Tag: System 17 Capped Curtain Walling

Metal Technology’s glazing solutions installed at Hawick Business Centre

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Hawick Business Centre is a 433m² office space designed by Aitken Turnbull to provide modern and flexible workspaces for local businesses, allowing it to act as a starter business ‘hub’ within the town. Delivered by Maxi Construction, the building sits in the centre of the historical border town and the simple yet elegant façade complements the existing architectural style of the area.

A range of Metal Technology’s high performance architectural glazing solutions were installed by our valued sub contractor partner ARGLA: Architectural Glass and Aluminium Ltd. Products used were: System 17 high rise curtain walling with System 4-35 thermally enhanced casement inserts and System 10-35 thermal shopfront and doors.

The new three-storey hub includes communal kitchen facilities, and benefits from natural lighting, natural ventilation and fibre connectivity. The fully glazed ground floor ‘shop front’ entrance pays homage to the former building’s use as a department store and the building’s tall, vertical windows reflect the verticality of the surrounding buildings.

The redevelopment of this site has brought much-needed, contemporary office space for existing local businesses and entrepreneurs in Hawick, and will act as a catalyst for further property redevelopment and investment in the town.

Imagery by Aitken Turnbull architects

Metal Technology’s systems used in Dakota Leeds luxury boutique hotel

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Nice to see this terrace extension completed for luxury boutique hotel Dakota Leeds, which is set amidst the shopping, restaurant and commercial districts of Leeds’ bustling city centre. The project was designed by KPP Architects and delivered by GMI Construction Group PLC.

Metal Technology Ltd’s high performance System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling and System 25 Hi+ Twin Track Lift and Slide Doors were installed via fabricator Casu Consulto Limited for this conversion, which saw the unveiling of the hotel’s beautiful new garden suites.

See our full curtain walling range

See our System 25 Twin Track Lift and Slide Door

Metal Technology’s glazing systems installed at major sustainable business hub in England’s south coast

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Langstone Park, on the grounds of the former IBM manufacturing plant, has been redeveloped with a 480,000 sq ft vibrant employment site featuring high quality business units and industrial floorspace, suitable for R&D, warehouse, laboratories, offices and data centres.

Metal Technology Ltd supplied a range of its architectural glazing systems to create the striking façade, which involved a combination of capped and structural curtain walling with expressed vertical caps. Systems used were System 17 Capped (Vertical Caps Aerofoil), SP horizontal joints, System 17 Concealed Vents and System 10-35 Doors.

A fantastic, sustainable, truly mixed-use commercial environment which is now home to an inspiring community of businesses.

Metal Technology solutions used in exceptional new Belfast student accommodation scheme

Posted on by Anna Rainey

The first Vita Student residence to open in Northern Ireland, the building boasts 269 beautifully decorated self-contained studio apartments with extensive breakout, social study areas throughout the building. The ‘all-in’ living experience includes utility bills, speedy connectivity, a state-of-the-art gym, bookable private dining and study rooms, a cinema, over 60 cycling spaces, and a design-led hub space for studying and co-working. The 15-storey building also offers amazing city skyline views via its roof terrace.

Situated on the corner of Bruce Street and Little Victoria Street, the property is ideally located to cater for students from Queens University Belfast and Ulster University. The project was a fast-tracked construction, completed within an 18-month construction period by McAleer & Rushe. Designed by TODD Architects with a red brick façade, the Vita Student Belfast building complements its existing surroundings and delivers a BREEAM Very Good rating.

Metal Technology’s architectural glazing systems were specified for the project via approved fabricator, Omagh Aluminium systems, delivering the necessary acoustic performance (due to its city centre location) and thermal requirements (a u-value of 1.4w/m2k) across the built glazed façade.

Metal Technology also designed a project specific solution to create continuous louvres on the external face of the façade and the windows utilised a new opening and safety control mechanism to facilitate safe operation of room ventilation for its occupants.

Metal Technology systems used: System 17 Curtain Walling, THERMAL System 5-35 Hi+ Tilt and Turn Windows, THERMAL System 5-20D Hi+ Heavy Duty Doors, THERMAL System 10-35 Hi+ Automatic Sliding Entrance Door and System 23 Glazed-In Louvres.

Metal Technology’s architectural glazing systems have been used in HMP & YOI Stirling, the new, £85.7m state-of-the-art facility for women in custody in Scotland

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Designed by Holmes Miller Architects and built by Morrison Construction for the Scottish Prison Service, the building’s unique design is aimed at creating a calm, therapeutic environment for rehabilitation and wellbeing. 

The 100-place establishment avoids the use of conventional, high-security custodial glazing solutions, instead opting for a more welcoming design, with visual connections to the surrounding landscape to create a sense of openness and positivity, without compromising on security and safety. There are three clear zones: a two-storey front-of-house which forms the public face of the new facility, a central hub, and residential accommodation arranged around a central garden space. Metal Technology Ltd’s System 17 curtain walling, System 4-35Hi+ windows and System 5-20DHi+ doors were utilised through approved fabricator Linn-Tech Scotland Ltd.

Metal Technology’s windows, doors and curtain walling were also specified for two recent, smaller Community Custody Units in Scotland which follow the same revolutionary approach to women’s custodial buildings: The Bella Centre, Dundee (Ogilvie Construction Ltd, Oberlanders Architects, MT Fabricator – Scottech Limited) and The Lilias Centre, Maryhill, Glasgow (Ogilvie Construction, BakerHicks Architects, MT Fabricator – Scottech).

We are proud to have been involved in this innovative suite of custodial buildings, which provide dedicated environments for the care of women and are designed with a clear focus on therapy, education and recovery, with practice, tools and services that are trauma informed.

New warehouse facility features Metal Technology’s architectural glazing systems

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Designed by UMC Architects and delivered by MCS Group Ltd, this modern warehouse facility for Zarafa Group provides 21,500 sq ft of warehouse, workshop, a two storey office space, car parking facilities and service yards.

Located in Grantham, Lincolnshire, the unit boasts a bold corporate colour scheme, which combined with Metal Technology Ltd’s architectural glazing products, creates a striking, contemporary façade. Through approved fabricator Frostree Ltd, Metal Technology products installed included: System 17 Curtain Walling, System 4-20 Windows, System 10-35 Doors and System 22 Brise Soleil.

Metal Technology’s architectural glazing systems used in new Jobcentre Plus, South Shields

Posted on by Anna Rainey

In conjunction with South Tyneside Council and GMI Construction Group PLC, Muse has created a new 12,000 sq ft office for 65 DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) staff as part of the ongoing regeneration of South Shields town centre.

Situated on Mile End Road, the new, purpose-built, BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rated building serves as the town’s new relocated Jobcentre Plus. The centre offers a range of services to help people find work, claim benefits, and provides specialist support for those with disabilities.

Metal Technology Ltd supplied a range of architectural glazing products including System 4-20 Windows, System 10-35 Doors and System 17 Curtain Walling through approved fabricator ARGLA. We’re delighted to have been involved in this scheme to help contribute to a new repurposed town centre for South Shields.

A striking full glass frontage for AV Dawson’s new headquarters

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Metal Technology Ltd’s glazing systems were installed through approved fabricator, TITAN Facades, for The Staiths – a new state-of-the-art head office for freight logistics specialists AV Dawson Limited, owner and operator of the rebranded Port of Middlesbrough (formerly Port Darlington). Products used were System 17 Curtain Walling with raked heads, System 10-35 Commercial Doors, System 4-35 Vents and System 22 Brise Soleil.

Designed by C.A.Ross Associates and delivered by Brims Construction Limited, the 24,000 sq. ft. office development celebrates both the heritage and future of the port and town, and forms part of a £10 million, 3 year masterplan for AV Dawson’s Port of Middlesbrough facility. The impressive four-storey building boasts views over the River Tees from its rooftop terrace and features open plan office spaces, a modern conferencing facility and meeting area, a gym, private meeting spaces, co-working areas, and training rooms.

The new space is a great resource for the community, with many different organisations continuing to avail of its facilities, and has helped to highlight the vibrant shipping industry in Teesside.

Metal Technology systems used in Oxford’s new groundbreaking SuperLab

Posted on by Anna Rainey

The extraordinary, purpose built SuperLab in Oxford provides much needed lab space and fantastic facilities for the next generation of science entrepreneurs and innovators. The new state-of-the-art building is located close to the city centre and the university, which spins out around 15 science firms a year.
 
Created and built by Oxford-based Robin Swailes Design and Development, the SuperLab offers almost 7,000 sq ft of accommodation for up to 84 staff and blends contemporary design with the latest efficiency features while meeting the needs of the modern workforce. The building is made of 95 per cent recycled aluminium and features a grey water system using collected rainwater to flush the toilets, thermal efficient panelling, air source heat pumps and solar panels to minimise its carbon footprint and keep running costs as low as possible.
 
Metal Technology Ltd supplied a range of its high-performance glazing products for this unique development via approved fabricator Alternative Windows. Products used were: System 17 Curtain Walling, System 5-35Hi Tilt Turn Windows, System 4-35Hi Fixed Casement Windows and System 10-35 Thermally Broken Commercial Doors.
 
Curved walls, round windows and open ceilings create a sense of space and wellbeing, topped off with advanced acoustics,  quality finishing touches and a playful interior. The result is an inspiring and design-focused workplace that encourages collaboration. Outside, a roof top recreation area provides space for al fresco meetings, eating and drinking with views over Oxford’s Dreaming Spires.
 
A fantastic project to have been involved in, which ultimately encourages young and innovative science pioneers to stay and further their career on home soil.

Spirits are high as The Port Of Leith Distillery nears completion

Posted on by Anna Rainey

The Port of Leith Distillery is a new, 40-metre tall Scotch Whisky distillery currently being built in Edinburgh’s historic port of Leith, right on the edge of the harbour next to The Royal Yacht Britannia and The Ocean Terminal centre. For centuries, Leith was Scotland’s gateway to the world. The streets were lined with bonded warehouses, where much of Scotland’s whisky was matured, blended and bottled.

Designed by Threesixty Architecture Ltd and delivered by Colorado Construction, this remarkable, vertical distillery will include a top floor bar with spectacular panoramic views across Leith, Edinburgh and Fife. Metal Technology Ltd supplied its high-performance architectural glazing systems which were fabricated and installed by Avtek Ltd.

Metal technology systems installed were: System 17-SP silicone pointed curtain walling, System 17 capped curtain walling and System 5-20DHi+ doors

A very impressive and exciting project to be involved in! A modern landmark for Leith which will no doubt bring jobs and tourism to Scotland’s port town.

 

A new, inspiring learning environment for Craigmillar community

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Castlebrae Community Campus officially opened its doors in Spring 2022. The new 700 capacity secondary school, which has the potential to be increased to 1,200, was constructed next to the East Neighbourhood Centre and Library (a project Metal Technology also delivered for Hub South East Scotland).

Designed by JM Architects and delivered by Morrison Construction, this fantastic new building for The City of Edinburgh Council provides an exciting, inspirational and creative learning hub for the community. It forms one of the final pieces of a 20 yearlong regeneration project to improve housing stock and community facilities in the area. The development was very much a collaborative design, with numerous workshops and meetings to engage the community in the process.

The relationship between the interior and exterior of the building was crucial, developing a holistic approach to improve the learning, attainment and health and wellbeing of the community. Metal Technology Ltd supplied its System 4-35Hi+ top hung windows, System 17 curtain walling, System 5-20D Hi+ doors and System 23 louvres and were manufactured and installed by approved fabricator Avtek Ltd.

The project has been shortlisted for the following awards: Pupil/Student Experience and Inspiring Learning Spaces at the Education Estates Awards taking place on 18th Oct and Inspiring Learning Spaces at the Learning Places Scotland Awards taking place on 15th Nov.

Word has it that the pupils are greatly enjoying and benefiting from their wonderful new learning space and environment – what it’s all about! We’re delighted to have been a part of this build for the Craigmillar community.

(Photography – Cadzow Pelosi)

MT to supply its Passive House products for one of the world’s largest Passivhaus buildings

Posted on by Anna Rainey

The new Dunfermline Learning Campus will incorporate the relocation of a college and two schools: a new Fife College Halbeath Campus, St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School. Due to open in 2024, the 55 acre, circa £220m ‘super-campus’ will accommodate up to 2,700 school pupils and 2,500 college students.

Designed by AHR Architects, the high school development is being delivered by BAM Construction for Fife Council and is one of the largest Passivhaus buildings in the world, at 26,666m². The schools form part of AHR’s and Fife Council’s journey to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

Metal Technology has been appointed to supply its ‘next generation’ System 5-45 Hi+ Inward Opening Windows and System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling. Both high performance products have been purposefully designed to meet the required Passivhaus energy-efficiency criteria and have been approved as Certified Components by the Passive House Institute, with System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling achieving the highest ranking of A+.

Metal Technology’s systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Further products to be supplied for this exemplar campus include System 5-20D Hi+ doors, System 23 Louvres and LV023 Barrier Grilles.

Visit our Passive House section here

 

 

A stylish, curved glass design for new, commercial i9 Building

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Construction of Wolverhampton’s eye-catching modern office development i9 has been completed and marks a major milestone in the creation of a thriving commercial quarter at the heart of the city’s award-winning Interchange. The i9 project follows the success of the i10 complex on the opposite side of Railway Drive in the city centre. Both have been delivered by the council and leading property developer, Ion.

Designed by Glenn Howells Architects and constructed by GRAHAM Group, the eye-catching i9 building pays homage to the industrial characteristics of the city’s red-brick Victorian architecture. Approved fabricator APiC UK Limited installed Metal Technology Ltd’s System 17 Capped 50mm and System 17 SP structurally glazed Curtain Walling. Opening vents are System 4-35Hi+ Casement, with System 5-20D Hi+ THERMAL Doors and 10-35 commercial framing system.

i9 is already home to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – the first ministerial office with a regular presence outside London.

The new office achieves a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating and incorporates the latest green technology and thinking to deliver low energy use, low resource use, flexibility and low impact on the surrounding environment. It is the first office in the Black Country to be awarded WiredScore Gold certification in recognition of its digital connectivity and infrastructure.


New Public Services Hub to open its doors in Ellesmere Port

Posted on by Anna Rainey

The Portal is a new £16 million public services hub in Ellesmere Port, delivered by Vinci Construction UK for Cheshire West and Chester Council. The new facility will be home to more than 500 council and public sector staff, a Job Centre Plus and a Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

The building has been constructed with many environmentally friendly elements including solar panels, air source heat pump and electric vehicle charging points. The Portal’s envelope is wrapped at the top and bottom with an attractive, copper coloured metal cladding and a newly formed public realm area will surround the exterior, with bench seating and green landscaped sections.

Internally, The Portal consists of large open plan working areas with smaller subsection meeting rooms, break out and kitchen spaces which are present on each level and a main central staircase for circulation.

Metal Technology Ltd supplied its 10-35Hi+ commercial entrance doors and System 17 capped curtain walling for the large, glazed sections of the build to approved fabricator and installer RED Systems Limited.

Due to open its doors in Spring, it’s fantastic to have been involved in this state-of-the-art, commercial project, which is a catalyst for the wider Ellesmere Port Town Centre regeneration master plan.

Northern Ireland’s First Passivhaus Plus College recognised by UN

Posted on by Anna Rainey

The £29m South West College in Enniskillen, designed by Hamilton Architects LLP and built by Tracey Brothers Ltd, is the first building in Ireland to be designed to Passivhaus Premium Plus standard, delivering an average project façade u-value of 0.8w/m2K. The 8,000sqm education and community facility is situated on the prime site of the former Erne Hospital and won the 2021 BREEAM Official Public Sector Project – Design Stage Award.

Amongst the most environmentally friendly buildings in the world, the Erne Campus has been recognised as a UN Centre of Excellence for High Performance Buildings. The project has joined 25 other buildings around the world as an exemplar of green construction.

Metal Technology Ltd assisted approved fabricator and installer, D & K Architectural Systems Ltd, with thermal modelling of the screens and interfaces to ensure the façade’s systems complied with the stringent design requirements, using triple-glazed System 17 Curtain Walling, System 4-35Hi+ Thermal Casement Windows, System 5-35Hi+ Thermal Tilt & Turn Windows, System 5-20DHi+ Thermal Heavy Duty Doors and System 22 Brise Soleil.

A challenging and rewarding project for all involved, we’re extremely proud to have played a key part in bringing this state-of-the-art, carbon zero building to life – an exemplar in sustainable innovation and design.

 

Redefining student living in the historic city of Exeter

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Fantastic to see the completion of this multi-million pound scheme by UPP (University Partnerships Programme) which incorporates 1,182 student bedrooms on Exeter University’s Streatham Campus. Designed by Stride Treglown and delivered by VINCI Construction, the East Park project comprises of standard, en-suite and enhanced accessible bedrooms and represents the largest build of on-campus accommodation at the University since 2012.

The University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus is one of the greenest and most attractive university campuses in the UK. The East Park development is built into the topography of the slope and takes advantage of the fantastic views across the city. The project is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating by incorporating green materials with high environmental ratings; recycling 90% of the waste generated on site; specifying A or A+ rated appliances and low energy fittings; providing high levels of insulation, and including a combined heat and power system.

Fabricated and installed by approved MT fabricator APiC UK, Metal Technology Ltd is proud to have been a part of this major student accommodation development, providing our System 17 Curtain walling with feature capping, System 5-20D Doors SBD with electric strike locks and System 5-35Hi+ windows.

 

Enhancing student living at University of York’s £130m “Campus of the Future”

Posted on by Anna Rainey

We’re delighted to see the completion of the first phase of University of York’s £130m flagship student accommodation project. GRAHAM Building is using an off-site manufacturing facility to deliver the scheme, enhancing the quality, safety and sustainability of the construction programme. Embracing Modern Methods of Construction, the development includes pre-fabricated sandwich panels, integrating external brick finish with Metal Technology Ltd’s System 5-35 Hi+   Tilt and Turn windows, which included the development of a bespoke extrusion. The project was fabricated and installed by approved MT fabricator APiC UK. Our System 17 – 50mm curtain walling and System 5-20D Doors were also utilised.

The 1,480-bed project, designed by Sheppard Robson, will help to transform the Heslington East Campus. Student welfare is paramount with the design focusing on harnessing the benefits of the project’s natural, waterside setting. The project has been broken down into 18 blocks that step down from four to three storeys as you get closer to the waterfront, helping frame views of the lake and also embedding the project within the landscape. The strong, simple forms of the blocks, characterised by robust pre-cast concrete and brick, have been designed to be a modern interpretation of the character of the university’s 1960s campus. The simple forms have been shaped to create a series of internal courtyards with a series of covered walkways, a feature of the 60s campus which brings the elements of the project together.

For more information on our solutions for the student accommodations market please follow the link to our dedicated brochure and case studies > Student Accommodation Brochure

Unveiling a striking bronze façade for Belfast’s newly restored Grand Opera House

Posted on by Anna Rainey

The £12.2 million restoration and development of the Grand Opera House, Belfast has recently been completed. The project was delivered by specialist construction firm, Tracey Brothers Ltd, architects Consarc Design Group and more than 60 sub-contractors.

The design of the foyer and public spaces has been totally reimagined, with a new bar installed in the restored 1980 glass extension overhanging Great Victoria Street, as well as beautifully refurbished stalls and circle bars. The auditorium’s paintings and decorative and ornate plasterwork was painstakingly restored and conserved, as well as new seating, carpets, curtains and drapes installed.

The exterior of the building has also undergone a significant facelift, with extensive restoration of the beautiful 1985 listed building designed by Frank Matcham. The 2006 Baby Grand extension has also been reimagined – the new façade has a contrasting, contemporary aesthetic, while complementing the historical Matcham building. Using as much transparent glass as possible, the project utilised an Akzo Nobel Steel Bronze Anodic paint finish as well as various face caps and silicone pointing. To achieve a u-value of 1.6w/m2k across the built glazed façade, a range of Metal Technology Ltd’s systems were used in conjunction with solar control glass.

Systems used in the scheme: System 4-35Hi+ Thermal Casement Windows, System 5-20DHi+ Thermal Heavy-Duty Doors, System 10 Automatic Sliding Commercial Doors, System 17 Capped Curtain Walling, System 17 Silicone Pointed Curtain Walling.

Metal Technology systems used in landmark £41m Health Innovation Campus at Lancaster University

Posted on by Anna Rainey

The landmark Health Innovation One building is an innovation hub offering co-location space for external organisations as well as being the new home for Lancaster University’s Medical School and Division of Health Research. The space is designed to encourage collaboration, where external organisations can draw upon the University’s expertise to address significant health challenges and improve health and wealth outcomes in the region and beyond.

Architects John McAslan + Partners sought to realise the University’s ambition to establish itself as a major international presence in the field of Health and Medicine through the design of this new HIC. JMP’s campus masterplan will bring together businesses, the NHS, students and academics from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds. Central to this campus is the Innovation Hub, representing phase one of the development.

The scheme comprises a café, quiet reading areas, private meeting rooms, open breakout zones and a business lounge for more formal conversations. Close consultation with the University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine has resulted in a scheme that offers maximum flexibility, the promotion of interdisciplinary working and collaboration, the provision of exceptional working and learning environments, and a holistic building design that is sustainable and energy efficient, targeting an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM standard.

To achieve this performance for the £3M glazing package, fabricator Alucraft working to main contractor BAM Construct, utilised Metal Technology’s System 17 Curtain Walling in a bronze anodised finish and from our    ranges, System 5-20D Doors and 5-20 windows.

 

 

Belfast design-led flexible workspace refurb uses Metal Technology systems

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Redefining the traditional office environment, Eagle Star House has elevated Belfast’s flexible workspace to that found in New York or London. Now operating as Urban HQ, this 32,000 sq ft building accommodates more than 500 desks and includes light-filled meeting rooms, focus rooms, phone booths and a rooftop terrace that offers spectacular views of the city.

To realise the vision of developers Magell, Like Architects and main contractor GRAHAM Group collaborated to complete a major £4.5m transformation of this iconic Belfast City Centre building.

Fabricator Fortress SEFA used the specified Metal Technology systems in the replacement façade to achieve a totally different aesthetic and a u-value of 1.5w/m2k in conjunction with solar-control glazing. The curtain walling utilised various colour finishes, face caps and silicone pointing and ribbon tilt & turn windows glazing into insulated panels in the off-street areas, assisted in providing the necessary ventilation requirements. The project is subject to BREAAM assessment.

Systems used were: System 17 Capped and System 17 Silicon Pointed Curtain Walling and from our Thermal ranges, System 5-35Hi+ Casement Windows, System 10-35Hi+ Commercial Doors and System 23 Glazed-In Louvres.

Metal Technology systems used in BREEAM Excellent rated Brinell Building

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Designed by TODD Architects and built by McAleer & Rushe, The £30m Brinell Building is the newest and most contemporary office building in Brighton city centre and provides 65,000 sq ft of high quality Grade A office accommodation split over seven storeys with an impressive wrap around roof terrace affording unrivalled views across Brighton and towards the seafront.

The building achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating, an A rate EPC and benefits from superior energy efficient systems which minimise occupier running costs. The open plan floor plates maximise efficiency with the clear glass full height panelling offering natural daylight and the impressive double height reception incorporates Tom Dixon pebble lighting. To achieve this thermal performance, fabricator Alucraft Projects used Metal Technology’s System 17 – 50mm capped curtain walling and System 5-20D Thermal doors.

The development includes excellent amenities for staff and visitors including secure underground car and cycle parking, electrical car charging points, private changing booths, a drying room, showers and lockers. The bike parking and changing facilities were expertly designed by specialists Five at Heart.

Metal Technology systems used in Scotland’s biggest school

Posted on by Anna Rainey

Situated on a 19.8-hectare site, the innovative £69m Barony Campus by supply chain partner Morrison Construction is the biggest capital project ever undertaken by East Ayrshire Council. It consolidates five schools (The Robert Burns Academy, Cherry Trees Early Childhood Centre, Hillside School, Lochnorris Primary School and Supported Learning Centre) into one shared community campus, creating a centre for education for the towns of Cumnock, Auchinleck and the surrounding area.

The project for East Ayrshire Council, and based on standards set by the Scottish Futures Trust, includes a secondary school (for 1,633 pupils), a primary school (517 pupils), a nursery (240 children), an 80-place supported learning centre, 30 additional places for students with special educational requirements, playing fields and sport facilities.

For architects Sheppard Robson, sustainability was at the heart of the design from the outset. A dedicated biomass facility within the energy centre provides a sustainable energy supply to the buildings and central roofscapes featuring PV panels, collect as much natural energy as possible.

Fabricator Avtek Solutions utilised Metal Technology’s System 17 Capped Curtain Walling, System 4-35 Hi+  Casement Windows and System 5-20D Hi+   Doors.

 

Metal Technology systems used in West Lothian schools

Posted on by Anna Rainey

This £60.5m education campus project for West Lothian Council, which will transform Winchburgh, is in response to significant new housing expansion in the area. Facilities will include the addition of a 231 pupil replacement Holy Family Primary School (including 64 place nursery), a 660 pupil non-denominational secondary school Winchburgh Academy, a 660 pupil denominational secondary school Sinclair Academy and a shared physical education and community block.

Metal Technology performed an intrinsic technical role in this collaborative design approach with both Ryder Architecture and JM Architects, to propose elements of commonality in the design of the aluminium glazing throughout the overall scheme, whilst achieving aspects of individuality across the secondary and primary education buildings.

The main contractor, Morrison Construction, and approved Metal Technology fabricator, Albann, are simultaneously collaborating on the £14m Calderwood Primary School as part of the commitment by West Lothian Council and its development partner Hub South East, to expand upon the school estate with purpose-built facilities to meet the growing demands of the local communities.

Across the buildings, Albann are utilising Metal Technology’s System 17 Capped Curtain Walling and a number of systems from their high performance low U value  range of windows and doors, to include System 5-35Hi+ Tilt/turn, System 4-35Hi+ Casement, System 5-20D Hi+ Door suite and System 22 Barrier Grilles.

Metal Technology delivers full-height glazing for purpose-built office scheme at Booths Park

Posted on by Anna Rainey

This 70,000 sq ft, two-storey office development in Knutsford features two wings joined by a central area, with bronze and timber cladding. Collaboration was key in creating the building’s striking flush glass façade. Working closely with Calderpeel Architects, GMI Construction Group PLC and Crown Doors and Shutters Limited, we supplied our System 17 capped and System 17 SP curtain walling, with bespoke System 22 8m vertical brise soleil fins. As evidenced by this project, Metal Technology Ltd’s System 17 offers limitless flexibility in design applications, while also providing structural integrity, weather performance, thermal enhancement and security.

 

Each of the building’s wings is divided into four suites of roughly 6,800 sq ft each. There will also be 197 car parking spaces, accessed via Booth Park’s central road, while arrival gardens and a plaza are proposed to the front of the building.

The building is the new home for Portswigger Web Security, which currently employs 50 staff but is looking to expand to 400 over the next three years. Falling within the high value knowledge based IT sector, the company aligns with client Bruntwood’s growth aspirations and ‘Live Work Play’ vision for Booths Park, which is geared to become an exceptional workplace environment and also incorporate a residential development in a joint venture with Hillcrest.

Images courtesy of Crown Doors and Shutters

 

Delivering a striking façade for CABI’s stunning new low energy headquarters

Posted on by Anna Rainey

CABI is an international, inter-governmental, not-for-profit organisation who apply scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment.

Designed by Scott Brownrigg Architects, CABI’s new state-of-the-art corporate office in Wallingford builds upon its commitment towards a more sustainable world, as its innovative design leaves less of a carbon footprint amidst a landscape rich in biodiversity.

Working alongside project managers Ridge and Partners LLP (Ridge), Scott Brownrigg’s design provides a two-storey, low carbon office that integrates an experimental bio-diverse landscape with a new collaborative flexible working environment. The accommodation also provides a range of amenities including a café restaurant, meeting rooms and a lecture theatre which will also be used by the local community.

Metal Technology’s high performance curtain walling and Brise soleil solar shading systems were specified by Aluminium Sashes for contractor Barnwood Construction. System 17 curtain walling was utilized along side the perforated façade panels to allow for natural ventilation. This is complemented by the building’s extensive lightweight sedum green roof and photo-voltaic solar array system, which harvests the sun’s energy.

CABI and property developers CALA Homes have been mindful of landscaping which is sensitive to the location – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – with the planting of cypress trees, native hedgerows, low shrubs, ornamental plantings, perennial flowers and even a meadow to attract a broad range of insects, birds and other wildlife.

We’re delighted to see CABI make the move into their striking, eco-friendly new home, and are very proud to have played a part in this highly innovative development. A fantastic building and a credit to all involved.

 

Providing architectural definition for the unique City Campus at Canterbury Christ Church

Posted on by Anna Rainey

The new £64.5m City Campus for Canterbury Christ Church University, delivered by Hamilton Architects, is a 18,000 sqm state of the art STEM teaching facility dedicated to science, technology, engineering and medicine. The four-storey building will accommodate around 2,500 staff and students. This was a complex project due to the varied requirements of the academic departments.

A range of Metal Technology’s extensive architectural glazing systems were specified by Hamilton Architects, including System 17 Curtain Walling to highlight the wide expanses of fixed glazing which allows light to permeate into the building. Further products specified were Tilt & Turn windows from Metal Technology’s  5-35 Hi+ range, High insulation 5-20 D Hi+ Doors as well as our System 22 Brise Soleil solar shading system.

 

The STEM building is just one element of the overall development of the university estate, which will take up to 15 years to complete at an overall cost of more than £150m. For this project, Hamilton Architects forged a partnership with Canterbury architecture practice Hazle McCormack Young, with Gilbert-Ash as the main contractor.

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

 

In the fast lane with Craigavon’s new multi-million pound South Lake Leisure Centre

Posted on by Anna Rainey

An expansive multi-use sports and leisure facility, South Lake Leisure Centre is one of the most significant recent investments in health, fitness and wellbeing in Northern Ireland. Designed by McAdam Design Ltd and undertaken by ABC Council, the cutting-edge building has been specifically designed for people with disabilities, providing accessibility for all users.

Located overlooking the stunning Craigavon Lakes, South Lake Leisure Centre features a brand new 50 metre, eight-lane swimming pool, a young children’s indoor leisure water feature, a 1,000m² state-of-the-art gym, as well as a multi-court sports hall, squash courts, multiple studios, soft play area, a health & wellbeing suite and an on-site café. It also incorporates an outdoor water sports provision offering a wide range of water based activities including windsurfing, water skiing and paddle sports.

Metal Technology Ltd supplied its architectural glazing systems for the project through approved fabricator D&K Architectural Systems to project supply chain partner Farrans. The façade glazing package included its System 17 Curtain Walling, System 4-35Hi+ Thermal Casement Windows, System 5-20DHi+ Thermal Doors, System 22 Brise Soleil and System 23 Louvres. As showcased by this development, all of Metal Technology’s systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards.

 

Commenting on the project, Tony Rosbotham, Architectural Advisor / Business Development Manager at Metal Technology says, “The design team wanted to deliver large grids of curtain walling to provide as much of a glass wall façade effect as possible and this was achieved by installing larger mullions and transoms from our suite of profiles. A bespoke Brise Soleil bracket was also utilised to integrate our solar shading solution into the curtain walling. We are delighted with how the façade looks aesthetically and the level of light introduced into the building through the large panes of glass, which is great for a public use facility.”

Metal Technology’s glazing solutions offer complete design flexibility for creative expression, with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

 

 

 

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.

 

Sky high in architectural glazing: Liverpool’s landmark Horizon Heights

Posted on by Anna Rainey

This flagship new build student accommodation development, comprising over 1,000 bedrooms across two tower blocks of 21 and 19 storeys, is located on a cleared brownfield site opposite Liverpool’s Lime Street Station.

The development is a mixture of cluster and studio flats with communal areas and ground floor retail space. It is part of a detailed landscaping plan that will revitalise the retail area and enhance the pedestrian experience for both locals and visitors to the city.

For the client Unite Students, architects Falconer Chester Hall designed the two towers to respect the local context of both the train station and the nearby buildings in the aesthetics and materials used and specified Metal Technology for the façade. It is the largest single building completed to date by this developer and architect with a material palette which includes aluminium cladding, a series of perforated panels and curtain walling with window inserts.

     

For this project with an installed value of £7m, Metal Technology also worked closely with fabricator Walsin for main contractor McAleer and Rushe and developed a bespoke chamfered 230mm curtain wall cap which was used to create a pod around the perimeter of the glazed curtain walling.

Products used were Metal Technology’s System 5-35    Tilt turn Window suite, System 17 Curtain Walling with bespoke cap, System 23 louvres (P33) and System 5-20D  door.

This significant BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated scheme won the Student Accommodation award at RICS Social Impact Awards 2020 and is a finalist in the Tall Buildings Awards 2020 for “Best Tall Building Architect”, which recognises professional architects or architectural organisations who offer detailed explanations into technical and creative reasoning behind the specification of particular materials and systems.

Metal Technology MD Calvin Wilson said “working collaboratively with Walsin to bespoke this challenging technical solution for such a signature building is evidence of our capabilities to deliver a project to meet advanced design demands and we are delighted to have our systems showcased in such a landmark development”.

All Metal Technology’s 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 expression with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

 

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.