Academic involvement

Architectural glazing systems from Kawneer were value-engineered as a major element of the second phase of Cardiff University’s Science and Innovation campus.

Three versions of Kawneer’s AA100 curtain walling, complemented by two versions of AA541 windows, and AA545 and series 190 doors feature on the £24 million Cubric (Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre) building at Maindy Road.

Kawneer’s AA100 curtain walling as zone-drained capped and SSG (structurally silicone glazed) versions with 50mm sightlines help to form the terracotta-tiled external facades, while the AA110 version with 65mm sightlines has been used as rooflights.

These are joined by AA541 top-hung casement windows as standard and as SSG vents, and by AA545 medium-duty swing doors and series 190 heavy-duty narrow-style commercial entrance doors.

IBI Group senior architectural technician Anthony Picton said: “The entrance atrium is almost fully glazed and the projecting side wings were fully glazed so the correct solar treatment to the glazing played a big part. The Kawneer systems complied with the aesthetic and performance requirements of the project perfectly.”

The Kawneer systems were installed over nine months by Dudley’s Aluminium for main contractor BAM Construction.