Architectural aluminium systems by leading supplier Kawneer are featuring on what is believed to be currently the largest construction project in South Wales.
Kawneer’s curtain walling, windows and doors are being installed on Swansea University’s £450million Bay Campus site which is being delivered by the UK’s leading regeneration specialist and University partner St. Modwen.
The project comprises a 1,000,000ft2 development on the shores of Swansea bay, including 465,000ft2 of academic space and 1,462 student residences, associated retail space, highway works and on-site infrastructure.
The academic part of the campus is formed of low-rise, modern-style buildings incorporating R&D facilities and teaching space. The student residences are traditionally-styled collegiate blocks arranged in courtyard configurations with fabulous views across the Swansea bay area.
Designed to BREEAM standards, Phase 1 by main contractor VINCI Construction UK is set for completion with first students moving in, by September 2015. The Kawneer elements are being installed by approved specialist sub-contractors APiC UK and AB Glass.
These include Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained curtain walling with 50mm sightlines, AA®541 top-hung, open-out casement windows and series 190 heavy-duty commercial entrance doors on the School of Management (pictured), Great Hall and Bay Library buildings. AA®110 mullion-drained curtain walling, with 65mm sightlines, is being installed on the School of Management.
The education element apart, Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained curtain walling and AA®541 side-hung, open-out casement windows are also being installed on the student residences.
In addition, Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained curtain walling and AA®541 top-hung casement windows are being installed on the Institute of Structural Materials (home to Swansea Material Research and Testing Ltd ‘SMART’) and Engineering East (home to Engineering Manufacturing Centre) – part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.
Designed by architects Prophyrious (master architects) with Hopkins, the project is aimed at delivering world-leading research, innovation and education facilities to the city and surrounding community.