Dundee waterfront benefits from Glassolutions innovation

GLASSOLUTIONS has secured a major contract to design and install curtain walling for the construction of the new V&A Museum of Design Dundee.

As the centrepiece of Dundee’s £1 billion waterfront regeneration programme, this £80 million construction of V&A Dundee on a former reclaimed dock site will feature the VS-1 system.

This system will provide sufficient structural strength, capable of withstanding a significant wave load.

The 8,500 square metre V&A Dundee is made up of galleries, exhibitions and learning centres.

GLASSOLUTIONS created a flush mullion profile, sure to offer uniformity and consistency throughout all of the building’s elevations, whilst being able to withstand the marine environment of the neighbouring River Tay.

Streamlined visuals were assured by installing a bespoke mullion with thicker side walls, allowing the fixings to be countersunk.

This vertical-only structure means the glass wall visually ‘floats’, presenting an entirely glazed surface which lets in maximum daylight to enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal, as well as the comfort of its occupants.

A big challenge was ensuring the building’s complex external structure would accommodate the specified glazing profile.

Surveying all of the window and most of the screen openings meant GLASSOLUTIONS’ fully fabricated duplex stainless steel perimeter frames could be easily installed, with zero compromises needed to envisage the architect’s desired plans.

Bearing in mind the building’s closeness to the River Tay, the internal paint finish of the VS-1 system needed to be of a very high marine grade.

Says GLASSOLUTIONS Commercial Director, talked about the difficulties overcome throughout the project.

“We overcame unique challenges of completing the installation to the south façade in close proximity to the river and we are delighted that our flagship VS-1 curtain wall system proved to be the perfect solution to meet both the wave load and aesthetic expectations of the contractor and architect,” he said.

He added GLASSOLUTIONS were honoured to have been involved with such an iconic building and they we’re delighted the installation has contributed to the impressive façade.