Balancing solar control and insulation
Saint-Gobain Glassolutions recently supplied glazing panels to the University of Sheffield as part of a sustainable modernisation programme.
New spaces at the faculty of engineering at the University of Sheffield were opened in the spring of 2020, bringing together modern laboratories, offices, lecture halls and communication facilities.
As the centrepiece of the new Engineering Heartspace, a central atrium was created under a curved roof, linking two of the oldest buildings at the university.
White steel ‘tree’ columns support the approximately 1,400m² roof, which is made up of interlocking triangular glass and spans the space between the historic buildings with sweeping waves. It forms a new entrance to Portobello Street, connecting the faculty with other facilities on campus.
The roof not only creates a clear distinction between old and new, it also improves the energy and CO2 balance of the renovated existing buildings by enclosing their interior facades in a protective manner, the company said.
The more than 900 glazing panels of the roof with white serigraphy of small dots were supplied by Saint-Gobain Glassolutions Austria, Eckelt Glas. Thanks to its low reflection, the Climaplus Cool-Lite Xtreme 50/22 II solar control glass combines functionality and elegance.
Its properties balance solar control and insulation for maximum comfort. Therefore, the high-performance glass contributes significantly to lower energy consumption and provides a bright and luminous atmosphere under the glass roof at all times of the year.
For the newly designed main entrance Glassolutions Objektcenter Radeburg used 600m2 of the high selectivity solar control glass Cool-Lite Xtreme 60/28 II.
