Curtains for creative confetti

Combining sleek and slim sightlines with enhanced thermal performance, Senior Architectural Systems’ SF52 aluminium curtain walling has helped to create the stylish facade of a new creative industries college in Nottingham.

Created as part of Nottingham Trent University’s Creative Quarter Campus, the new HQ for the Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies has been designed by Allan Joyce Architects and created following the extensive refurbishment of a Victorian lace factory.

Manufactured from fully recyclable aluminium and offering high levels of thermal performance, Senior’s glazing package has been installed by supply chain partner Acorn Aluminium for main contractor Stepnell and has helped to contribute to the building’s excellent BREEAM rating.

The scheme also includes a green nature roof and was named as the Sustainable Development of the Year at the 2019 East Midlands Brick Awards.

Taking inspiration from the neighbouring industrial style buildings, the new facility boasts a striking facade of weathered steel rainscreen cladding and dark brick work, which has been balanced by the use of Senior’s SF52 aluminium glazed curtain walling. Offering design flexibility, the SF52 system has been specified as both capped and capless.

Used throughout the six-story building, the SF52 system has also been used in conjunction with Senior’s high performance thermally broken SPW501 aluminium commercial doors to create the building’s modern and welcoming entrance. As well as helping to maximise the flow of natural light into the interior spaces, the slim profile of the SF52 system further complements the building’s original steel framed windows, which have been retained.

The new digital media hub comprises media studios, labs, classrooms and a learning resource centre, alongside a contemporary café and a rooftop terrace and offers qualifications in the study of digital media, games development, music technology, TV and film screen acting, production and animation.