Tag: curtain walling

Award-winning NUCASTLE Community Hub brings world-class facilities to the North East

Posted on by Anna Rainey

We were delighted to provide our architectural glazing systems for this fantastic, high quality community facility for Newcastle United Foundation. Founded on the back of the Newcastle United FC brand, the charity focusses on ‘transforming lives’ through high impact community programmes across the North East.
 
Entitled “NUCASTLE”, the new building opened in March last year, and is a state-of-the-art hub for sports, education and wellbeing, with a 3G rooftop football pitch, as well as digital learning suites and specialist classrooms, events and meeting spaces. Designed by Ryder Architecture and delivered by Robertson Group, the foundation’s new £8m home is also fully accessible, welcoming people of all abilities. Metal Technology Ltd supplied its System 4-35 Windows, System 10-35 doors and System 17-65 Curtain walling through trusted fabricator Crown ASL.
 
The project deservedly picked up Project of the Year (under £20m) at the 2022 CN Awards and was shortlisted for the 2023 RIBA Journal MacEwan Award. We are honoured to have played a part in the creation of this thriving and inspiring landmark venue.

A low carbon design approach for Queensferry High School

Posted on by Anna Rainey

The 1200 capacity, £40m Queensferry High School was delivered by Hub South East in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, with Morrison Construction appointed as main contractor. Ryder Architecture has created an innovative and sustainable learning environment for the school’s students, with funding from Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) helping to ensure a low carbon design.

The building features state-of-the art heating and lighting to ensure optimum classroom performance, placing student wellbeing at the forefront of the design. Incorporating a six-lane pool, dance studio, fitness centre, larger games hall and floodlit 3G pitch, the school has also been designed to sit well within its semi-rural context.

A wide range of Metal Technology’s high performance, aluminium glazing systems were specified for this superb new education facility, and were designed to cope with the marine environment and provide enhanced security to PAS24 standard.

Curtain walling and brise soleil solutions were supplied to allow for naturally ventilated classrooms with individual MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) units to keep carbon consumption to a minimum and meet the thermal model demands of the building.

Products used were: System 17 Standard Capped Curtain Walling, System 17 Latitude flush silicone pointed transom and capped mullion Curtain Walling, System 4-35Hi High Insulation Top Hung Windows and Automatic Opening Vents, System 5-20D Thermally Enhanced Doors and System 23 Louvres.

The complex needs of the natural ventilation strategy to complement the Low Carbon brief, necessitated detailed evaluation of the free air provision for all areas through the technical assistance of Metal Technology, working in collaboration with Ryder Architecture and Consultants.

We’re proud to have been part of the collaborative team behind this environmentally sustainable high school. This innovative build showcases how Metal Technology’s systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards.

 

Metal Technology provides architectural definition for Bertha Park High School

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Metal Technology recently delivered its specialist architectural aluminium systems for use at Bertha Park High School in Perth, Scotland’s first new secondary school in over 20 years. It is set to become one of the most advanced schools in the UK and beyond, due to investment into innovative technologies.

Designed by NORR Architects and built by Robertson Construction, the significant education project selected Metal Technology’s systems in order to meet the security, thermal, and airtight design requirements, as well as the desired ventilation strategy.

The state-of-the-art facility, which has been designed to accommodate up to 1,100 students, perfectly showcases Metal Technology’s striking full height System 17 curtain walling façade, as well as a range of other specialist products.

In order to fulfil the specific needs for structural integrity and comply with thermal enhancement needs, Metal Technology’s System 4-35Hi Windows and System 5-20D Doors were included in the construction. Its System 23 Louvres were also utilised in order to create the desired aesthetics whilst also providing sophisticated light, as well as natural ventilation.

As Bertha Park High School is a newly constructed school for a new catchment area, rather than a replacement of an existing educational establishment, there were no restrictions on the design of this key project. This allowed for the use of Metal Technology’s specialist products, which expertly combine aesthetic with function.

Having supplied the education sector in Scotland for almost 30 years, hundreds of schools have been completed showcasing the exceptional properties of Metal Technology’s architectural aluminium systems. Used individually or collectively, they offer total design flexibility for creative aesthetics with the assurance of value engineered, structural, weather and security performance.

 

 

The Maldron Hotel Belfast Uses Metal Technology’s thermal range

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The Maldron Hotel, Belfast, which is one of city’s newest hotels, has created an efficient and sleek construction using Metal Technology’s latest architectural glazing technology. The hotel is a recent addition by the Dalta Hotel Group, one of the largest hotel operators in Ireland. With the use of Metal Technologies products, some of which are a part of their  range, the Maldron Hotel is also set to be one of the most heat efficient in the city.

Utilising Metal Technology’s thermal range has given the Maldron Hotel the advantage of polyamide thermal break technology, which means that heat transfer through each product profiles are significantly minimised. The thermal products used for the hotel were the System 5-35 High Performance Thermally Enhanced Tilt & Turn Window, System 5-20D Door System and System 17 Capped Curtain Walling.

These products in the thermal range further boost thermal performance through specially designed thermal gaskets and foam profiles. The purpose of this is to reduce radiation heat loss across the air cavities within the product profiles to provide them with additional thermal enhancement. All of this ensures that Metal Technology’s products aid the Maldron Hotel in keeping with the latest thermal requirements of the current building regulations.

The other products Metal Technology created for this project were the System 23 P33 Louvres. These were designed for the Maldron Hotel with the intent of providing a pleasing aesthetic appearance at the same time as providing natural ventilation and controlling.

All Metal Technology systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Used individually or together, they offer complete design flexibility for creative aesthetics with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries make use of Metal Technology product

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The Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries is a multi-award-winning building re-opened in May 2017 after being closed since Spring 2014. Originally opened in 1883, the library was the first of the 2,509 Carnegie libraries to be built by Andrew Carnegie. The £12.4million project which built the two-floor museum and three exhibition galleries was funded by Fife Council, who made use of the impressive product range from the architectural aluminium systems company, Metal Technology after they were contracted by BAM.

The products used by Metal Technology included their System 17 Capped Curtain Walling, System 17 Latitude Curtain Walling with flush silicone pointed joints. Additionally, some of the products used for this project were part of Metal Technology’s  product range. These included System 4-20 Hi+ Top Hung Windows, System 5-20Hi+ Inward Opening Windows and System 5-20D Doors. The difference with these products is that they are each specially designed with thermal gaskets and foam profiles. These reduce radiation heat loss across the air cavities within the window profiles to provide additional thermal enhancement.

All of the products from Metal Technology were designed in conjunction with the required glass specification and aid in keeping Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries within the latest thermal requirements of current building regulations. The bespoke glazing solutions provided by Metal Technology for this project were able to keep within cost constraints and successfully met the architectural requirements of the intricate and original, award winning design by Richard Murphy Architects.

All Metal Technology systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Used individually or together, they offer complete design flexibility for creative aesthetics with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

Metal Technology completes impressive redevelopment project at Victoria Gate, Woking

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Leading Northern Ireland-based architectural aluminium firm, Metal Technology, recently supplied its specialist products for work on Victoria Gate, a major redevelopment project in Woking, Surrey which is owned by asset management company, Aviva Investors.

The impressive 63,375 sq ft commercial office building, which was designed by architect firm Scott Brownrigg to combine modernity and functional rationality, used a number of Metal Technology’s architectural aluminium systems as part of the the refurbishment project.

Metal Technology’s System 17 Latitude high-rise curtain walling was used extensively to create the desired aesthetic for this building. the design process also involved developing a new triangular capping to further enhance the clean horizontal lines of the building.

System 5-20D high performance thermally enhanced doors were also used throughout, both of these products offered the Victoria Gate building designers a wide and diverse range of profiles that delivered structural integrity, weather performance, thermal enhancement, and security.

Victoria Gate was re-developed by Aviva Investors to grade A space that benefits from a double height reception; fifth floor terrace; shower facilities on each floor together with a basement shower and cycle hub.

The project recently gained the BCO UK Regional Award in the Refurbished/Recycled category for the South of England and South Wales region.

All Metal Technology systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Used individually or together, they offer complete design flexibility for creative aesthetics with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

 

Photo Credit: Hundven-Clements Photography

Metal Technology Delivers Global Standards for Local HQ

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Metal Technology became an integral factor in the development of the newly constructed Cookstown headquarters for engineering firm, CDE Global.

Contracted by Felix O’Hare, Metal Technology were chosen to deliver its specialist glazing systems for the striking new building. For the impact required for this prestigious HQ, Metal Technology’s System 17 Silicone Pointed Curtain Walling was extensively used as it provided a seamless glass façade. This visually impressive system offers a diverse range of profiles that offers structural integrity, weather performance, thermal enhancement and importantly can only be seen on the inside of the building. Metal Technology’s frameless opening casement windows were also used to provide continuity in the glass façade appearance.

ARCEN Architects further enhanced the design by introducing many curved sections throughout the building. Metal Technology’s System 17 SP was a crucial product in achieving a fit between the aesthetically pleasing finished feature and the design intent.

This was an important project for Metal Technology to get involved in, as the new site will be the world’s largest campus dedicated to the wet processing of materials in the sand and aggregates, mining, construction and demolition waste recycling, industrial sands and environmental sectors.

Metal Technology Ltd is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading architectural aluminium systems companies, providing fabricators, developers and architects with glazing solutions for modern window, door and curtain walling construction. Used individually or together, they offer complete design flexibility for creative aesthetics with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

 

Photo credit: Aidan Monaghan

Metal Technology enlightens BREEAM outstanding rated office

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Grade A office development, Aurora, at Bristol’s Finzel’s Reach, is the perfect example of design and sustainability working seamlessly to create a striking architectural landmark using the latest technology from architectural aluminium systems’ firm, Metal Technology. The seven storey 95,000 sq ft building features a stunning glass atrium, basement car and bicycle parking with electric vehicle charging points, plus five upper levels of accommodation.

With a key focus on sustainability, Aurora is the first BREEAM 2014 Outstanding rated office outside of London, achieving a score of 91% and one of only eight BREEAM outstanding offices in the UK.

Utilising Metal Technology’s System 17HR curtain walling on all elevations, this impressive office development not only meets high sustainability standards, it also delivers a striking aesthetic. Particular attention was paid to the south elevation where a bespoke brise soleil system was introduced using purpose designed bracketry to carry the opaque glass blades.  The building also utilised Metal technology’s 5-20D Hi+ doors and 4-35Hi+ casement windows from their thermal range offering high levels of weathering, thermal and security performance.

Alex Roberts, Sustainability Manager at Willmott Dixon, said:

“A healthy building environment helps create a happier and more productive workforce. With this in mind, optimised thermal comfort, high acoustic performance and glare control which allows natural light to connect the building’s users with the outside, were all achieved within the design of Aurora.”

All Metal Technology systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Used individually or together, they offer complete design flexibility for creative aesthetics with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

Maryhill Health Centre: A brand new beacon of health by Metal Technology

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Maryhill Health Centre is a shining example of a state-of-the-art regeneration project built to showcase the latest technology and healthcare provision in a way that is inspiring and inviting to the public. The project brings together an impressive suite of solutions from architectural aluminium systems’ company, Metal Technology.

The building was designed to replace the old health centre as part of the city of Glasgow’s wider regeneration plan for Maryhill. The new centre incorporates GP Practices, physiotherapy, podiatry, community dental services, district nursing, health visitors, community mental health services, youth health service and health improvement teams.

With a project value of approx. £12.4m, the Health Centre features a combination of Metal Technology’s System 17 SP and System 17 Capped curtain walling systems alongside a combination of System 5-35 Hi Tilt & Turn windows, System 5-20D doors and distinctive LV023 louvres.

The impressive full height atria, creates views to waiting areas and reception points across multiple floors which assists with way-finding in the centre. Additionally, the sky-facing windows flood the building with natural light, inducing a sense of calm within the space.

Metal Technology was selected for this project due to its ability to provide proprietary barrier load tested external grilles as an integrated solution onto capped / flush silicone pointed curtain walling within tight budget constraints. This fenestration configuration maximised the potential natural ventilation provision whilst using the minimal number of window openings – making the solution financially economic yet technically robust.

Jackie Kerr, Head of Operations, North West Locality, Glasgow Health & Social Care Partnership, said: “The new Health and Care Centre is a state of the art building, giving increased capacity and more services to local residents of Maryhill in a welcoming modern environment.”

All Metal Technology systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Used individually or together, they offer complete design flexibility for creative aesthetics with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

 

Metal Technology enhances student living at Capital Quarter Cardiff

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Capital Quarter Cardiff student accommodation is a sterling example of premium architecture that is practical without compromising on quality. The project brings together an impressive collection of multi-functional systems from architectural aluminium systems’ company, Metal Technology.

Located in the centre of Cardiff the development spans an impressive 140,000 sq ft and consists of two multi-level blocks linked by an attractive architect-designed landscape scheme. Providing a mix of studio and cluster accommodation, the two blocks are made up of 544 self-contained rooms in total.

With a project value of approx. £1.725million the accommodation features Metal Technology’s System 17 capped curtain walling with a combination of System 5-35HI+ tilt and turn windows and System 4-35 Hi+ thermally enhanced Casement windows. System 5-20D Hi+ thermally enhanced door systems are also used alongside System 10 commercial doors.

A bespoke louvre system helped ensure adequate shading was achieved whilst providing a safe environment even when the windows are fully opened.

Andrew Stapleton of APiC commented, “Metal Technology’s state-of-the-art windows and doors were the perfect fit for this student accommodation project from an installation perspective due to the system’s ability to be quickly but efficiently designed, fabricated and shipped to site. This allows our installers to be utilised more efficiently and effectively across all of our current live sites.

“The door and window systems lent themselves especially well to this type of project where safety and security are a priority without compromising on quality.”

All Metal Technology systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Used individually or together, they offer complete design flexibility for creative aesthetics with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

College Avenue: Setting the Standard for Student Accommodation

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Queens University Belfast’s (QUB) brand-new student accommodation at College Avenue, beautifully brings together a suite of multi-functional systems from architectural aluminium systems’ company, Metal Technology.

With an overall project value of £35,000,000, the state-of-the-art student accommodation brings together effective space optimisation and practical design to create a safe space for students in a central Belfast location with a range of purpose-built areas to facilitate a balanced approach to study, health and wellbeing.

Spanning 11 floors and an impressive 240,000ft2 the accommodation features Metal Technology’s System 17 high rise curtain walling on all facades in combination with System 5-35Hi+ turn only windows, System 23 louvres and System 5-20D Hi+ doors . These purpose designed louvres have been tested to BS6180 for guarding providing a safe environment even when the full height windows are fully opened.   Key considerations when choosing these products included practicality, safety, acoustics and thermal performance throughout the building.

Internally, the building features 747 student accommodation units, a gymnasium, study spaces, refreshment and recreational areas as well as dedicated IT suits.

All Metal Technology systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Used individually or together, they offer complete design flexibility for creative aesthetics with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

AC Hotel by Marriott, Glazing Systems by Metal Technology!

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The AC Hotel by Marriott, at Belfast’s City Quays, brings together a suite of systems from architectural aluminium company Metal Technology.

Part of a mixed-use regeneration project by Belfast Harbour, the four-star hotel rises nine storeys and includes 188 bedrooms, reception area, lounge and bar, gym and meeting rooms. The glazed façade is constructed using Metal Technology’s System 17 curtain walling, capped and silicone pointed, complemented with System 4-35Hi+ casement windows and System 5-20DHi+ doors from the  THERMAL range. It is also one of the biggest commercial projects to incorporate the newest product on the Metal Technology family, System 26Hi+ bi-fold doors.

This is the first AC Hotel by Marriott on the island of Ireland and features “Novelli at City Quays” where multi-Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli adds his flare to the dining experience.

Used in isolation or in an integrated scheme, Metal Technology systems provide reliable structural integrity, weather performance, thermal enhancement and security, together with creative and design freedom to deliver superb results, as evidenced by this stunning hotel project.

Metal Technology puts the Ripple into the Retreat

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The Ripple Retreat is a purpose-built sanctuary for children affected by cancer, set up and funded by, ‘It’s Good 2 Give!’ charity.

The Kettle Architects designed, multi-award-winning structure is informed and inspired by its lakeside location in the Trossachs national park. This is reflected in the rippling roof, clad in pigmento blue zinc to capture the changing light, and in the expanses of glazed façade which connect the interior to the building’s idyllic setting and provide important visibility to play areas.

With endless design flexibility, Metal Technology systems were pivotal to the project, which utilised System 17 capped curtain walling, System 5-20D and System 25 lift-and-slide doors and System 5-20 tilt-and-turn windows.

These systems were chosen for their positive contribution to the creative aesthetic and their all-round performance, meeting Kettle’s criteria of “a model sustainable building both in its layout and specification.” All Metal Technology Systems are designed to deliver impressive aesthetics with full structural integrity, high levels of weather performance and thermal enhancement, whether used in isolation or in an integrated scheme.

Metal Technology façade for a ‘diamond’ finish

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The former Thales site in the Gatwick Diamond area of Crawley has been transformed into a £19million office development.

The offices, which have been let by South East Coast Ambulance Service, feature Metal Technology’s System 17 capped high-rise curtain walling in conjunction with System 5-20D Hi+ thermal doors.

SEC Ambulance Chief Executive Daren Mochrie said: “We’re delighted staff are now working in the new HQ and EOC. The building provides the Trust with modern, fit-for-purpose premises.”

System 17 offers a diverse range of profiles engineered to provide not only impressive ascetics but full structural integrity with high levels of weather performance and thermal enhancement, delivering design flexibility to any application. System 5-20D Hi+ doors are designed to integrate perfectly into the façade design and feature bespoke polyamide thermal break technology for superior thermal performance while maintaining high levels of weather performance and security enhancement.

Client, Surrey County Council, has heralded the project as an exemplar for developing revenue streams from brownfield development.