Hydro brightens University of Sunderland

BRIGHT: The University of Sunderland's façade uses transparent, opaque and opening panels - and meets building regulations, too. (Photos: Bridges Communications)

(Dec. 13, 2006) Hydro has helped transform a 40-year-old campus building into a bright gateway to the University of Sunderland.

In fact, the project represents the first UK application of the new structurally glazed curtain walling system from Technal - one of the three main brands in Hydro's Building Systems business sector.

The Newcastle-based architects FaulknerBrowns came up with the innovative design and, as part of the work, chose to use glazing from Technal to reproduce the geometric pattern of colors for the building's external face. The result? A strong and striking identity - and a focal point for the main university square.

THREE: In addition to Technal, Hydro Building Systems markets the Domal and Wicona brands.

"Our aim was to create a new, colorful and inspiring entrance to the university," says project architect Rebecca Williams.

"The use of structural glazing allowed us to form smooth projecting bays on the main elevation and an off-set arrangement of transoms and mullions with a flush finish. This gives the building its impact and a sense of dynamism.

"We have used Technal's Trame system on a number of projects and felt the system's horizontal emphasis would be ideal to add interest to the areas of glazing between the strips of original brick cladding."

Replaced steel

The structurally glazed curtain walling system forms projecting bays and carries colored glass panels in the university's colors, while the Trame Horizontale façade system was used for horizontal emphasis to enclose the stairwells between areas of brick cladding.

As part of the revamp project, the building was stripped back to its concrete frame, and steel windows and spandrel panels were replaced with aluminium curtain walling.