Kawneer Helps The University of Manchester Find Its Place
University Place at The University of Manchester
24 July, 2009
Curtain walling, windows and doors from architectural aluminium systems supplier Kawneer have helped deliver a host of design criteria in phase one of the masterplan for the University of Manchester.
Kawneer’s faceted and non-faceted AA®100 curtain walling features on a striking five-storey rotunda and glazed link block which create a welcoming “front door” for the world-class teaching establishment.
The curtain walling also features within atria and, along with Kawneer’s AA®602 pivot windows and series 190 heavy-duty/350 severe-duty commercial entrance doors, on two seven-storey blocks of teaching accommodation/offices at the £54 million University Place.
Glazed elevations up to 32m high, more than 200 windows and large areas of faceting on a densely planned site that required special mobile and high-rise tower cranes as well as traditional scaffolding meant the project was particularly challenging for Kawneer-approved installer Anaco Systems.
The gross internal area of 31,000m² comprises a 1,000-seat semi-circular auditorium in the 35m-diameter rotunda, general teaching space, catering facilities, student services and accommodation, the School of Nursing, the Institute of Health Science and faculty office accommodation.
The teaching space and general student facilities were designed by masterplanners, architects and landscape architects John McAslan + Partners to be used for exhibitions and conferences, the total of 50 theatres and 8,000 bedrooms giving the university a new income stream.
University Place replaces the 1960s Mathematics Tower on Oxford Road, one of the key routes into the city centre, with a series of linked buildings, and more than any other scheme under the Project Unity masterplan, is recognised as a landmark project by the university.
John McAslan + Partners said: “Through planning stages, the building’s design was seen by CABE as an important, high-profile project that would not only deliver excellent educational facilities but contribute strongly to the quality of the campus’ public realm.
“JMP’s architecture has delivered an integrated, cost-effective architectural and engineering solution that is environmentally responsive, sustainable and with a high-quality finish.
“Each of the buildings was designed to attain ‘Very good’ status under the BRE’s BREEAM analysis and certification system. At each stage of the project important issues of energy consumption, ventilation approach, material choice etc were reviewed to ensure optimised outcomes.”
For further information, please contact:
Jane Ashley
Marketing Executive
Kawneer UK Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1928 502500
Fax: +44 (0) 1928 502501
Email
CPD Seminars
Architectural Services Team
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