An Education in Composite Curtain Wall

AM Profiles recently won, and have now started to supply, the timber aluminium curtain wall for the futuristic extension block at Northbury School in Essex. The laminated timber beam curtain wall structure, with aluminium capping and sophisticated gasket design, has a contract value in excess of £500,000 to AM Profiles. The composite curtain wall available from AM Profiles has been extensively and successfully tested at CWCT and at Rosenheim Germany. If required the system can also meet the PassivHaus thermal requirement of 0.8W/m2K.

The 56mm wide by 260mm and 220mm deep laminated timber mullions and transoms are being factory prepared on AM Profiles’ recently commissioned SCM machining centre to ensure precision engineering of all components. The aluminium front sections are also precisely machined and joined to the laminated timber before the ready to erect profiles are delivered to site in stick form. All sections are supplied by AM Profiles fully finished, so, for the installer, the ‘build’ of the system is very similar to an aluminium curtain wall. The advanced hidden connection method between transoms and mullions ensures accurate and neat completion and will facilitate glass loadings of up to 450kg per panel area. The external aluminium sections are different depths on mullions and transoms on this project, as well as being different shades of anodised grey, so enhancing the façades appearance.

Northbury Infants and Junior School is situated in Barking, Essex and the supply and installation of the laminated pine curtain wall is expected to be completed on time in November 2008. The architectural team of Greenhilljenner (the Clients Architect) and Pellings (Contractor’s Architect) have designed and developed an impressive building. AM Profiles was approached by Neilcott Construction to supply the 900m2 of aluminium / timber composite curtain walling for two key reasons; firstly to ensure continuity of supply through a UK based manufacturer and secondly the system had to be fully tried and tested and be engineered to meet the large unsupported spans and significant sealed unit weights.

Greenhilljenner architects have specified the TG24 (32) opening louver window system from Schneider Nolke Lamellenfenster. High performance Thermacool Ipasol 60/31 solar control glass units along with non-standard coloured Ceraphic units from Hansen Glass provide the visual and performance requirements demanded. AM is also supplying aluminium doors with anti finger trap stiles from its Kaye Hinchliffe suite of systems for the project.

The original Victorian brick building is listed as a ‘Building of Merit’ and the futuristic new block adjoining it, with its extensive use of AM Profiles’ composite curtain wall, is a deliberate and strong contrast.

Neilcott Construction, the main contractor, was established in 1967 and in 1986 became part of P J Walls Holdings Limited of Dublin. Under the ownership of one of Ireland’s most dynamic construction groups Neilcott has flourished and with the highest levels of experience and technical expertise, combined with flexible approaches and innovative thinking, they have built a reputation for successfully managing complex and demanding projects in the public and private sectors.

AM Profiles, based in Derbyshire, offer a range of timber aluminium composite solutions to compliment the curtain wall system including open in or out windows, hinged, sliding and sliding folding doors. For more information on the wide range of composite and aluminium products available from AM Profiles please go to www.amprofiles.com