Prestigious specification

A distinctive mixed use residential project in the rapidly changing Greenwich Peninsula has made expressive use of windows and doors from Wicona, part of the Hydro group.

The Fulmar is part of a collection of buildings within an extensive project by property developer Knight Dragon, aiming to create a new and vibrant district on the peninsula. The building was constructed by Kier under a design and build contract, with DSDHA being the architectural consultant responsible for taking forward the original masterplan, while Glassolutions has supplied and installed the fenestration package.

According to DSDHA, the architectural approach to the Fulmar, developed in line with Farrells’ 2004 masterplan, is a response to the surrounding context, as well as the unique characteristics of the plot itself. The Fulmar has a distinctive form generated by the irregular plot shape, which follows the sweep of one of the primary new street, Chandlers Avenue.

The Wicona systems fabricated specifically for this project include Wictec curtain walling, concealed Wicline side hung windows and Wicstyle doors, and Wicslide 160 units. All offering slim sightlines, high security and a long low maintenance life.

Glassolutions’ commercial director for England John Foster said: “The client Kier was keen to work with Wicona on the window package as well as the doors, and when we looked at the spec we realised that Wicona products we were using on another project in the capital ticked all the boxes for Greenwich Peninsula from a design point of view. This included the section sightlines of the Wicona frames matching the brief, and having the ability to offer a concealed vent. Further to this, in terms of the service, Wicona was also able to respond to what was really a short lead-in period for the build phase.”

Like the other Wicona systems, Wicline is compatible with the Wictec facade options which extend from the classic stick assemblies to unitised and even structural glazed elevations.

Compliant with the EN13830 standard for curtain walling, Wictec is fully tested for weather resistance and fire performance, and is readily adaptable to almost any architectural style thanks to the ready availability of diverse profile types.

The quantity surveyor on the project for Kier Matt Crane said: “Wicona has been proactive in assisting Glassolutions with aspects of the design, including the profile detail for the ground and fifth floors as well as other areas, the triple glazing, and special locking details for the doors as the building has to conform to Secured by Design standards – and everything seems to be proceeding to programme.”

One of three major buildings in phase two of the development focused around the historic Thames coal jetty, the Fulmar comprises 139 residential units and over 200m2 of commercial space, plus private amenity space and public realm, car and cycle parking.