Universal Aluminium’s new MU4200 curtain walling system has combined with SFS intec’s VDS canopy attachment system to meet the brief of creating a complementary but architecturally distinctive new access tower for an important Grade II Listed Manchester building.
The slimline curtain walling system and frameless glass canopy were approved by planners for use in the construction of the three-storey access tower at the Hartley Hall, a Listed Building built in 1878 by the Primitive Methodist Church as a training centre for young preachers and now providing student residences. The intention in the creation of the access tower was to complement the historic building with the right visual balance – hence the focus on glazing for the new structure.
Using SFS intec’s VDS canopy attachment system, the glass canopy is installed above the main entrance doors to the access tower. The structural integrity of the MU4200 semi-structural curtain walling is such that securing the large L-shape glass canopy was possible without the need for heavyweight bracketing - crucial from an aesthetic perspective. The only visual impact with the SFS intec system comes with the series tie-rods, mullion brackets and point fixings in the glass.
“There was a great deal of discussion at the planning stage to ensure the design of the access tower was sympathetic to the historic building,” says Carl Gillam of Universal Aluminium. “It was agreed that the use of conventional rainscreen cladding or existing curtain walling systems on the access tower would detract from the original building.
“With the goal of minimal visual impact, our MU4200 system was approved by planners and we were able to follow this through to the glass canopy thanks to SFS intec's attachment system.”
The SFS intec VDS canopy fixing system is available in three packages to suit small, medium and large canopies making it easy to specify. Attachment is by proven SFS intec single-point glass retainers and tie rods mounted on the wall bracket with bolts and locking pins.
The pitch of the canopy can be adjusted +/- 5 degrees by rotating the tie rods. Through the company’s UK based technical support team, SFS intec is equipped to assist with bespoke requirements and provides a RIBA-approved CPD seminar to provide vital insights to architects pre-design.
Universal Aluminium’s MU4200 curtain walling system offers a new concept in building design, introducing a host of new features to enable the creation of flush glazing, minimal framing and equal sightlines. Hartley Hall’s curtain walling was fabricated and installed by Window Warehouse (GB).
For further information on SFS intec's VDS system, call 0113 208 5500 or visit www.sfsintec.biz/uk. Details about Universal Aluminium's curtain walling systems can be found at www.universal-aluminium.co.uk.
