12 minute read
A Window Into Aluminium
METAL TECHNOLOGY
Since 1985, Metal Technology has been defining spaces through its architectural glazing solutions and has grown to become one of the UK and Ireland’s leading designers and suppliers of bespoke aluminium window, door, curtain wall and solar shading systems for commercial and residential applications.
Committed to excellence in all aspects of sustainable product design, customer service and technical support, the company has become a trusted partner of fabricators, developers, contractors and architects.
PRODUCT RANGE
Metal Technology’s product portfolio encompasses over 30 window, door, curtain walling, brise soleil and louvre systems. Its Thermally Enhanced (Hi+) portfolio offers the designer a wide and diverse choice of profiles that provide structural integrity, weather performance, thermal enhancement and security. The company has recently been awarded by the Passive House Institute, certifying System 5-45 Hi+ Window and System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling, with the latter achieving the highest ranking of A+.
SECTORS
EDUCATION
Metal Technology has vast experience of providing fenestration solutions for over a 1,000 universities, colleges, schools and student accommodation throughout the UK. The company was a key supplier in a number of recently completed projects: the landmark £41m Health Innovation One building at Lancaster University; the innovative £69m Barony Campus, Scotland’s biggest school; the awardwinning Horizon Heights 1000 bed student accommodation development in Liverpool; City Campus at Canterbury Christ Church University; the 1480 bed £130M University of York flagship student accommodation campus and the £29m South West College in Enniskillen - Northern Ireland’s first Passivhaus Premium Plus education facility.
University of York, York, England
CABI HQ, Wallingford, England RETAIL
From leading supermarkets and shopping centres to high-spec showrooms, Metal Technology’s products have provided designers with the flexibility to combine aesthetic architectural statements with value engineered practicality, performance and durability.
LEISURE
Metal Technology has supplied its design solutions and high-performance systems for major hotel groups such as Maldron, Marriott, Hilton and Jurys across the UK and Ireland. Recent developments include Hastings Grand Central Hotel in Belfast and Dublin’s new state-of-the-art Marlin Hotel. A vast range of Metal Technology’s systems were utilised for South Lake Leisure Centre, a significant new multi-use sports and leisure facility in N.Ireland.
HEALTHCARE
From Glasgow’s Victoria and Southern General Hospitals to its Maryhill Health Centre, Metal Technology has applied its expertise in close collaboration with designers to deliver financially economic yet technically robust solutions. The company has recently been appointed to supply high-performance glazing systems for the prestigious, £233m Baird Family Hospital and Anchor Centre healthcare project in Aberdeen for NHS Grampian.
COMMERCIAL
Contracted for many commercial schemes throughout the UK, Metal Technology supplied their architectural glazing systems for a number of recently completed developments: CABI’s stunning new low energy headquarters in Wallingford, Brinell Building - the BREEAM Excellent rated contemporary office space in Brighton city centre, the award-winning CDE Global headquarters in Cookstown, and commercial offices Eagle Star House and The Kelvin in Belfast.
RESIDENTIAL
Signature apartment blocks in London, Belfast and Manchester are excellent examples of how Metal Technology’s windows, curtain walling, sliding and bifold doors meet the aesthetic, security and thermal performance requirements of any building. Finishes can vary internally and externally, adding to the design possibilities, while the intrinsic qualities of aluminium – infinite recyclability, durability, strength and lightness mean it is one of the most sustainable building materials in use today.
For more information on Metal Technology’s range of high-performance, architectural glazing systems, visit: metaltechnology.com.
THE BENEFITS OF COLLABORATION ON DISPLAY AT WESTMARK TOWER
The 110m, 29-storey curved on plan Westmark Tower was the tallest residential tower completed in central London during 2021. Part of Berkeley Homes Central London’s prestigious West End Gate development in Marylebone, it features more than 14,000m2 of unitised curtain wall, designed and supplied by AluK and installed by envelope contractors Martifer.
What made the project really stand out was the collaborative approach demonstrated by AluK and the other consultants from the outset, which effectively de-risked the process for both the client and the contractor at pre-tender stage. AluK worked with the lead architect Squire & Partners, delivery architect Design Delivery Unit (DDU), façade consultants Cladtech Associates and structural engineers WSP on a RIBA 4 system design for the unitised envelope. Steven Watkins, AluK’s Head of Projects, explained: “AluK’s specialist expertise meant that we could create a unitised façade solution for the post-tensioned concrete frame which easily satisfied the design intent, while making sensible savings on metal and accessory costs. As well as accelerating the design of the structural frame, this approach saved Berkeley many months compared to the normal procurement route and meant that the tender returns for the fabrication and installation of the façade were accurate and comparable. It saved the tenderers the normal costs associated with a bid and ensured that all the commercial and design iteration took place pre-bid and was not left to interpretation.” The challenge for AluK was to work with DDU to deliver a design that was true to the architect’s original intent, whilst addressing the technical issues of a curved on plan façade from the second to 29th floor. All the united cells needed to be dead loaded back to a post tensioned concrete frame with a 3-dimensional floor bracket, whilst catering for the varying facets of the façade. The final unitised solution features more than 2200 unitised cells of three principal configurations. Each floor comprises: a vision cell, typically housing AluK’s concealed vent and full height glass panes, a panel cell, specifically designed to house specialist internal framework to carry articulated GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) feature piers and spandrels, and a recessed balcony cell with an integrated floating glass balustrade. With 36 different angles to overcome in a faceted design ranging from 0° to 15°, AluK developed a series of common aluminium extrusions to close the joints and reduce the number of profiles required. The horizontal stack joint uses an aluminium profile to carry the gasket and avoid the incidence of crimping as the cells are stacked around the building structure. What is also significant is that every cell connection provides four lines of system seal to ensure that the façade meets the stringent Cladtech performance specification and the CWCT Sequence B test. From the onset of the project, the Berkeley director team set out a time and design model of early engagement, specialist designers and fabricators all within a clear programme. This also included a series of productive workshops sharing client expectations and considerations. AluK not only facilitated these meetings but also bought into the collaborative ethos and contributed to a highly successful project for Berkeley. The façade design meets the thermal efficiency requirements of the building at 0.95W/m2K, as a weighted average. Using a 43dB Rw(+Ctr) acoustic glass, it also meets the sound reduction targets. Tim Gledstone from Squire & Partners added: “Working together early in the design process allowed the design intent to be generated out of the crafted AluK products and industry latest processes. We could celebrate the best of the systems and push their potential to the optimum limits. The AluK design team were exceptional; dynamic and supportive throughout.” More details at: https://uk.aluk.com/en-gb/projects
STELLAR’S AESTHETICS OFFER A CLEAR POINT OF DIFFERENCE FOR HIGH-END PROJECTS
Stellar’s unique flush aesthetics have given the multi-awardwinning aluminium system a competitive edge to capitalise on high-end projects in the domestic sector.
This is the view of Philip Cresswell, Sales and Marketing Manager at Heritage Trade Frames which has been fabricating the system since it launched in 2019. Philip said: “Owners of high-end and design-led homes are looking for something distinctive when it comes to window and door replacements. Aluminium has long been the material of choice on such projects but until Stellar, most systems were very metoo. Stellar offers the credentials that give consumers the aesthetic differentiation they are looking for as it’s visually stunning.” The ability to secure lucrative domestic projects with Stellar is a view shared by one of Heritage Trade Frames’ installer customers, Oswestry Windows and Doors. Matthew Dunne-Smith, Owner, said: “We’ve secured several high-end projects recently thanks to Stellar. When consumers see the unique aesthetics and the modern, contemporary flush styling they are sold. It offers a clear unique selling point that allows us to sell with complete confidence when it comes to securing higher value projects.” Stellar makes the difference on high value projects for several reasons. Firstly, it’s the only aluminium system on the market to offer a fully flush casement option. It uses the patented Reverse Butt Joint, which means that no dummy sashes or reverse adaptor profiles are needed. This creates a glazing area that’s up to 12% larger, which gives a dramatic expanse of glass. It also delivers products that can be genuinely flush on both the inside and outside, creating the sleek, sophisticated aesthetic homeowners want.
Then there’s the immaculate finish that is so important on high value projects. Stellar is a pre-gasketed system that uses patented knock-in beading. This leaves a neat, clean finish on the gasket line as well as making installation quicker and easier. The powder coating uses a marine grade finish as standard and every product is inspected at a distance of one metre, far in excess of the three metres that’s the industry requirement. Stellar was developed to set a new standard in aluminium system design. Its multiple award wins prove it’s succeeded in its aim – as does its position as the ideal aluminium solution for premium domestic projects. Tel: 0845 300 9356 www.stellaraluminium.co.uk
DIRECT ROOFING SYSTEMS PARTNERS WITH SHEERLINE THE ‘GAME CHANGER’
Direct Roofing Systems, one of the first fabricators to partner with Garnalex and choose its Sheerline aluminium window and door systems, says, the Classic system is a “game changer” when it comes to offering homeowners a more modern, slimline alternative to traditional aluminium offerings.
Direct Roofing was established in 2017 and supplies aluminium bi-folds, patios, French doors, and roof lanterns across the UK. According to Managing Director Jimmy Cardno, they were looking for an aluminium supplier with a good reputation coupled with exceptional product performance, and Sheerline, with its innovative product design, ease of fabrication and excellent service was the ideal solution.
“Demand from our customers has been growing for a full suite of aluminium products.” Jimmy explains, “We recognised from the many features Sheerline has to offer how this would benefit our existing product portfolio. The Classic system with beadless and flush finishes presents something different to that in the current market. You can make any size you want and lots of parts are interchangeable. It is a nice-looking innovative product giving an attractive slimline, seamless look, and is easy to fabricate using the corner construction, making fabrication quicker. So far, service and delivery times have also been very good.” Garnalex CEO, Roger Hartshorn, adds, “The desire to offer something different voiced by Direct Roofing Systems, will sound familiar to many in the industry, which is why we designed Sheerline with clever innovations to make fabricators and installers’ lives easier. As Jimmy highlighted, Sheerline’s stand-out product innovation is matched with outstanding service – all Classic profiles and components are available on industry-leading lead-times in twelve stocked colours, including three anodised finishes. Dual colour combinations from this stocked range are also available on the same lead-times, with bespoke colours available quickly too.” Continuing to reinvent the way in which the market perceives traditional aluminium systems, Sheerline’s two distinct systems - Classic, an ultra-secure beadless aluminium window system that is ideal for replacing traditional steel-framed windows or for modern, minimalist builds, and Prestige, a versatile and thermally efficient system, offering U-values as low as 0.9 W/(m2K) for triple glazing, and 1.3 W/(m2K) for double glazing – help match homeowners needs’ perfectly. Sheerline also offers the Prestige Bifold and S1 Roof Lantern. Available in a range of styles and finishes, both incorporate Sheerline’s patented corner jointing method which delivers a fast, and easy way to fabricate products whist giving perfectly aligned corners, time after time.
For Direct Roofing Systems call 01623 651982, visit www.directroofingsystems.co.uk or email sales@directroofingsystems.com. Discover more about Sheerline Classic and Sheerline Prestige at www.sheerline.com and www.sheerlinevideo.com. You can also call 01332 883960 or email info@sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates.
SAVE ENERGY WITH SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS’ TECHNICAL SUPPORT
With the new changes to Part L of the Building Regulations set to come into effect in the summer, leading aluminium fenestration solutions provider Senior Architectural Systems is committed to helping its fabricator and installer partners save both time and energy by working with them to create cost-effective and compliant designs.
The new lower U-values that will be introduced in June 2022 will see many aluminium windows fall short of the recommended targets. Fortunately, Senior is already ahead of the game thanks to its patented PURe® aluminium system which can achieve U-values as low as 0.71 W/ m2K when calculated as a commercial CEN standard window. Available in a wide range of styles and configurations, the innovative PURe® aluminium window system benefits from an innovative thermal barrier manufactured from expanded polyurethane (PUR) foam and has been specifically developed to be easy to fabricate, install and maintain. It is also fully compatible with Senior’s extensive range of PURe® aluminium commercial and residential doors and thermally enhanced SF52 curtain wall system, making it easier than ever to create fenestration designs that combine high thermal performance with attractive aesthetics.
As well as manufacturing a range of compliant aluminium fenestration solutions, Senior has also invested heavily in its technical department to ensure that fabricators, installers and specifiers have all the help and advice they need to be able to meet the new regulations head on. The manufacturer can help project teams gain a greater understanding of U-values and thermal calculations, as well as identifying value-engineering solutions that can reduce costs and carbon emissions.
Trade customers can further benefit from early engagement with Senior’s experienced team of technical sales managers who can provide access to a wide range of services including detailed technical support, sales advice and help with both estimating and the use of Logikal. Senior also offers its fabricator base a number of online resources including product guides and access to detailed technical information via a dedicated part of its website, Fab Tools. Senior is also well-placed to advise how the specification of the fenestration package can also ensure compliance with other planned changes to the Building Regulations, particularly the new updates to Part F (Ventilation) and Part O (Overheating), both of which will come into effect later this year. For more information about Senior’s patented PURe® aluminium window system, and to discuss your next project requirements, please visit www. seniorarchitecturalsystems.co.uk or search for Senior Architectural Systems onTwitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
