Thinking outside of the Box with Pilkington Planar™

Pilkington Planar™ was installed in conjunction with Pilkington Suncool™ and Pilkington Optifloat™ for the atrium of the new building.  

The Box Moor Trust wanted a design that would showcase the new centre creating something striking, but still very functional. They wanted to find ways of adding not just more space, but more light to the Centre too.

As a result of this the surveyors wanted to create a more light filled space so Pilkington Planar™ was specified as the basis for the walls and roof of the new, two-storey atrium. Offering unrivalled stability and safety, the toughened product enables architects to construct entire structures out of glass; offering a high level of flexibility and helping create an attractive working environment.

Brasier Freeth Building Consultancy Department, were tasked with delivering the new building. “Our aim was to create a modern structure – a light, airy space where visitors and staff could relax and make the most of their inspiring surroundings. We selected toughened and heat soak tested Pilkington Suncool™ for the outer panes of the insulating glass units, due to its excellent solar control and thermal insulation properties, while clear toughened Pilkington Optifloat™ was specified for the inner pane of the double glazed units.”

Inside the building, which is used as the centre for the Trust’s varied operations, wherever possible the green oak frame that is the Centre's skeleton has been left exposed and the spaces within the frame are plastered. On the upper floor the glass walls and roof provide brilliant views out to the surrounding gardens through the Pilkington Planar™ glazing.

Specification details

Walls: Double Glazed Units - 44m2. Outer pane Pilkington Planar™ Intrafix comprising 6mm Pilkington Suncool™ 70/40 toughened/16mm air space/Inner pane 10mm Pilkington Optifloat™ Clear toughened.

Roof: Laminated Insulated double glazed units. 50m2 Pilkington Planar™ comprising 10mm Pilkington Suncool™ 70/40 toughened/16mm air space/Inner pane 13.5mm Pilkington Optifloat™ Clear heat strengthened.

Fixings: Pilkington Planar™ 905J and 902 st/st bolts and angle spring plates.

For more information and images please visit: http://projects.pilkington.com/uk/show/5381/Box-Moor-Trust-Hemel-Hempstead.aspx