Technal’s new MX Trame Horizontale curtain walling system was specified AFL Architects for the new project, which was developed to provide a new purpose-designed pavilion for youth and community use.

Consistent design

The design is strongly influenced by the adjacent training academy, which was  completed in 2007.  The main contractor was Leadbitter Construction.

The contemporary palette of materials helps to harmonize the building in its greenbelt location, and includes brass cladding to the gables and eaves, subtle ochre-colored rendering and Technal’s curtain walling with a horizontal emphasis.

The MX Trame façade system is used on each elevation as high-level ribbon glazing to the upper floors, recessed panels or protruding ‘boxes’ at the gable ends and full height glazing to the entrance and stairwells.  This maximizes natural light for the circulation areas, gym, offices, dining room and teaching areas.

Innovative system

The Trame Horizontale option was selected by the architects to accentuate the linear aspect across the glazed areas. This was achieved with Technal’s innovative system design – projecting aerofoil caps for the transoms and slender face trim gaskets, which soften the vertical sections.  Concealed top hung vents were inserted into the curtain walling to provide natural ventilation where required.

Commenting on the glazing specification, AFL Architects, said, “Our aim with the glazing was to articulate and separate the layered elements of the façade and to allow lots of natural daylight into the upper floors.  We specified Technal’s MX Trame curtain walling system, which was used on the first phase, and the bull nose cap to provide a horizontal emphasis across the building.  It is visually very successful.”

Fabricated and installed by Leay, the curtain walling was glazed in clear low E glass and finished in silver to contrast with the brass cladding. Technal’s fixed light FXi65 high performance windows were also used at ground floor level installed into the rendered walls, and CD commercial doors with an anti-finger trap safety device were inserted into the curtain walling.

The first phase of the multi-million pound Cobham development, also designed by AFL Architects, was the world-class training facility for Chelsea FC’s first team – one of the most ambitious investments undertaken by a football club. This building was predominantly glazed in Technal’s Trame Horizontale faceted curtain walling and featured a curved green roof to help it blend into its rural surroundings.