REYNAERS ALUMINIUM REALISES FOSTER AND PARTNERS’ FAÇADE DESIGN FOR OXFORD UNIVERSITY
Designed by Foster and Partners, the new multidisciplinary centre for the advanced study of the social sciences at Oxford University brings together several departments within the University’s world-leading Social Sciences Division to form one of the largest concentrations of social science research in the UK.
Fabricated and installed by specialist fabricator M Price, the facades were realised with Reynaers’ innovative unitised curtain walling system CW 86. The pre-fabricated panels contain alternatively fixed glass elements, sandwich-panels, automated top-hung vents and manually operated parallel opening vents, which are the first of their kind in the UK market, allowing occupants to regulate natural ventilation.
Multifunctional and modular façade system
The four-storey building provides a number of shared facilities, including a library, seminar rooms, lecture theatres, open common areas, and a canteen, which overlooks the Millstream River. Circulation is organised around a large, naturally top-lit, central atrium that is the social focus of the building.
The unitised façade system CW 86 chosen by the architect offers multiple advantages. The CW 86 combines in one system an exterior façade, an interior wall, optimal thermal insulation and superior acoustic insulation, which can be used from ground floor to roof. The pre-fabrication and the easy installation on site avoid any other time-intensive and costly finishing operations.
Creative freedom
The use of the CW 86 unitised system has offered the architect the creative and aesthetic freedom of choosing between glazing, aluminium or stone cladding as well as the possibility to alternate open and closed sections.
The integration of automated top-hung vents and manually operated parallel opening vents allow occupants to regulate natural ventilation and gives a flush appearance to the façade as there is no visible difference between vents and fixed parts.
About Reynaers Aluminium
Reynaers Aluminium is a leading European supplier of high-quality aluminium systems. The company established in 1965 and headquartered in Duffel (Belgium) has offices in 25 countries e.g. Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Scandinavia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Reynaers Aluminium specialises in the development and marketing of aluminium systems for outside constructions (windows, doors, sliding systems, conservatories, curtain walls and brise-soleil). In 2004, the Reynaers Group has realised a turnover of €191 million with 813 co-workers. In 2004 the company sold 19.700 tons worth of aluminium products. www.reynaers.com
About Foster and Partners
Foster and Partners is an international studio for architecture, planning and design led by Norman Foster and a group of Senior Partners. The practice is based in London but has currently project offices across 22 countries. Since its foundation in 1967, the practice has been responsible for a strikingly wide range of projects, from urban masterplans, airports, civic and cultural buildings, offices and workplaces to private houses and product design. In recent years the practice has completed projects as diverse as the New German Parliament in the Reichstag in Berlin, Chek Lap Kok International Airport in Hong Kong, the Great Court at the British Museum in London, the London headquarters for Swiss Re. www.fosterandpartners.com
Further information:
Olivier Trop
Communication Manager
Email: olivier.trop@reynaers.com
Tel.: +32 15 308 625
www.reynaers.com
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