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L-SHAPED GLASS CANOPY OPTIMISES AESTHETICS IN CONTEMPORARY CURTAIN WALL FAÇADE
Universal Aluminium’s new MU4200 curtain walling system has combined with SFS intec’s VDS canopy attachment system to meet the brief of creating a complementary but architecturally distinctive new access tower for an important Grade II Listed Manchester building.
The slimline curtain walling system and frameless glass canopy were approved by planners for use in the construction of the three-storey access tower at the Hartley Hall, a Listed Building built in 1878 by the Primitive Methodist Church as a training centre for young preachers and now providing student residences. The intention in the creation of the access tower was to complement the historic building with the right visual balance – hence the focus on glazing for the new structure.
Using SFS intec’s VDS canopy attachment system, the glass canopy is installed above the main entrance doors to the access tower. The structural integrity of the MU4200 semi-structural curtain walling is such that securing the large L-shape glass canopy was possible without the need for heavyweight bracketing - crucial from an aesthetic perspective. The only visual impact with the SFS intec system comes with the series tie-rods, mullion brackets and point fixings in the glass.
“There was a great deal of discussion at the planning stage to ensure the design of the access tower was sympathetic to the historic building,” says Carl Gillam of Universal Aluminium. “It was agreed that the use of conventional rainscreen cladding or existing curtain walling systems on the access tower would detract from the original building.
“With the goal of minimal visual impact, our MU4200 system was approved by planners and we were able to follow this through to the glass canopy thanks to SFS intec's attachment system.”
The L-shaped glass canopy at Hartley Hall in Manchester, which is attached to Universal Aluminium’s MU4200 curtain walling system using SFS intec’s VDS canopy attachment system.
The SFS intec VDS canopy fixing system is available in three packages to suit small, medium and large canopies making it easy to specify. Attachment is by proven SFS intec single-point glass retainers and tie rods mounted on the wall bracket with bolts and locking pins.
The pitch of the canopy can be adjusted +/- 5 degrees by rotating the tie rods. Through the company’s UK based technical support team, SFS intec is equipped to assist with bespoke requirements and provides a RIBA-approved CPD seminar to provide vital insights to architects pre-design.
Universal Aluminium’s MU4200 curtain walling system offers a new concept in building design, introducing a host of new features to enable the creation of flush glazing, minimal framing and equal sightlines. Hartley Hall’s curtain walling was fabricated and installed by Window Warehouse (GB).
GLASS CANOPIES ADD CONTEMPORARY TOUCH AT ART DECO AYRSHIRE HOSPITAL
A series of frameless glass canopies installed using SFS intec’s VDS fixing system has provided the finishing touch to a major window, door and curtain walling contract completed by leading commercial fenestration contractor Radbury of Ayr at one of Scotland’s most architecturally important art deco hospitals.
Radbury of Ayr fabricated and installed around 600 windows and doors as part of the project, which included replacing dilapidated windows and doors, plus newbuild installation in an extensive refurbishment and extension of Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
The original hospital buildings are 1930s and 40s art deco inspired ‘International Modern Style’ architecture which has been restored to the highest standard as part of this latest building programme. Under the direction of architects Lawrence McPherson Associates and Historic Scotland, Radbury of Ayr was challenged to maintain the visual appeal of the grade B listed 'horseshoe' building to ensure the refurbishment was completed to achieve the desired aesthetic result.
Complementing Radbury of Ayr’s high performance composite aluminium and PVC-U windows and doors finished in dark grey (RAL 7015) are six frameless glass canopies which provide the necessary entrance door shelter without compromising the hospital’s aesthetics. This was particularly important given the prominence of several of the entrance doors on an elevation which faces onto a busy new public road.
SFS intec helped the company meet the challenge of attaching frameless glass canopies to tall, arched-headed 1300mm wide double doors which are also recessed. Using its VDS canopy system, the rear edge of each glass canopy was secured into the door transom with precision-engineered fixing brackets. Two tie-bars then support the outer edge of the glass and fix securely into the upper brick façade, providing a low profile attachment that does not disrupt sightlines.
Steven Bolland, Contracts Manager of Radbury of Ayr said: “We were delighted to be involved with the Ayrshire Central Hospital building programme and make our contribution to improving NHS facilities whilst at the same time helping to preserve vitally important Scottish architecture. The frameless canopies may be a small part of the overall fenestration project but without proper design and installation they could have been detrimental to the building aesthetics. We are therefore extremely grateful to SFS intec for their assistance in achieving the right result.”
The SFS intec VDS canopy fixing system is available in three packages to suit small, medium and large canopies making it easy to specify. Attachment is by proven SFS intec single-point glass retainers and tie rods mounted on the wall bracket with bolts and locking pins. The pitch of the canopy can be adjusted +/- 5 degrees by rotating the tie rods. Through the company’s UK based technical support team, SFS intec is equipped to assist with bespoke requirements and provides a RIBA-approved CPD seminar to provide vital insights to architects pre-design.
GLAZING AESTHETICS SHINE THROUGH WITH LOW PROFILE FIXINGS
A RIBA-certified CPD technical seminar from SFS intec is providing architects, architectural technologists and structural engineers with the latest insights into the creation of visually appealing structural glazing with low impact fixings.
Glass provides enormous scope to create visually stunning buildings and the latest generation of attachment systems means structural steel and timber frameworks can be kept to a minimum. Precision engineered, innovative fixing systems enable the creation of facades with clean, unbroken sightlines for sleek aesthetics.
As one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of fixing systems for structural glass, SFS intec has a wealth of knowledge to help designers achieve the desired result. All the main information relating to fixing system specification is provided in their RIBA-certified CPD seminar including design considerations, energy efficiency, natural daylight benefits and how to avoid corrosion risks.
“The aim of the CPD seminar is to furnish architects and designers with the knowledge and confidence to consider the latest techniques for securing structural glazing,” says SFS intec’s Neil Ackroyd. “By combining point fixings and spider fixings, it is possible to deliver glazed facades and numerous other building features with minimal visual intrusion attachments – our seminar gives important guidance on what to consider for a safe, secure and lasting installation.”
CURVED GLASS CANOPIES COMPLETE STYLISH NEW FACTORY FACADE
Two curved glass canopies secured using SFS intec’s innovative canopy fixing system have added the finishing touch to a new factory complex for one of the UK’s largest suppliers of potatoes and vegetables.
The new Prepared Factory building for Branston Ltd in Lincolnshire has been designed to incorporate a contemporary glazed main entrance featuring curtain walling over which is a curved glass canopy spanning 2.6m. A second canopy of a similar size has been installed above the staff entrance to the building.
Both glass canopies were installed by aluminium curtain walling specialist MB Glass who were awarded the contract by main contractor Chalcroft Construction. MB Glass provided crucial design input at the concept stage to ensure safe, secure canopies were achievable with slim, unobtrusive attachments to the structure.
The SFS intec VDS80 canopy attachment system was used for both canopies, each featuring three tie-bars to deliver a contemporary look. On the curtain wall façade, this system was used in combination with MB Glass’s special bracket which attaches directly to the aluminium curtain walling so there is no need for additional support.
The curve and angle of each canopy ensures that rainwater runs off at the sides to keep the public area adequately sheltered. And by using glass, the amount of natural daylight inside and outside the entrances is maximised.
Mark Brown, managing director of MB Glass says, “We were appointed to design, manufacture and install the whole external glazed façade at the new Branston factory which included glass canopies. Thanks to the SFS intec system and our own special bracket, we were able to deliver a very impressive looking result with no need for bulky canopy attachments.”
The SFS intec glass canopy system is available in three packages to suit small, medium and large canopies making it easy to specify. Attachment is by proven SFS intec single-point glass retainers and tie rods mounted on the wall bracket with bolts and locking pins. The pitch of the canopy can be adjusted +/- 5 degrees by rotating the tie rods.
SFS INTEC AND TELLING GO STATESIDE IN PIONEERING URBAN REDEVELOPMENT
Town and city streetscapes which generate their own ‘green’ electricity have become a reality thanks to a collaboration between façade specialist Telling Architectural and glass attachment systems supplier SFS intec.
The two British firms have delivered a ground-breaking, fully integrated renewable electricity generation facility within a new urban streetscape in Washington DC.
Designed by ZGF Architects, the innovative redevelopment project in the neighbourhood of Columbia Heights features a prominent new pedestrian plaza which includes a series of ornamental glass canopies that incorporate photovoltaic (PV) modules.
Called the Civic Plaza, this is one of the first urban streetscapes of its kind in the world to have its own renewable electricity generation capability and it could be a model for future low carbon town and city public realm architecture here in the UK.
The electricity-generating canopies are designed to resemble sculptured flowers within a largely hardscaped triangular-shaped public space at a major road junction. They were constructed by attaching a series of pre-drilled rectangular and radiused laminated glass panels, which incorporate PV cells, to a brushed stainless steel tubular framework using SFS intec’s spider and point fixings.
The renewable electricity generation capability of the canopies is delivered using Vidursolar photovoltaic modules, which are part of Telling Architectural’s Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions. The BIPV units at Columbia Heights are created using laminated safety glass with PVB as the interlayer and comply fully with safety standards for glazing in public areas.
It is estimated that the six PV units will produce about 3,600 kWh/year based on solar radiation data via Meteonorm for Washington DC. The total installed PV power is 3.090 Wp (515 Wp per unit).
SFS intec’s spider fittings attach the PV modules to the steel framework. Single, double and 4-arm stainless steel spiders were used in combination with ALP 45 dia raised point fixings. These precision engineered stainless steel fittings ensure long term structural reliability, even with extreme wind and snow loadings, without compromising the architect’s intended aesthetic vision.
“The Columbia Heights canopies perfectly illustrate the innovative ways in which PV modules can be used as part of modern architecture,” says SFS intec’s head of glass attachment systems Glen Wainwright. “Our range of glass fixing systems is designed to offer architects and façade specialists like Telling the freedom and confidence to innovate with glass in the knowledge that we have the attachment solutions to realise their new concepts.”
VERSATILE GLASS CUBE SET TO REVEAL MUSEUM’S TEXTILE AND DRESS COLLECTIONS
SFS intec and Peterlee Glass have delivered an innovative ‘glass cube’ within one of the North East’s most architecturally impressive museums, demonstrating the excellent versatility of structural glazing.
The Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle in County Durham has enhanced its Textiles and Dress Gallery as part of a £3.3m capital project with a number of exciting new features including the creation of a new area within the glass cube.
Providing much greater public access and interaction, as well as improved display space, the concept is to allow the public to see many exhibits which would otherwise be hidden away from view. It will also provide a study area for visitors to have access to more of the collections.
The space will be home to one of the largest and most significant European textile collections in Britain, which includes a unique collection of French upholstery textiles of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and its famous collection of North Country Quilts.
The 5m high, 6.5m x 6.5m glass cube was designed by Blue, a design company specialising in exhibition design for museums, and installed by Peterlee Glass which worked closely with structural engineers Billinghurst George & Partners. The project was managed by main contractor Simpson (York) which works extensively in the leisure, office and retail fit-out sectors.
SFS intec’s single point fixings were used in conjunction with its spider fixings to offer a reliable and visually appealing installation, with the glass cube positioned between the building’s characteristic stone pillars.
Billinghurst George & Partners designed the structural support for the glass panels, which was in two parts. Firstly, to avoid overloading the existing floor, strengthening beams were installed, hidden from view within the floor void. Above floor level, a slimline steel frame provided direct support to SFS intec’s spider fixings, with minimal visual intrusion. Within the cube, textiles will be offered for viewing by the public, suspended from the roof of the steel framework in dramatic style.
Joanna Hashagen, Keeper of Textiles at The Bowes Museum says, “The glass cube provides a flexible work space which transforms the way we are able to present our textile and dress collections. We have lots of small objects which need to be stored flat and will be accommodated by a large floor to ceiling storage unit. Our internationally renowned collection of North Country Quilts will be more accessible than ever as they will be suspended from the ceiling rather than being rolled up and stored away as they were previously.
“But this new Textiles and Dress Gallery is much more than a storage space. We will be using the glass cube as a conservation and study area which will also be open to the public at times and we have a fantastic location within the museum to display touring collections.”
SFS intec’s glass attachment systems are perfect for glass facades as well as numerous other internal and external features including balustrades, stairways, partitions and signage. In addition to a wide choice of single, bevel and flush point fixings, the company also offers an easy to select glass canopy fixing system which allows architects, glass processors and structural engineers to create stylish canopies with ease.
SFS INTEC EXPANDS GLAZING POTENTIAL WITH EXTENDED FIXINGS RANGE
Leading European hardware manufacturer SFS intec has expanded its range of fixing systems for glass to offer architects, interior designers and glazing specialists the scope to deliver even more ambitious glazed features in all types of newbuild and refurbishment projects.
Details of all SFS intec’s glass fixing systems are available in its comprehensive new or by phone.
New additions to the range - which are detailed in the new catalogue - include the new AF fixing system for double glazed units. This allows the creation of thermally superior glass facades with low U-values thanks to an innovative point fixing design that is available in a domed or countersunk head for a choice of aesthetic finish.
Another complementary solution joining the glass fixings range is the ALO partition walling system. This slimline aluminium profile based system offers the scope to create visually appealing glass partitions with ease, suitable for both full height doors and those with an overpanel.
SFS intec’s core product range includes a wide variety of precision engineered single point fixings and spiders which combine to offer enormous potential in architectural glazing. Typical applications include facades, entrance vestibules, balustrading and stairways plus numerous interior features.
The range also includes a glass canopy attachment system which comes in three standard sizes to help deliver structurally reliable canopies with ease.
DELIVER OPTIMUM NATUAL DAYLIGHT FOR IMPROVED LEARNING
A comprehensive range of fixing systems for glass from SFS intec offers architects the opportunity to maximise natural light and deliver contemporary styling in new school, college and university building design.
The company, which is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high performance hardware, offers a choice of off-the-shelf fixing systems for glass to achieve glazed facades, rainscreens, partitions, canopies, signage and all manner of interior features.
Research has shown that maximising natural light in educational environments offers important benefits including increased productivity, better student behaviour and improved morale. With SFS intec’s fixing systems, incorporating glazed features into any newbuild or refurbishment project is much more achievable thanks to the variety of solutions to suit different glass thicknesses, substrates and structure types or architecture.
Typical of the applications where glass offers the perfect answer to the requirements of modern educational buildings are entrance vestibules, covered walkways which link buildings and canopies over main entrances. Securing the glass safely and reliably can be achieved in a number of ways with SFS intec’s single point and spider fixings typically offering the most effective attachment combination. An easy-to-specify canopy fixing system is also available.
For rainscreen, SFS intec’s range also offers an innovative clamping system in which glass panes simply overlap so no drilling is required. This ALW system is ideal for applications where shelter from the weather is a priority such as extended cover for drop-off/pick-up areas at large school, college and university buildings.
DON’T LET YOUR SUPPLIERS LET DOWN YOUR REPUTATION
The unprecedented global economic downturn means contractors and specifiers looking to deliver high quality installations on time and on budget must look to maximise the reliability of their supply chain, according to SFS intec, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of fastening systems.
The company, which manufactures a wide range of stainless steel bolted attachment components for structural glazing, facades and glass canopies, as well as fasteners for critical applications in aluminium curtain walling, ensures all its products for UK and Irish customers are made in Europe, removing the reliance on often unreliable long distance imports from Asia.
“In uncertain economic times it is simply inconceivable to let your customers down,” says Glen Wainwright, director of SFS intec’s Industrial Fasteners division. “But if you don’t have complete confidence and assurance that your suppliers can deliver on their promises, and remain in business, that is exactly what you are risking."
“Delays in hardware components like glass attachment systems will have a major impact. If your hardware suppliers can’t meet your delivery date, the project will face the prospect of being delayed. And substituting your chosen hardware for inferior quality products isn’t the answer either as you run the risk of the installation failing prematurely or being below customer expectations.”
Reliability in the supply chain has underpinned the success of SFS intec, a company which manufactures products for many safety critical applications. The SFS group is set up to serve a wide variety of industries, from automotive, aircraft, and mobile phones, to architects who want to deliver buildings with stylish, structurally reliable glazing features.
ENHANCED CPD SEMINAR OFFERS IN-DEPTH GLASS FIXINGS KNOWLEDGE
SFS intec has enhanced its RIBA-approved CPD seminar on fixing systems for glass after its first six successful months in the field to ensure it comprehensively addresses the changing architectural glazing requirements of architects, contractors and metal fabricators.
In addition to extending the content of the seminar, which offers a vital technical insight into reliable fixing systems for architectural / bolted glass assemblies and is delivered by SFS intec at architects’ own offices, the company has also restructured its glass fixings team to deliver the seminars.
Robin Szymura, who has over 30 years of technical and sales experience within the building products industry, is now providing support for customers in the southern part of the UK. Customers in the north, Scotland and Northern Ireland are now being supported by Neil Ackroyd who, like Robin, has more than three decades of technical experience to advise on the right solutions for all types of exterior and interior structural glazing features, including glass canopies.
Qualifying for CPD points and being RIBA-approved, architects have the assurance that the information contained in the presentation is of a technical nature and designed to enhance their understanding of the main issues surrounding the fixing of glass.
Robin and Neil will continue to be supported by SFS intec’s specialist glass fixings division based in Switzerland.
“With the growing popularity of glass in contemporary architecture, we have a range of solutions and the technical know-how to help bring the most striking designs to reality,” says Neil.
“Our CPD presentation, which Robin and Neil will be delivering, offers an insight into the many issues which must be addressed when specifying a fixing system for glass. These include considerations for wind loadings for façades , snow loadings for glass canopies and point fixed loads. This information is valuable in determining the right specification for both the fixing system and glass.”
SFS intec is Europe’s largest manufacturer of high performance fastening systems, including architectural glazing. Its range of frameless glass fixing products includes raised, bevel and flush point fixings which can be combined with its spider fixings, and special solutions for balustrades, canopies and cold facades.
SFS INTEC OFFERS A STYLISH NEW PERSPECTIVE ON GLASS FACADES
Glass rainscreen facades are taking new and exciting forms thanks to SFS intec’s innovative ALW fixing system.
The system is allowing architects across Europe to think differently about cold façade applications such as rainscreens, stairwells, lift shafts, sun-protection screens, multi-storey car parks and safety screens
Using SFS intec’s ALW clamping system eliminates the need to drill the glass. Glass panes are simply slotted into the single or double ALW clamps, which can be RAL colour matched or anodised, then tightened to secure. The result is a sleek, shingled-façade with minimal glass pane overlap.
As well as accommodating stylish designs, the fixing system combines functionality with longevity, safety and security. ALW clamps have been tested thoroughly to ensure compliance with structural safety requirements and offer a high degree of resistance to corrosion.
Fixing clamps accommodate single and laminated glass thicknesses from 8mm to 18mm, including polycarbonates. Full technical support is available from SFS intec’s UK based team to ensure architects have the right information to achieve a safe and secure installation.
ALW is part of SFS intec’s glass fixing systems range which also includes raised, bevel and flush point fixings. These can be combined with its spider fixings and special products for balustrades, as well as an easy to specify solution for glass canopies.
NEW CPD SEMINAR OFFERS CLEAR VIEW ON GLASS FIXING SYSTEMS
A new RIBA-approved CPD seminar from SFS intec is now available to architects and designers which offers a vital technical insight into reliable fixing systems for architectural / bolted glass assemblies.
The seminar is presented by SFS intec’s fully trained technical advisors at architects’ own offices and duly qualifies for CPD points. Being RIBA-approved, architects have the assurance that the information contained in the presentation is of a technical nature and designed to enhance their understanding of the main issues surrounding the fixing of glass.
Glen Wainwright, who heads the glass fixing systems team at SFS intec says, “We devised the CPD seminar primarily to help architects and architectural technicians get up to speed with how best to fix glass assemblies and achieve the most safe and secure installations.
“There are many issues which must be addressed when specifying a fixing system for glass, including wind loadings for façades , snow loadings for glass canopies and point fixed loads. With continuous improvements being made to the design of fixing systems, we wanted to ensure architects have the opportunity to find out about current best practice in order to make the right specification choices.”
SFS intec is Europe’s largest manufacturer of high performance fastening systems, including architectural glazing. Its range of frameless glass fixing products includes raised, bevel and flush point fixings which can be combined with its spider fixings, and special solutions for balustrades, canopies and cold facades.
CONTEMPORARY BRITISH ARCHITECTURE DRIVES GLASS FIXINGS DEMAND
Stylish 21st century architecture which incorporates increasingly innovative glazing features has enabled the UK division of hardware manufacturer SFS intec to establish itself as the group’s pioneer of precision engineered glass fixings.
Such is the demand for structurally reliable, high performance fixing methods in the UK that SFS intec’s Leeds based team is leading the Swiss company’s diversification from its established base as a manufacturer of components including industrial and construction fasteners. The variety of projects in which SFS intec’s glass fixings have been used is greater in the UK than anywhere else in the world.
Since it launched its range of fixings for glass in 2005, SFS intec has helped a number of architects, glazing contractors and metal fabricators complete stylish exterior and interior features using glass and composite panels.
The product range provides an ‘off the shelf’ solution for architectural glazing saving the time and expense of producing bespoke fixings. It includes single point, flush and bevel point fixings which combine with a wide range of spider fixings plus special solutions for balustrades and glass canopies.
Glen Wainwright, who heads SFS intec’s UK glass fixings team says, “Sales of our glass fixings in the UK are particularly strong which suggests structural glazing has become a significant feature of our architecture. Our aim is to continue to offer a range of reliable fastening systems which allows architects to bring their glazing designs to life, delivering the desired visual appeal.”
PRECISION-ENGINEERING DELIVERS DEPENDABLE GLASS FIXINGS
A range of fixings for architectural glazing from SFS intec is helping architects and glazing contractors simplify the design process and reduce the risk of failure through assured component quality and structural integrity.
The company, which offers a variety of fixing systems for structural glass, including single point and spider fixings plus special solutions for balustrades and glass canopies, manufactures components to a consistently high standard in a dedicated European engineering plant.
Unlike the bespoke fixings that are often used in architectural glazing, this ensures that a range of fixings for numerous applications is available ‘off the shelf’ which can be relied on every time to deliver a safe, secure fixing.
SFS intec’s Glen Wainwright says, “All SFS intec fixing systems for glass are precision engineered in a factory which specialises in producing components for glazing. This has major advantages over fixings which are designed especially for the application.
“Crucially, our range takes away the worry of whether or not the fixings will meet vital strength, weather performance and structural integrity requirements. Our technical team has already taken care of this, putting the components through rigorous testing to ensure that there is no risk of the fixings compromising the structural integrity of the glass installation.”
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