How Comar Systems were used in the development of the University of Birmingham’s new student accommodation
The University of Birmingham’s new Chamberlain Hall Student Accommodation is an impressive example of regeneration which is in keeping with the landscape as well as providing all essential capacity growth for the future. Consisting of 2 linked tall towers at 17 at & 21 stories and 5 “finger” blocks.
With the modern financial implications of studying and attracting international students, accommodation needs are changing. The University of Birmingham now has a building which gives good quality architecture and a landmark to Birmingham’s skyline that advertises the quality of the institute to perspective students and their parents.
Feasibility studies indicated that to increasing the density could not be achieved with the existing floor-plan therefore a new building was commissioned. The design concept was to maintain the links to the previous building tower yet create a design that was modern, light; creating a place where students would want to live, socialise and study.
The Façade concept was to ensures that the palette of colours is sympathetic to the landscape, using rich coppers, and an intelligent use of brickwork the building merges into the landscape and maintains cross corridor views to the lake.
The façade had to provide function as well as form. Day-lighting is vital to aid with studying, no dark gloomy corners, a light and airy interior is desirable. Natural ventilation was a must, however, in keeping with the structured façade open-in windows were required fronted with ventilation panels, to allow ventilation yet not impact on the façades integrity, maintaining the clean lines and sleek elevations.
Making the façade work and integrate with all the cladding elements involved Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems designing new methods of fixing. The flush façade was a must and all the elements: Comar Glazing, Mesh and Copper panels needed to integrate.
One of the engineering challenges on the project was the connection of the perforated copper cladding panels to the Comar 6EFT curtain walling. This connection had a few considerations, such as the metals being at opposite ends of the galvanic table, aesthetic demands, thermal performance and the structural considerations of loading panels to Comar 6EFT curtain walling.
Continental Installations worked closely with Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems and main contractor Balfour Beatty on the complex façade. The team designed a bespoke capping profile which was extruded with re-enforced walls capable of fixing the copper panels directly to it. A heavy duty pressure plate with a fixing port arrangement, was used to mechanically fix the capping to the pressure plate. Subsequent regular fixings then transmitted the applied loads back to the rear structural mullion member to ensure there was no thermal bridging. All connections were fully isolated to prevent bi-metallic corrosion.
This bespoke design then included inward full height opening windows which sat behind the façade, Comar 5Pi Advanced Tilt/Turn open in windows were selected. These windows were perfect for the application as they offer slim sight-lines, thus maximising daylighting as well as the profiles themselves have thicker walls that provide robustness and large spans to ensure they stand the test of time.
On the window elements Comar 5Pi Advanced Tilt/Turn open in windows were selected. These tilt/turn windows are perfect for the application, they offer slim sight-lines to maximise day-lights as well as the profiles themselves have wide wall thicknesses that provide robustness to ensure they stand the test of time. The wire mesh fitted directly onto the window.
The five finger blocks were sited to draw people through the buildings and connect with the landscape beyond. Full height windows were selected, again, from the Comar 5Pi Advanced Tilt/Turn range. Fritted glass was used to the bottom of the glazing, allowing light, but prevents items below the desk being seen from the outside. The use of feature bay windows provides the buildings feature and occupants views of the landscape. At upper levels in order to maximise views of the landscape, study bedrooms have splayed bay windows, a feature in the original 1960s Mason Hall.
Comar Systems Used: 6EFT (Capped), 5P.i Heavy Duty Profile Side Open Inserts
Project Value: Part of £42 Million Redevelopment
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Photographer: John Kees Photography
