Spire Manchester Hospital

The Levolux solar shading solution at Spire Manchester Hospital comprises a combination of horizontal and vertical Infiniti Timber Fins and Levolux’s Infiniti Fin system, applied externally on the outer elevations and within the building’s enclosed courtyard area.

The Infiniti Timber Fins were engineered from Western Red Cedar and formed aerofoil profiles.

230mm x 40mm Infiniti Timber Fins were installed horizontally, incorporated into a series of stacks on south- and east-facing elevations at a pitch of 198mm. Here, the larger arrays of fins were set off from the building to allow a maintenance walkway between the Levolux solar shading solution and the curtain wall system.

Larger 290mm x 69mm Infiniti Timber Aerofoil Fins were fitted vertically around a curved, west-facing elevation at first and second floor levels to provide an effective shading solution that shields the glazed areas from the sun, reducing solar heat gain and air conditioning loads. The array of vertical fins extends 8m in height and continues almost 90m in length, following the curved, glazed façade.

90mm x 40mm Infiniti Timber Box Fins are also fitted vertically to the north-facing elevation. However, these fins were primarily incorporated for aesthetic purposes, complementing the overall scheme.

A central, enclosed courtyard area also required solar shading at a high level on its south-facing elevation. Here, Levolux provided its Infiniti Secret-Fix Aluminium Aerofoil Fin system to form an array of horizontally installed aerofoils. Each measuring 250mm wide, the arrays create a shading structure measuring 6.5m in height and almost 16m in width.

The Infiniti fin systems were all secured back to the unitised curtain walling system using Levolux’s thermally broken Triniti® bracket.

Levolux also provided an attractive plant screening solution to conceal the hospital’s plant and equipment at roof level. The Ligniti VLS50 Ventilation Louvre system, featuring ‘S’ shaped louvres, provided optimum airflow, weatherability and strong aesthetics. The louvres combine to cover a surface area of 720m2.

All aluminium components, including the Infiniti Fin system and ventilation louvres, are finished in an attractive, yet highly durable dark grey powder coating. The horizontal and vertical timber fins, all formed from Western red cedar, have been left untreated and over time will acquire a cool, silver-grey patina.