Daylighting takes off at Heathrow with Kalwall

Kalwall distributor Structura has recently completed a challenging but fascinating ‘replace and refurbishment’ project at Heathrow’s Terminal 4.

This is in conjunction with Structural Engineers Webb Yates, for a scheme designed by Pascall+Watson architects.

The project proved so successful that main contractor Balfour Beatty named Structura as their ‘Most Promising New Supplier 2018’.

Replacing ageing glass rooflights originally installed in the 1980s, 1750 square metres of Kalwall Skyroof cladding is being used above the Terminal’s International Departure Lounge and check-in desks.

Fully ASAID compliant with regards to blast performance, Kalwall improves the solar control and insulation to the space below.

In this project, its inherent strength in a lightweight frame means the existing substrate could be adapted and reused – saving £7m in project costs and over a year from the build programme.

The whole retrofit was completed externally in ‘engineering hours’, using a bespoke moving scaffold, meaning there was no disruption to the inside of the building.

Kalwall offers complete line-of-sight protection, maintaining privacy for the security screening area and departure lounges, while bathing the interior with diffused daylighting, no matter how the weather is behaving.

As well as providing the visual protection, its inherent strength and heavy-duty impact resistance make it perfect for secure locations such as this.

It offers the highest protection in terms of wind-borne debris and resistance to impact, abrasion and point loads.

Not only is it also safe to walk on, but Kalwall achieves S:AA (BS 476 part 3) and Broof(t4) to EN 13501 part 5 for external fire performance.

The exterior face is colour stable and includes a UV resistant, self-cleaning surface, meaning normal rainfall helps to keep the surface free of dust and dirt, while at the same time retaining its original colour during the weathering process.

Structura UK,
Unit 1, Oakcroft Road,
Chessington,
Surrey,
United Kingdom,
KT9 1RH

Phone: 020 8391 5805
Fax: 020 8397 4361

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