This project reflects our design philosophy. We believe in playing an active part in the design process and we are happy to participate from as early as the architectural completion stage, offering value engineered solutions and whole life cycle costing. We look at each project independently and select the most suitable façade system reflecting the projects requirements
Our background in Architecture compliment s architectural intent resulting in project Longevity. Design, warranty and service life are always keys factors in our procurement strategy.
Our long experience within the cladding supply chain (CSC) and technical understanding of all aspects of façade engineering give us a distinct advantage over our competitors.
Our greatest strength is our understanding of Interface Management. We become the pivot in the cog bringing together different disciplines and work packages.
Supply chains are not always linear, very often they can be parallel, out of sequence with timing issues and crossing each other.
Our experience enables our technical team the confidence to manage complex cladding supply chains. We enjoy the challenge and always rise to the occasion.
The end product justifies the approach (method statement). This project reflects our believe in a structured contractual arrangements. Planning is key to successful workpackage management. This requires active participation so that the method statement can be project specific.
The façade envelope was in this instance installed prior to the installation of the stone rainscreen. The setting out linearly and vertically was therefore project critical as it enabled different specialist contractors to procure materials in accordance with the construction programme.
We assisted in the setting out of architects drawings, construction drawings and specialist stone drawings resulting in a very comprehensive set of glazing details.
The challenge is this project was in its detailing. The environmental strategy required an air tightness test. In conjunction with the systems company “Kawneer”, we were able to far exceed the expectations of the design team. The air tightness test achieved a rating through the overall envelope of 1m2/h2/h3.
This could only be achieved by our comprehensive method and quality statement which was two- fold. The focus was on design and installation.
Together with the independent tester “BET” the approved glazing details were examined and project specific recommendations were incorporated into the interface details. These details became the basis of discussion with the Installation crews and from this an installation statement was devised.
Predefined joint site inspections identified potential breaches in the envelope fabric. This enhanced the workmanship of each interface resulting in significant energy savings to the client.
Environmental Performance
Balancing the internal environmental strategy against the façade fenestration is an important feature of the buildings external appearance.
This project has a number of interesting environmental features.
The ventilation strategy is mix mode, a combination of mechanical and naturally ventilated measures.
The façade fenestration incorporates Kawneer 600 series top hung casement sashes on each side of the building which allows the interior to be cross ventilated. The sashes are located at desk level which enables the occupant to regulate the internal conditions. The casement sash is five point multipoint locking espag mechanisms. This has been independently tested to minimise the risk of air ingress at gasket joints.
The choice of glass is interesting also. Ipasol Neutral 71/43 ie light transmission 71%, solar factor 43% is used on the south, east and west facades.
The north facing façade is clear annealed externally, u value been the critical factor and hence reflected in the façade fenestration.
Ipasol Neutral is a soft coated glass with excellent performance properties. In selecting an IGU configuration, there is much different type of risks.
A thermal fracture analysis is always required as to avoid the risk of thermal fracture. Glass may need to be toughened both internally/externally to combat variations in measured temperature differences across the face of the glass resulting from roof overhangs, projecting walls and possibly trees/lampposts.
Understanding glass processing techniques is helpful as recognised defects such as anisotropy, polarisation, roller wave distortion can be avoided.