17 August 2012
Technal Curtain Walling for Spectacular New Leisure Complex in France
A new sustainable leisure complex in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France is showcasing a range of façade options created using Technal's Geode-MX aluminium curtain walling suite.
The Balneoludique de Gruissan swimming pool and spa complex is a 2,000sqm scheme located in a spectacular marine environment. The new facility is designed by architects Chabanne & Partners to blend into the surrounding beach and pine forest and to offer protection from the prevailing north east winds. It has created a series of intimate leisure spaces for the building users split into three zones - sport, relaxation and wellness.
The glazing is designed to provide panoramic views of the stunning landscape. Technal's Geode-MX Trame Verticale faceted system and Geode-MX Visible Grid curtain walling, together with its aluminium casement windows and exterior doors, enhance the visual appeal of the building and have helped to create a transparent façade.
The faceted glazing forms undulating concave and convex walls. The curtain walling also varies in height between 4.6m and 6.2m and without the need for visually obtrusive intermediate structural supports.
The glazing systems are ideally suited to the facility's environment where natural light is so important, as is protection from the sea. The aluminium frames are powder coated for resistance to salt water, chlorine and corrosion and are low maintenance, making them ideal for a coastal site and a swimming pool facility. The façade is also integrated with 100sqm of solar panels that generate renewable energy to provide hot water for the building.
The curtain walling for the south and south east elevations features solar control glazing that allows light penetration of 70 per cent whilst ensuring optimal energy management. In winter, the façade system reduces heat loss and in summer, it prevents over heating. A U-value for the façade of 1.4W/m2.K was successfully achieved.
The aluminium windows and doors were inserted into a concrete wall on the north elevation, which provides additional insulation for the building.
Technal's Geode-MX curtain walling suite offers the widest choice of aesthetic options from a single grid system and includes low to high rise, visible grid, faceted, structural, acoustic, beaded and sloped glazing. Each variation uses the same transom and mullion grid, giving architects and contractors the opportunity to alter the appearance of the building envelope, with all the specification and construction benefits of one fully integrated system.
The Geode-MX Trame curtain walling option gives specifiers the additional flexibility to accentuate the vertical or horizontal profiles with projecting caps, and uses specially designed flush gaskets to reduce the sight lines of the corresponding sections for a distinctive effect across the façade. The system can accommodate 6mm to 32mm glazing and can be supplied with a 32mm to 42mm infill for applications where additional acoustic performance is required.
Geode-MX will achieve low U values and enhanced thermal efficiency in accordance with the most stringent Building Regulations, and provides consistent sight lines and interfaces, design flexibility and ease of installation to reduce time on site.
For further information about the Geode-MX curtain walling suite or to download a technical brochure, see www.technal.co.uk.
Editor's Notes
1. Photos © Jordi Canosa
2. Hydro is the largest supplier of aluminium façade systems in Europe. Its Technal brand of glazing solutions designs, manufactures and distributes a fully integrated range of aluminium curtain walling, door, window and low rise framing products.
3. You can now follow Technal on Twitter @TechnalUK, on YouTube - www.youtube.com/user/TechnalUK and on Facebook - www.facebook.com/Technal.UK.
