Dramatic facade

One of the most sophisticated curtain wall systems in New Zealand was recently installed in the Christchurch City Council building, making a significant contribution to its record-breaking 6-Star Green Star rating.

The glazed north wall was constructed in a double-skin system with a 900mm-wide airspace between the outer, single-glazed APL 150mm Structural Glazed screen and an inner, double-glazed skin from the APL 135mm Flushglaze series. Alutech's complete design and build solution for the curtain wall included a steel support structure for the whole system, walkways within the cavity, a damper system for airflow control, and fixings for automatically controlled blinds.

Following an inspection after the September 2010 earthquake, the system was found to be in good shape, a result of robust engineering and the in-built flexibility of window systems that include split mullions and transoms.

Alutech made a range of other window systems for other parts of the building, including double-glazed 100mm Flushglaze windows, double-glazed frameless glass with spider fittings within a Metro Thermal Heart perimeter frame, and subcontracted fire-rated steel windows.

The major challenge was the double-skin facade. It creates an effective insulation barrier, ensuring optimum indoor temperatures for the planned 1200 staff. Displacement ventilation supplied via grilles in the raised access floor plenum also helps control internal temperatures.

Architectural Series hinged doors accessing the cavity walkway are sized to match the adjoining 3m x 1.95m-wide window panels. Aluminium profiles have a 25-micron silver anodised surface finish.

For details, contact Alutech Windows & Doors, PO Box 36045, Christchurch 8146, phone (03) 343 0242, fax (03) 348 0487. Email: info@alutech.co.nz. Website: www.alutech.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas