Curtainwall engineers and Kalwall distributor Structura has recently completed a ‘replace and refurbishment’ project at Heathrow’s terminal four. This in conjunction with structural engineers Webb Yates for a scheme designed by Pascall+Watson architects. The project is said to have proved so successful that main contractor Balfour Beatty named Structura as its ‘Most Promising New Supplier 2018’.
Replacing ageing glass rooflights originally installed in the 1980’s, 1,750 square metres of Kalwall Skyroof cladding is being used above the Terminal’s international departure lounge and check-in desks. Fully ASAID compliant with regards to blast performance, Kalwall reportedly improves the solar control and insulation to the space below. In this project, its inherent strength in a lightweight frame means the existing substrate could be adapted and reused – reportedly saving £7 million in project costs and more than a year from the build programme. The whole retrofit was completed externally in ‘engineering hours’ using a bespoke moving scaffold, meaning there was no disruption to the inside of the building.
Kalwall offers complete line-of-sight protection, maintaining privacy for the security screening area and departure lounges while bathing the interior with diffused daylighting, regardless of the weather. Apart from providing the visual protection, its inherent strength and heavy-duty impact-resistance make it ideal for secure locations such as this, according to Structura.
It also reportedly offers the highest protection in terms of wind-borne debris and resistance to impact, abrasion and point loads. Not only is it also safe to walk on but Kalwall achieves S:AA (BS 476 part 3) and Broof(t4) to EN 13501 part 5 for external fire performance.
The exterior face is colour stable and includes a UV-resistant, self-cleaning surface. This means that normal rainfall helps to keep the surface free of dust and dirt while at the same time retaining its original colour during the weathering process.
