15 February 2012
The New Hartlepool College - One of the Largest UK Applications of Wicona Roof Glazing
One of the largest UK applications of Wicona's Wictec 50 aluminium roof glazing system has been completed at the new £53m Hartlepool College of Further Education.
This striking college campus was designed by Bond Bryan Architects and built by Miller Construction. The scheme comprises two blocks which are linked by a full height atrium created with Wicona roof glazing and forming the main entrance and circulation space.
The central atrium has a complex fan-shaped roof which uses faceted glazing that radiates outwards and follows the curve of the building. The roof glazing system is sufficiently robust to carry large unsupported spans of glass up to 2.3m wide - 6mm solar control toughened glass for the outer pane with up to 8.8mm clear laminated inner panes.
Two mono-pitch glazed roofs with a 15° incline were specified for the north and east wings, with automated roof lights to the vertical areas to provide natural ventilation when needed.
Commenting on the roof glazing, Bobby Simpson, Façade and Cladding Inspector at Miller Construction, said, "The Wicona roof glazing is well designed with effective drainage, and is a dry system so it is not affected by poor weather conditions during installation - a bonus for UK installation."
"We used the system for the Hartlepool project, and have been very pleased with the results. It came together well on site, was user friendly, and simple to install - all key considerations for our project teams. The installation phase went well, and the system has achieved an impressive faceted roof design that provides a dramatic top to a central atrium as well as some large areas of sloped glazing."
Adam Jones, Associate at Bond Bryan Architects, said, "The roof glazing on this project is extremely effective. The fabrication was to a high standard and the fanned effect above the central core provides a powerful feature, bringing a lovely quality of light into the space."
The new Hartlepool College of Further Education provides workshops and technical training centres for building services, aerospace, construction, mechanical and electrical engineering and motor vehicles. Other facilities include high quality conference facilities, a fitness suite, restaurant, and hair and beauty salons which are accessible to the public.
The Wicona roof glazing system has been used extensively internationally on a wide range of technically challenging projects and is now available in the UK and Ireland. It has been engineered to use penetrating transoms to achieve more efficient drainage and avoid pooling of water which can result in water ingress.
Other features of the system include:
- Simple to fabricate and install, saving time on site
- Engineered for the creation of large unsupported spans
- Sufficiently robust to meet specific project requirements for glazed roofs such as wind and snow loads
- A dry glazed system which will achieve water tightness without any reliance on sealants
- Fire rating to 30 minutes with the Wictec 50 FP option
- Structural glazing option to give the appearance of uninterrupted spans of glass
- The option of integrated flush pressure plates for further aesthetic appeal.
With more than two decades of experience in complex and bespoke aluminium façades and 10 years' on-site experience in the UK, Wicona offers a range of technically advanced façade systems which now includes unitised and stick curtain walling, structural and roof glazing, highly insulated window systems and heavy duty doors.
Wicona is also the first façade specialist to offer a complete turnkey service for the building envelope. From design concepts to fabrication, installation, testing and handover, Wicona and its partners will manage the full façade project, ensuring a seamless approach and complete peace of mind for architects, contractors and developers.
For further information about Wicona's façade solutions, visit www.wicona.co.uk, email info@wiconaprojects.co.uk or call 0845 602 8799.
Editors' Notes
- You can now follow Wicona on Twitter @WiconaUK.
- Hydro is the largest supplier of aluminium glazing systems in Europe. Its Wicona brand is the first façade specialist in the UK to design and oversee complex and bespoke façade projects.
