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Achilles Building Confidence
Newburn Riverside
Levolux Shows its Style
For a new state of the art office building, being created as part of a massive regeneration and reclamation programme, architects Faulkner Brown wanted to create a simple, yet stylish exterior façade.
Overcoming potential solar heat gain
To overcome potential solar heat gain, due to the extensive use of glass, a solar shading system was required. Levolux, leaders in the design, manufacture and installation of solar shading solutions, demonstrated they had the ability to create a solution that would eliminate solar heat gain but still ensure the stylish exterior was maintained.
Situated on the North bank of the River Tyne, Newburn Riverside covers an area of over 92 hectares. Owned by One Northeast and being developed in partnership with Newcastle City Council with support from the European Regional Development Fund, the project is costing £46 million in investment. When completed it will provide 180,000 square metres of office and industrial space.
To create the stylish façade required by Faulkner Brown, Levolux produced a series of 400mm wide fins from extruded aluminium. To reduce the amount of structural framework, they were produced in lengths up to 7.2 metres and fitted into bays.
No interference with the overall design
Normally requiring additional support due to their length, Levolux developed an ingenious yet simple, unobtrusive rod to run from the eaves down the centre of the fins and stopping at the last fin. This provided the required support without interfering with the overall design.
maximum control of solar heat gain, glare and light
To ensure the fins were fitted to the optimum level and angle to provide maximum control of solar heat gain, glare and light, Levolux worked closely with M&E consultants Arup.
As part of the project, Levolux also provided its XL screening louvres for cladding the roof based plant and equipment. Produced in extruded aluminium, they allow airflow whilst protecting against the elements. Capable of being used at different spacings, the blades offer a continuous horizontal appearance and when 50mm apart, become a visual barrier, irrespective of the angle of view.
| Architect: | Faulkner Brown |
| Products used: | Shading Louvres |
| Aluminium Fins |