Delivering stylish canopy at new faith school

Dual Aluminium was appointed by main contractor Rok to fabricate and install Senior Systems SCW Curtain Wall, SPW300 windows and SD doors in a modern grey finish at the voluntary-aided Sikh faith school in the London Borough of Ealing.  One of the only Sikh faith schools in the UK, Khalsa Primary School provides 400 places for primary students, as well as nursery facilities, including places reserved for children of other faiths.

Following concept design by ACP (Architects Co-Partnership), the school building detailing was completed by DSP Architecture.  Their fenestration requirements included aluminium thermally improved windows and curtain walling for the main teaching blocks and school hall plus clerestories which provide light without distractions of a view or compromising privacy.

With the entrance being an important focal point of the school building, Dual Aluminium’s remit included the provision of a canopy above the main double-sliding doors which reflected the school’s contemporary design in a culturally sympathetic way.  The solution was a 3m x 1.5m frameless glass canopy attached using SFS intec’s VDS tie-bar based system which provides adequate cover for the entrance without impacting on the important visual appeal.

SFS intec worked closely with Dual Aluminium to ensure the safe and secure attachment of the canopy to the curtain walling without the need for a heavyweight and aesthetically impactful structure.  This was achieved to by using four tie-bars, two at either side at different angles secured to a single curtain wall fixing point, plus three further brackets at the bottom of the glass.

Dual Aluminium’s Project Manager Steve Bolger said: “We are delighted with the finished Khalsa Primary School building and the contribution that the windows, doors and canopy make.  The support of SFS intec was crucial to create a visually appealing canopy for a building elevation that required aluminium curtain walling in order to maximise natural daylight.”

SFS intec’s VDS glass canopy system is available in three packages to suit small, medium and large canopies making it easy to specify.  Attachment is by proven SFS intec single-point glass retainers and tie-bars mounted on the wall bracket with bolts and locking pins.  The pitch of the canopy can be adjusted +/- 5 degrees by rotating the tie rods.

Further information about SFS intec’s glass canopy fixing system is available at www.sfsintec.biz/uk or by calling 0113 2085 500.