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Designed to please
Engineered to last
New Struan School
19
56
50years 2
0 0 6
Bringing the outside in
New Struan School, in Alloa, is a state of the art Centre for Autism. The building is purpose built to enable children with ASD, having more complex and intensive support needs, to achieve their maximum potential. In addition, the building also includes a National Research Centre, Autism Advisory Centre, Training Centre and Administration Facilities. Central to the building is ‘The Street’, a glazed street that runs the length of the building, providing clear orientation to the whole project. Autism is a communication disorder. Aspects of ordinary life can be seen as chaotic. The brief was to create a natural light and airy central space, with simple, elegant and clean lines. The VITRAL roof glazing system was able to provide the solution.
Vitral A4 aitken
5/10/06
10:14 am
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“We looked at several roof glazing systems. The VITRAL system stood out from its competitors. Offering clean lines, the unique system has integrated opening panels without the need for additional frames. It also required no additional supporting structure.” J Andrew Lester - Partner - Aitken Turnbull Product Description: No of Panels: Actuators/ Opening Vents: Rooflight Detail:
VITRAL inspiration Stainless Steel Panels 168 34 (20% of total) Length 74m (3.2m span) Dual Pitch Self Supporting Rooflights 45% pitch
The Street had such an impact on the children that its creativity was responsible for the first major project carried out by the pupils entitled 'The Light and Lines of Struan'.
"The glass atrium, which runs the length of the school, induces an immediate sense of well being. This enables a clear view of the whole school thereby promoting order, clarity and independent movement for young people with Autism who have spatial and sensory difficulties.” Jim Taylor - Director of Education - New Struan School
Courtesy of J Andrew Lester
Architects: Aitken Turnbull Architecture Contractor: Marshall Construction Installer: Insutech Scotland Ltd Location: New Struan School, Alloa, Scotland
VITRAL UK Limited, 17 High Street, Whittlesford, Cambridgeshire, CB2 4LT Tel: 0845 130 5455 • Fax: 0870 011 5455 Email: VITRAL-UK@VITRAL.co.uk • www.VITRAL.co.uk
Bringing the outside in