Members of the UK Green
Achilles Building Confidence
ExCel
Excel-lent shading by Levolux
Costing £250 million and set on a 100 acre site in London’s Docklands, ExCeL is a world class venue providing 90,000m² of spectacular event space for exhibitions and conferences. It represents a project that has seen a series of architectural feats and construction firsts and Levolux was appointed to provide sunshading solutions to three key areas.
Practical... and Aesthetic
To create the necessary design concepts and to schedule the work, Levolux worked closely not only with Moxley Architects, the ExCeL designers, but with the glazing sub-contractors responsible for the relevant packages. While the blinds play a practical role they also offer outstanding aesthetic benefits.
The western entrance comprises a glazed pyramidal structure and includes 18m by 36m of space that can be used as a grand entrance, for display, or as a registration and branding area. Providing sunshading to this challenging shape resulted in the design and installation of large white, internal, tensioned roller blinds measuring 2m wide and with a draw of up to 16m.
A Stunning Blank Canvas
The blinds were installed on the three glazed aspects of the pyramid and each had to be a different size to accommodate the sloping sides. Motorised, and linked to both the BMS system and sun sensors, they operate automatically with a manual override. As well as shading they are used as a stunning ‘blank canvas’ off which artificial light may be bounced.
"An Excellent Company... While The Product is Top Quality"
Peter Bustin, project manager, Space Decks, explains: “We went to Levolux because of their expertise. We’ve worked with them on several other projects and have a good relationship with them. They are an excellent company and their forward planning and on site works are well thought out while the product is top quality. They complied with the requirements of the client and their communication, drawings and back-up was good.”
To provide shading and glare control to the barrel vaulted roof lights that allow natural light to penetrate the boulevard atria of the spine running down the centre of the building, some 1,500m² of Levolux’s Skyvane system were employed. To enable the Skyvane to run parallel with the glazing it was faceted around the barrel vault. The slats are powder coated silver and are motorised and linked to sun sensors so that they operate automatically but also have a manual override.
The third element of the project was the provision of some 316 venetian blinds in the offices around the perimeter of the building. These provide protection both from heat and glare and, with 25mm slats, measure 1.8m wide and have a 3.3m drop. Operation is manual by cord and wand operation.
| Architect: | Moxley Associates |
| Products used: | Tensioned Fabric Blinds |
| Electronic Controls |