Metal Technology has completed work at ‘School Building of the Year’, Hillview School for Girls, Kent, with main contractor Galliford Try.
Constructed under Galliford Try’s Optimum School initiative, the new science block reportedly uses the best available technology and efficiencies, with standardisation of key components, off-site manufacturing and intelligent design.
Through the existing supply chain partnership, Metal Technology was invited to present a ‘cost effective glazing solution’ that was suitable for both on and off site construction.
In order to provide the free air required to meet the building’s natural ventilation strategy, while keeping to the output design of a glazed panel next to a louvre, Metal Technology supplied the 5-20 window system. An inward opening, tilt-before-turn vent behind a fixed blade louvre in combination with a top hung casement allows each room’s natural ventilation needs to be managed individually. The tilt mode offers reduced ventilation while the option to open the vent fully in the turn mode offers instant ventilation.
For consistency with the external design, Metal Technology’s P50 System 23 Louvre was fitted to the exterior. The P50 Louvre has been barrier load tested and was critical in the design as it provides safety at first floor level when the tilt-turn vent is fully opened in the turn mode. The result is a window with a flush appearance on the inside and out and the re-engineered design process presented an overall saving on the glazing package of approximately £20,000.
