A new sustainable mission for Swansea Central Library through AluK's curtain walling system listed buildings lower case
University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Swansea has invested heavily into the refurbishment and extension of the city’s Grade II listed former Central Library to create the new Institute for Sustainable Design.
Devised by Powell Dobson Architects, the development incorporates a stunning twin wall façade featuring AluK curtain walling systems, running the full 38 metres of the Alexandra Road elevation. Due to the context of the Listed Building, it was imperative that the new extension was as transparent as possible to express the original scale and features of the historic fabric behind. The University was also looking for a truly sustainable solution, to both reduce energy consumption and create an inspiring place to learn
AluK SL60 curtain walling system forms the internal wall with structurally bonded glazed toughened laminated glass skin forming the outer wall, with an interstitial space between them offering opportunities for passive climatic control. The gap between the internal and external wall allows the flow of air and temperature to be controlled within the building interior, using the air exhaust louver on top and the air inlet louver at the bottom to create a ‘chimney’. In winter, solar gain can be collected in the buffer zone, brought into the building and offset the heating costs, while in summer, when overheating can be an issue, windows can be closed and heat rejected using mechanical ventilation.
In addition, AluK SL52 curtain walling system, AluK bespoke 58BW window system, as well as AluK single GT55 NI and double GT55 NI door systems were specified throughout the rest of the extension.
For more information visit aluk.co.uk