Aluminium systems add life, function to UK care facility

Technal-brand aluminium curtain walling and casement window systems have helped the Beacon Centre for Health in Swansea achieve a BREEAM “excellent” rating and a high level of energy efficiency.

The building is designed around a central four-story atrium which has large spans of Technal’s GEODE-MX Visible Grid curtain walling to deliver high levels of natural light. This, together with a palette of natural finishes and subtle use of color, provides a welcoming and bright environment for patients and staff.

Fabricated and installed by Vision 2000, Technal’s GEODE-MX Visible Grid curtain walling was used throughout the ground floor, spanning up to three floors and for two recessed areas set into the black brickwork for the upper terraced balconies.

Technal-brand aluminium systems add energy efficiency to UK buildingThe curtain walling had to be sufficiently robust to carry large spans of glass, up to 2.5 meters in some areas. GEODE-MX top hung concealed vents and FXi65 casement windows were inserted into the façade system for natural ventilation.

FXi65 projecting side hung casement windows feature as “punched hole” configurations on all elevations. Technal’s CD doors provide access on to the two balconies and for the main entrance into the building.

The Technal systems were polyester powder coated in dual colors – dark gray to complement the other exterior finishes, and white internally.

Project architect Bruce Massie of B3 Architects says that “Technal’s façade systems provide a clean modern aesthetic for the project, whilst achieving low U values and the project’s security criteria, in accordance with our specification requirements.

“The curtain walling and the windows allowed finishes in dual colors, enabling improved visual comfort internally. We are pleased to report all Technal’s systems are performing well.”

Technal is one of Sapa’s aluminium building systems brands.