Planar glazing system used for King Richard III centre

The recent funeral held for the monarch has created an influx of tourists to Leicester, keen to visit his tomb in the city’s cathedral and learn more about the archaeological find that was made in the car park of a former school.

Designed by Maber architects, welcoming visitors to the centre is an entryway, glazed floor-to-ceiling in high clarity Pilkington Optiwhite glass, held in place by the Planar glazing system.

The double-glazed system features units composed of two panes of glass 10mm and 6mm thick, separated by a 16mm airspace. It is supported by 15mm thick vertical glass fins, bolted to the structure of the building with moulded stainless steel fittings.

The result is a robust wall of glass, providing almost completely uninterrupted sight lines through the building while also delivering high levels of thermal insulation.

Chris Barr, design engineer at Pilkington Architectural, said: “The council and the architect wanted to create a world-class visitor centre befitting of the historical importance of the find that was made in Leicester.”

“The unobtrusive and very clear nature of the glass creates a very open and inviting space for visitors to the centre, while the thermal insulation it offers will keep the cost of heating the building down.”

The centre won the RIBA East Midlands award and is currently shortlisted for a number of national awards, with its glazing system contributing towards its success.

“Planar structural glazing has played a leading role in some very high profile public and cultural buildings, including the new visitor centre at Stonehenge and the modernisation of Dragon Hall, the Grade 1 listed medieval trading hall in Norwich.”

Contact:

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited,
Greengate Works,
Sherdley Road,
St. Helens,
Merseyside,
United Kingdom,
WA9 5 DZ

Phone: 01744 692000
Fax: 01744 692569

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