Earth Sciences Department
Oxford University
For a sustainable approach that offered a
stylish design, we supplied the Earth Sciences
Department with alsecco Airtec glass system.
alsecco Airtec glass system was specified by Wilkinson Eyre
Architects for the new Earth Sciences Building at Oxford
University. The Airtec glass system creates a building façade that
is not only striking in appearance but that also satisfies structural
and architectural demands. The high-quality system ensures
excellent durability and elegance, whilst offering the architect
design flexibility.
The building has been designed around a strong sustainability
ethos, exceeding targets set by the local planning department for
its embodied energy, which stipulates a minimum of 20% recycled
materials in buildings of this type. Whether transparent, tinted
or enamelled, screen printed or plain, alsecco Airtec glass
ventilated rain-screen cladding system offers a wide range of
design options that support a sustainable approach.
This is a very significant project for the university in the development of its science area and the architectural design of the building needed to reflect that. The Airtec glass system has enabled the design to be realised.
The Airtec glass composite panels are fixed to the aluminium
substructure with aluminium clips. Ceramic discs are
attached to the base and have been specifically designed to
transmit the load from the panel to the clips. The system is
technically proven and thermally-efficient and offers intrinsic
weathering properties and resistance to impact and airborne
dirt. The system can combine bespoke panel sizes and offers
a vast array of colour options with carefully co-ordinated
design and intricate interface detailing.
