Architect: Carey Jones Architects
Main Contractor: Miller Construction
Fabricator: Hurricane Architectural
Products: MX SSG structural glazing, MX sloped glazing, FXi65 casement windows
The striking new hub for innovation at the University of Leeds is one of the first applications of the new MX SSG structural glazing system from Technal.
The scheme was designed to reflect the pioneering spirit of the university’s Innovation Centre and to create an exciting point of interest on the campus. It comprises a dramatic zinc-clad pavilion building, which is linked to a new teaching block by two full height glazed screens constructed from the MX SSG frameless system.
MX SSG forms two self-supporting screens spanning 14m, which are integrated with a steel lattice structure behind the curtain walling. The system carries 2sqm glazed units, helping to realise the architects’ specification for a clean and sheer expanse of glass with no caps.
The MX SSG façade system was also used to the ground floor of the hub building, where it is set back from the curved structure above.
The new teaching block for the Institute of Health Sciences, which forms part of the Innovation Centre project, uses brick cladding to relate in colour and texture to the surrounding architecture. Here, FXi65 aluminium casement windows are glazed into an MX curtain wall sub-frame that also carries cedar board panels.
The high specification FXi65 windows were inserted into the zinc rainscreen cladding as punched hole and ribbon glazing, to provide light and ventilation for the hub building, with MX sloped glazing flooding the upper floor with natural light.
The systems were finished in a grey polyester powder coating throughout and glazed in grey antisun glass for a contemporary appearance and to reduce solar gain.