Senior Architectural Systems has supplied dual coloured and slim framed aluminium fenestration solutions to the external façade of a new multi-storey hotel in Coventry, a specification that was designed to ensure the interior spaces benefited from plenty of natural light.
Constructed by main contractor Bowmer and Kirkland, Hotel Indigo Coventry has been designed by architect, Chapman Taylor, and boasts a striking exterior which features Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and SPW600 aluminium windows throughout.
The manufacturer’s SPW501 aluminium commercial entrance doors were also specified, with the full glazing package fabricated and installed by specialist contractor, Acorn Aluminium.
According to Senior, its in-house powder coating service was instrumental in achieving the desired aesthetic for the hotel’s exterior façade which required the aluminium fenestration systems to complement the use of striking, silver-blue metallic cladding.
Opting for a dual colour finish, Senior’s products were powder-coated in anthracite grey on the exterior and grey-blue to the interior of the frames. The SF52 curtain walling has been installed in columns that run the length of the building, with the metallic cladding installed in between.
The darker colour of the aluminium curtain wall and inset windows were designed to add depth to the building, with the recessed columns of glazing complementing the lighter shade of the façade material.
Senior adds that, in addition to design flexibility, the slim frames of the SF52 curtain wall system and SPW600 aluminium windows have helped to create a comfortable interior environment by maximising the flow of natural daylight and provided exceptional thermal-efficiency to achieve the desired U-values.
All powder-coating of the aluminium fenestration systems was undertaken by Senior at its in-house facility in South Yorkshire which has recently seen a number of upgrades to improve efficiencies.
By utilising the latest gas burner technology and high-performance insulation materials, Senior claims that it has been able to significantly reduce the gas consumption required for its powder coating process.
The company has also installed the latest automated profile conveyor system which will work with the advanced powder coating technology from Gema that is already in place to further boost productivity.
These latest investments follow on from the significant IT process updates that have been recently made to Senior’s vertical powder coating line. These have been introduced to give greater control and flexibility of the pre-treatment and curing capabilities of the vertical powder coating line and have also helped to further contribute to lower gas usage.
The new upgrades will reportedly improve both the operational and environmental efficiency of Senior’s powder coating facility and will also help increase capacity. As well as offering an almost unlimited range of colours and coatings, including specialist solutions such as anti-bacterial and UV resistant finishes, Senior says it can now also provide a new ultra matt powder paint coating from Akzo Nobel.
This new paint option is said to be cost-effective alternative to anodised aluminium, giving a more consistent finish, superior colour retention and enhanced durability.
Located within Senior’s main UK manufacturing facility in Denaby, South Yorkshire, the manufacturer’s powder coating facility is already one of the most environmentally friendly of its kind, reducing waste and significant amounts of excess product being sent to landfill each year.
The in-house facility, which also supports the products manufactured at the company’s nearby Thermal Improvement Centre in Rotherham, eliminates the need to outsource and minimises the risk of delays to project timelines. Embodied carbon through transportation is also reduced as Senior can consolidate deliveries across its extensive range of aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems.
