with the option of concealed vents to achieve natural ventilation.  

To work with us on your next education project, contact a member of our expert team