Buildings today perform exceptionally well and, as a result, are generally more complex in their construction. No longer does the ‘one size fit all’ approach work, with many building products now being available with various options, often with ‘off the shelf’ availability. Where a solution is currently not available, a bespoke solution is designed and this can often become a stock solution. This is what drives our current construction processes and we have become accustomed to a constant process of change.
Window designs and their interfaces with the building structure is a good example of this constant state of flux. No longer does the interface with the building structure conform to any standard. Designers now freely develop high thermal performance interfaces which reduce cold bridging, whilst keeping the whole assembly weathertight. The key here is the importance of ‘system design flexibility’.
One good example of this flexibility is that of the Atlas Building in Stratford, originally designed as the East Village for the 2012 Olympics, the building comprises of windows used in various applications, such as used in balcony door configurations into punched openings. Detail design and installation using Aluprof high performance MB-70US was completed by GLASS & A.L.U. CAD LTD of County Meath in Ireland.
When choosing a system for any project, one of the key requirements would be to always look to the suppliers range of profiles per system. The wider the range of profiles and options will ensure that virtually all building interfaces can be accommodated and be completed on site to meet a robust detail. Aluprof have a very wide range of profiles and options for their systems and when a solution is not available off the shelf, a bespoke solution can be designed, extruded and suppled in a matter of weeks.
Aluprof UK’s head office and extensive distribution centre is located in Altrincham, Cheshire. Aluprof systems are increasingly being specified on a wide range of residential and commercial projects across the UK including Passivhaus projects. Systems are designed, fabricated and installed by selected, specially trained local companies, to ensure each fabricated product meets Aluprof’s exacting standards. Further information is available on the company’s website at www.aluprof.eu and specialist advice is available directly from Aluprof’s UK offices on 0161 941 4005.
