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CHAS Copyright 2003
Sheffield Millennium Galleries
Levolux offers precise control over lighting levels
With 1,900m² of display space and a street facing elevation dominated by a glass façade, Sheffield’s new Millennium Galleries make maximum use of daylight while employing external aerofoil fins and venetian blinds from Levolux to offer precise control over lighting levels.
To protect some 140m² of glazing on the south facing front façade, Levolux 500mm aerofoil fins are used externally in two banks of ten horizontal fins stacked one above the other. These are motorised and tilt to give varying degrees of dim out - up to 70% - in response to a sun sensor linked to an automatic controller and the building management system.
Each fin is polyester powder coated in silver and is made up of six 2.35m lengths joined end-to-end and, at each break, these are fitted back to steel posts positioned in front of the curtain walling.
a high degree of control over light levels was required
The galleries themselves are housed in ten concrete barrel vaults which measure 7.5m x 15m and act as bays that can be divided or opened up as required for either permanent or visiting exhibitions. As is typical of such spaces a high degree of control over light levels was required so the glazing forming the walls at each end is equipped with three non-retractable 25mm venetian blinds designed specifically for the project.
a highly durable and aesthetically striking finish.
These internal motorised blinds had to follow the curve of the roof and fit within the 50mm depth of the window mullions while the slats were required to tilt to seven predetermined positions depending on the required light level. The blinds themselves are stove enamelled in a silver finish to provide a highly durable and aesthetically striking finish.
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| Architect: | Pringle Richards Sharratt |
| Products used: | Aluminium Fins |
| Specialist Venetian Blinds |