Architect: Murray O’Laoire Architects
Fabricator: Hodgins Architectural Façades
Products: MX SSG structural glazing, visible grid curtain walling, FXi65 top hung casement windows
The Millstream Courtyard development at the University of Limerick is the first application of Technal’s new MX SSG structural glazing system in Ireland.
Occupying a spectacular parkland setting overlooking the River Shannon, the scheme comprises two new campus buildings – the Engineering Research Building and the Courtyard Building.
MX SSG was used on the higher profile areas of both buildings, including the restaurants and some teaching areas, to provide a sleek and contemporary alternative to the more conventional grid curtain walling. This high specification system has created striking, flush glass façades with the use of structural silicone bonding for significantly less visible aluminium.
The three to four storey buildings also feature visible grid curtain walling to each elevation and FXi65 top hung casement windows as punched hole openings and inserted into the curtain walling. The opening lights were finished in blue – a different colour to the curtain walling, which was supplied in grey.
The elevational treatment of the two buildings uses a palette of timber and zinc cladding and glazing as the primary materials, with brick also utilised on the research facility to complement other buildings on the campus. A three-storey colonnade links the research building to the Millstream Courtyard – a new urban space at the heart of the development.
The Architect’s Perspective
Seamus Hanrahan, Associate Director, Murray O’ Laoire Architects:
“The Technal systems met our specification criteria for factors such as wind loadings, thermal efficiency, weather resistance and design life. The structural glazing is completely flush and provides a seamless finish. All the glazing systems are performing well.”