Innovation challenges

Dortech recently specifiedTechnal’s MX62 curtain walling system for the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC).

Dortech is providing a design, manufacture and installation package for all of the curtain walling on the five-storey structure.

Throughout the project Dortech faced a number of technical challenges including: the building’s proximity to a very busy roundabout; the floor-to-floor heights; physical security; the expected levels of solar gain; and design detailing requirements.

Having a total glazed area of 3,100m2, the MX62 curtain wall carries over 40 different types of IG units, measuring up to 1,050mm wide by 4,450mm high, and weighing 260kg, without requiring additional frame reinforcement. As well as standard cappings and accessories, the design solution includes the use of 200mm long extended square cappings to the vertical frame elements and soffit.

High density foam inserts were used along with decoupling joints in the mullion sections to achieve 50Dnfw flanking sound reduction, as well as 37dB sound reduction for noise from outside the building. The IG units vary in thickness from 31.8mm up to 38.8mm, with the latter containing a 10mm CoolLite SKN toughened outer leaf, and 12.8mm clear laminated glass for the inner leaf, separated by a 16mm argon filled cavity.