SF52 aluminium curtain walling specified for nationwide UTCs 

Senior Architectural Systems has noted an increase in the specification of its SF52 aluminium curtain walling system for University Technical Colleges (UTCs) across the UK.

In a bid to tackle the current skills gap, UTC schemes have been designed to promote career opportunities in technical industries, such as manufacturing and engineering. 

The colleges provide learning environments for students between the ages of 14 and 19. UTCs are smaller than traditional secondary schools, with curriculums specialised to suit the technical skills lacking in its region.

The college buildings take inspiration from contemporary business premises, embracing the use of glazed atriums and visible entrances to enhance natural light.

Many colleges across the UK have found Senior’s SP52 aluminium curtain walling system ideal for achieving this external aesthetic.

Curtain walling for new UTCs

This specific curtain walling system was specified for Scarborough University Technical College by Dortech Architectural Systems; the fenestration package also included Senior’s SPW600 aluminium windows.

The products were used to create a glazed façade to maximise the flow of daylight, true to architect Faulkner Brown’s design. They were installed by main contractor Willmott Dixon.

The same fenestration package has been used at the Coventry USC, the new campus for Coventry University which is located on the same site.

Under a further appointment by Willmott Dixon, Senior has supplied the fenestration package for UTC South Durham. For this particular development, the curtain walling was installed to create a bright and welcoming entrance, with Senior’s SPW600 aluminium windows flooding the interior with natural light.

The curtain walling has also been used at the University Technical College in Leeds, which is based inside a restored Grade II industrial factory.

The slim sightlines of the SF52 curtain walling complements the industrial heritage of the existing building, which has been rejuvenated by Race Cottam architects. The Leeds’ project also features Senior’s SD automatic doors.

Energy efficiency 

The enhanced thermal performance of Senior’s SF52 curtain walling makes it ideally suited for applications where daylighting and energy efficiency are key requirements, such as modern UTC projects.

For example, the system has been used at the new UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.  

A double-height glazed entrance has been created using Senior’s SF52 curtain walling and SD automatic doors. With the new UTC sourcing up to 10% of its energy from renewable sources, the thermal efficiency of Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain walling system made it the idea choice.

Senior SF52 curtain walling system

The new SF52 system is compatible with Senior’s portfolio of windows and doors. It is available in an unlimited choice of colours and finishes, both externally and internally.

The system is capable of holding double or triple glazed units, ranging from 24mm to 50mm in thickness, via the use of various gaskets and thermal breaks.

The system can be fabricated and installed without the need for specialist machinery or tooling. It is suitable for ground floor or high rise projects, and full design support and technical back-up is available from Senior.

The CWCT-tested range has recently been uploaded to the NBS National Building Information Modelling (BIM) Library. 

Contact:

Senior Architectural Systems,
Eland Road,
Denaby Main,
Doncaster,
United Kingdom,
DN12 4HA

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01709 772600
Fax: 01709 772601

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