Giant vertical fins that protect a new research facility in North Wales from direct sun must also deal with another weather challenge ― the wind.
The 9m high, anodised aluminium fins cloak the glazed frontages and prevent glare and solar gain. But for optimum performance, they were designed to be 600mm deep ― a potential problem on what is a windy site.
We developed specialist fixings that met higher than normal wind-loading requirements, and worked with the architect and contractor to specify a half-height horizontal brise soleil blade to provide cross-brace strength and rigidity.
The fixings and specially designed brackets were all hidden in response to the architect’s requirements for a clean finish, but were still given a protective anodised coating.
The new institute, which is scheduled to open in late 2019, will support growth and jobs across Deeside, North Wales and the wider Northern Powerhouse. Airbus are confirmed as the primary tenant and will use the facility to develop new wing technology.