Glassolutions provides IGU solutions in QAS'S Loughborough College refurb

Further education students in Leicestershire are benefiting from an enhanced learning environment thanks to the benefits that a new external envelope has brought featuring aluminium curtain walling and ribbon windows by QAS (Queniborough Aluminium Services).

Loughborough College’s £14 million refurbishment project, designed by architects IBI Taylor Young and managed by Pick Everard, has transformed its six-floor A-block and other buildings on campus dating back to the 1960s.

The buildings have been remodelled to provide state-of-the-art accommodation, including new health and fitness facilities and a restaurant alongside 35 revamped classrooms, new science labs, IT rooms and flexible learning spaces, plus high quality office space.

Working for main contractor Willmott Dixon, QAS was commissioned to manufacture and install curtain walling and ribbon windows throughout the multi-storey building.

Following a full initial survey of the structure, QAS provided extensive pre-contract detailing and specification support in order to arrive at the most effective solution.

The Technal FXi 65 system was used to create the ribbon windows. This thermally enhanced aluminium system was chosen to provide very effective thermal insulation and optimise energy efficiency of the building in use.

In addition, QAS provided Technal MX curtain walling to the stairwells with this system also chosen for its excellent thermal insulation properties as well as to deliver an aesthetically superior result.

The windows and curtain walling were complemented by the automatic entrance doors that QAS also installed, using Tormax 2201 sliding door operators.

Working with IGU (insulating glass unit) supply chain partner GLASSOLUTIONS, QAS ensured the glazing specification optimised the building’s energy efficiency and comfort for building users.

The majority of the windows featured SGG Securit with SGG Planitherm Ultra N IGU’s and 6.8mm Stadip where enhanced security was required.

Windows on the south and west elevations offer enhanced solar control thanks to SGG Securit Cool-Lite SKN174 II as part of an Argon filled IGU. 

All the IGUs were manufactured by GLASSOLUTIONS at its Peterborough plant, a specialist producer of sealed units for commercial applications.

Commenting on the project, Richard McKenzie, Commercial Manager at QAS says:

“We’re delighted to have played our part in helping Loughborough College enhance the quality of its facilities and continue to provide its high level of teaching and training.

By applying today’s advanced window, door and curtain walling systems, and using these in combination with multi-function IGUs, the result is one that will deliver long term energy-reduction and comfort benefits.”

Based in Leicester, Queniborough Aluminium Services have been fabricating aluminium shop fronts, curtain walling, roof lights, windows and doors since 1978, and has now completed more than 4000 projects.

Its focus in the retail, commercial and local authority sectors ensures it can guarantee professionalism, reliability and consistently high standards of workmanship across all its projects.

Find out more about QAS at www.q-a-s.co.uk.