Iconic project
Glazing systems from architectural aluminium specialist Technal have been selected by CZWG Architects for Southwark Council’s iconic new library building which is now under construction in Canada Water, London.
Spearheading an ambitious programme of regeneration, Canada Water Library resembles an inverted ‘ziggurat’ – a terraced pyramid of successively receding storeys – that partly overhangs the Canada Water basin.
Constructed by main contractors ISG Jackson, the four storey £14m building is being clad in anodised aluminium sheets with sequentially expanded perforations, interspersed with recessed curtain wall screens. The design gives the scheme a sculptural appeal and a striking visual effect.
Fabricated and installed by United AG and with a bronze anodised aluminium finish, Technal’s MX SSG structural sealant glazing and CD commercial doors have been specified for the ground floor. MX Visible Grid is being used for the strips of curtain walling to the three upper floors, with MX top hung concealed vents and PXi doors providing access to the balconies.
MX SSG is a flush curtain walling option which meets architects’ requirements for less visible aluminium and clear expanses of glass.
The curtain walling is complemented by FXi65 tilt/turn casement windows used as ‘punched hole’ openings set into the cladding.
Commenting on the glazing specification, Anna Ifanti, Project Architect at CZWG Architects said: “The Technal team was very responsive at specification stage and their input in the design and choice of glazing options was helpful and valuable. We needed the facade systems to be robust, lightweight, have slim frames and to meet the required U values, which the Technal products were able to deliver.”
