Aluminium systems help UK building win national award

A Bristol-based building that features extensive use of Technal’s aluminium curtain walling, has won an award for its outstanding design and contribution to the local community.

Designed by LA Architects and operated by Parkwood Leisure for Bristol City Council, the £35m Hengrove Park Leisure Center was built by Kier Construction on the site of a former airport. The privately financed project achieved a BREEAM “excellent” rating.

The architectural design of the scheme features large areas of Technal-brand aluminium curtain walling to give the impression of “invisible walls” – allowing unobstructed views from the interior looking out on to the landscaped central plaza, and greater visibility from the outside of the pool and activities inside the center. The glazed façades also provide high levels of natural light and a good night-time appearance for the building.

The project has now been presented with an award from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in the Community Benefit category. More than 600 building projects were entered into the awards, which showcase the most inspirational regional initiatives and developments in land, property, construction and the environment. The Community Benefit category rewards schemes that can demonstrate reach across the community.

“The Hengrove Park Leisure Center demonstrates what can be achieved by careful consultation and planning. The center blends well within the campus and is very well used and enjoyed by the local community. It is a terrific facility,” says Community Benefit judge Michael Wyldbore-Smith.

Project architect Manolis Datseris of LA Architects says, “We have used Technal’s systems on other projects, which we have been very happy with, so their products were a logical choice for this scheme. We wanted to achieve a crisp, sharp edge to the curtain walling here and to create a building that is filled with light.

“Our aim was to bring the landscaped plaza inside the center by having perimeter walls that are almost transparent, giving a greater feeling of space. We are very happy with the finished effect and the glazing systems are performing well.”