Millers Court, Heap’s Mill Development

Millers Court, Heaps Mill Development in Liverpool

Historic Liverpool Rice Mill Transformed Into Ultra-Luxurious Apartments

Millers Court, part of the Heap’s Mill development, situated on the outskirts of Liverpool’s city centre, is poised for a remarkable transformation into a lavish £140m residential development. This historic building, dating back to the late 1700s, once served as the milling grounds for Joseph Heap & Sons, famously grinding rice for Kellogg’s Rice Krispies.

Having remained vacant since 2005, the building secured planning permission for residential use in 2014. Legacie Developments has embarked on the restoration of this Grade II-listed landmark located on the fringes of the Baltic Triangle. Their vision involves the creation of 620 apartments, featuring one and two bedrooms, as well as the inclusion of an underground spa and museum.

DPS Facades Ltd. will be installing APA’s TB50 curtain wall system, ST70 Hi thermally enhanced windows, and ST AOV smoke evacuation windows for Millers Court. Each of these systems has been carefully selected to align with the development’s demands for thermal efficiency, aesthetics, and sustainability.

Millers Court, Heaps Mill Development in Liverpool

John Morley, founder and chief executive of Legacie Developments, said:

“This is going to be another game-changing development from Legacie.

“The site is held in high regard by the people of Liverpool and we have started work on a sensitive redevelopment. It pays tribute to the history of the building but also delivers a modern living complex complete with first-class facilities.

“We are incredibly excited to have started work on this iconic project. It is a significant addition to our portfolio.”

Alongside residential apartments, Heap’s Mill will offer an incredible array of facilities directly on-site for the ultimate convenience. A full state-of-the-art spa with a swimming pool and relaxation beds partners with cosmopolitan rooftop terraces, coffee shops and even a museum to offer a desirable living experience to tenants, unlike anything else on the market right now.

This ambitious project has already attracted “unprecedented demand,” with investors already securing 80% of the units. Completion of Millers Court is expected in summer of 2025.

Mount Sinai Hospital

Mount Sinai Hospital - Center-for-AI

Hamilton & Amabel James Centre for AI & Human Health by Mount Sinai Hospital

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is developing a $100 million research centre focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and precision medicine in Manhattan.

The Hamilton & Amabel James Center for Artificial Intelligence & Human Health is an exciting new project being developed by Lendlease and designed by HOK (formerly Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum). The 65,000 sq. ft. facility is located on 3 East 101st Street in Manhattan, and will become the first of its kind within a U.S. medical school.

The centre will enable staff and faculty from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to advance AI and transform healthcare, and will also host staff from the Genomic Health and Emergency Departments. It will feature computer and other “dry” labs to support research that advances medicine and diagnostics.

Transforming the Facade With a Triple Glazed, Structurally Glazed Curtain Wall Screen

“HOK’s design transforms the 12-story building into an open and collaborative environment that will support important research and facilitate the recruitment of new faculty and staff,” said David Schwartz, regional leader for Science + Technology with HOK.

HOK’s design criteria involved a renovation of the original façade from 1964. They sought a contemporary, sleek exterior with exceptional thermal and acoustic performance. Our triple-glazed TB50 SG curtain wall system, designed for structural glazing, will not only enhance the building’s external appearance but also substantially diminish noise pollution. All installation works are being carried out by Related Services LLC, based in Amityville, New York.

Inside, the design prioritizes staff comfort, collaborative spaces and areas for quiet focus. Each floor has a mix of open workstations, private offices, meeting spaces, video/phone rooms and gender-neutral toilets. Strategies for accommodating the staff’s sensory needs include incorporating sound-dampening acoustic materials and eliminating visual clutter and distractions throughout the space.

The Hamilton & Amabel James Center for Artificial Intelligence & Human Health was made possible by a donation of an undisclosed amount from investment firm Blackstone Group’s Hamilton Evans “Tony” James and his wife Amabel.

IDA Advanced Technology Building Dundalk

IDA Advanced Technology Building Dundalk

IDA Advanced Technology Building

Dundalk

The Brief

Certification: LEED CS

System Used: TB50 Structurally Glazed Curtain Wall System, TB50 Concealed Frame Awnings  

Location:  Dundalk

Client: IDA Ireland

Architect: Fewer Harrington & Partners

APA Facade Systems are delighted to see another development for IDA Ireland completed. The IDA Advanced Technology Building in Dundalk is a 33,906 sq ft (3,150 sq m), high profile technology/manufacturing space. It is situated in the IDA Dundalk Science & Technology Park, Mullagharlin.

The two-story open plan office accommodation is laid out over large rectangular floor plates. It features an impressive self-contained production/technology building with accommodation to include technology area, offices, core, plant area, toilets, welfare facilities and a spectacular reception area with a full-height glazed entrance.

IDA Advanced Technology Building Dundalk

Streamlined, Structurally Glazed Finish

Our structurally glazed TB50 curtain wall system with integrated concealed frame vents was installed on this project by Season Master Double Glazing Ltd, adding much needed natural ventilation to the internal office environment.

LEED Certified, Sustainable Office

The new Advanced Technology Building is conveniently located just 45 minutes from Dublin airport and 55 minutes from Belfast airport. It has been designed by Fewer Harrington & Partners to achieve LEED CS accreditation.

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Olympic Way - London - APA Facade Systems
Richard McVey

Olympic Way

Olympic Way London The Brief System Used:  TB50 Curtain Wall  ST80 & ST70 Windows  Location:  London Client:  Donban Construction Architect:   HTA Design The

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Charlemont Exchange - LEED Gold
Richard McVey

Charlemont Exchange

Charlemont Exchange Dublin The Brief System Used:  TB50 SG Curtain Wall, TB50 SG CFA, Glass Fins Location: Dublin City  Client:  Walls Construction Architect: 

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The Dean Hotel

The Dean Galway

The Dean Hotel

Galway

The Brief

 

System Used:  TB50 Curtain Wall, ST70 Hi Windows & Doors

Location:

Galway

Client: 

JJ Rhatigans

Architect: 

Lawrence & Long Architects

 

A fantastic addition to the hospitality industry in Galway City has just opened its doors. The Dean Galway is located near Eyre Square on Prospect Hill. It is the latest in a line of stylish boutique hotels from Press Up Hospitality Group and officially opened for business on Wednesday 27 April. 

In keeping with the history of Galway, the hotel’s design incorporates unique structures, including a portion of the Galway to Clifden railway tunnel built in the 1890s, and a two-storey stone building originally built in the 1830s. These unique features have been meticulously restored and incorporated into the design of this brand-new hotel.

 

Suite - the Dean Hotel

Thermally Enhanced Windows & Curtain Wall

This is the latest development from the Press-Up Hospitality Group headed by property developer Paddy Mc Killen Junior. As one of the largest hospitality groups in the country, they operate a portfolio of 65 award-winning restaurants, bars, hotels, cinemas, golf facilities and gyms.

Thermally Enhanced Windows & Curtain Wall Systems

Our high performance ST70 Hi windows were installed in each of the 100 bedrooms. The rooms come with big comfy beds, rainfall power showers, fully stocked Smeg fridges, Netflix enabled smart TVs, a Munchie Box filled with sweet and savoury Irish snacks and booze and Marshall speaker.

Our TB50 curtain wall system and ST70 Hi doors provide spectacular views of Galway City and beyond in Sophie’s rooftop restaurant. This is one of two restaurants at the hotel with the first Elephant & Castle in the West of Ireland also opening. Other facilities include Peg’s Bar, The Blue Room for events and the Power Gym.

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window systems - student accommodation - complex design projects
Richard McVey

New Mill Student Accommodation

New Mill Student Accommodation Dublin The Brief System Used:  TB50 Curtain Wall, ST80 Window & Door Systems Certifications: BREEAM “Excellent” Location: Dublin 

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Olympic Way - London - APA Facade Systems
Richard McVey

Olympic Way

Olympic Way London The Brief System Used:  TB50 Curtain Wall  ST80 & ST70 Windows  Location:  London Client:  Donban Construction Architect:   HTA Design The

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Richard McVey

Allergan Pharmaceuticals

Allergan Pharmacueticals Westport, Mayo The Brief System Used:  TB50 Curtain Wall & ST70 Doors Location:   Westport, Mayo Client:   Sisk Group Architect:   Taylor

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The Samuel Hotel

The Samuel Hotel Dublin

The Samuel Hotel

Dublin

The Brief

 

System Used:  TB50 Curtain Wall, ST70 Concealed Sash Windows & ST70 Hi Doors

Location:

Dublin

Client: 

PJ Hegarty

Architect: 

Henry J Lyons

 

The four-star Samuel Hotel in the Dublin’s docklands opened its doors to its first customers in April 22.  

Named after Irish novelist Samuel Beckett, The Samuel Hotel is an integral part of the urban regeneration of the Spencer Place Development by Ronan Group Real Estate and Colony Capital.

The Samuel Hotel Bedroom

Slimline Concealed Sash Windows

Our slimline ST70 Concealed Sash was specifically chosen to fit in with the modern architectural design of Spencer Place. Its minimalistic aluminum design maximises light within each of the 200 + bedrooms. 

Our capped and structurally glazed TB50 facade systems were installed on the ground floor and penthouse areas of this new hotel. The installation of our windows and facade systems was completed by Zeon Design

Location, Location, Location

The Samuel hotel is in the perfect location for a successful future with companies such as Salesforce, We Work and Pinterest all headquartered in Dublin’s Docklands. The 3 Arena, Convention Centre and Bord Gais Energy Theatre are also in close proximity.

Ireland’s largest hotel operator Dalata have taken out a 35-year lease on The Samuel Hotel taking their total number of hotels to four after the Clayton, Maldron and Gibson hotels.

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The Roy - 1650 Granville Street - Halifax
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The Roy

The Roy Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada The Brief System Used: TB50 Curtain Wall, ST80 Windows, ST80 Door Systems, Sliding Doors

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Hotel La Tour

Hotel La Tour

Hotel La Tour

Milton Keynes

The Brief

 

System Used:  TB50 Curtain Wall, ST70 Hi Windows & Doors

Location:

Milton Keynes

Client: 

Winvic Construction

Architect: 

pHp Architects 

 

Hotel La Tour is a brand new, luxurious, 14-storey hotel in the heart of Milton Keynes.

This $47 million hotel oozes class from the second you set eyes on it. Designed by pHp Architects, Hotel La Tour features an external mirror style cladding with a 30m high, LED-lit stainless steel ‘sun’ design circle on the east facing elevation. This was created to align with the sun on the longest day of the year.

Hotel La Tour is equipped with 261 bedrooms, an impressive roof top restaurant, nine high-tech conference rooms, a fully licenced wedding space with a private outdoor terrace and a state of the art gym.

Hotel La Tour 3

Sustainable Windows & Curtain Wall Systems

Sustainability was established as a key aspect of Hotel La Tour. Our thermally enhanced ST70 Hi windows and TB50 curtain wall system were expertly installed by Speedclad Ltd, helping to achieve a “Very Good” BREEAM rating. Managing Director of Hotel La Tour, Mark Stuart said “We have worked hard to create an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable building that delivers on luxury as well as functionality”.

Spectacular Floor to Ceiling Views

On arrival to “Fourteen”, Buckinghamshire’s first sky bar and restaurant, our floor to ceiling curtain wall system provides spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across Campbell Park, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire. This 180-seater restaurant offers the finest cuisine, a private dining room for special occasions and a bar.

This floor to ceiling design flows throughout the 261 luxury bedrooms and suites. Each one featuring our window systems, boasting amazing views over Milton Keynes Central and Campbell Park.

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Richard McVey

Allergan Pharmaceuticals

Allergan Pharmacueticals Westport, Mayo The Brief System Used:  TB50 Curtain Wall & ST70 Doors Location:   Westport, Mayo Client:   Sisk Group Architect:   Taylor

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6 Impressive Window System Projects

6 Impressive Window System Projects - Gansevoort New York

Following our previous blog, “6 Extraordinary Curtain Wall Designs”, we are looking at 6 super window projects featuring our profiles across North America, Ireland and the UK. 

We also discuss the benefits of installing thermally enhanced window systems.

Gansevoort Row, Meatpacking District, New York City

Year Completed:  2021
Awards:                       Winner of the Adaptive Reuse and Renovation                                                        category at the Society of American Registered                                                    Architects Awards
System Used:        ST70 Hi Window System
Architect:               BKSK Architects

60- 74 Gansevoort is right in the centre of the historic Meatpacking District in New York. Gansevoort Row required a high-performance, durable window system that could withstand the harsh winter climate of New York and block out noise from the busy Gansevoort district. Aesthetically, the windows also had to integrate with the historical architecture surrounding the meatpacking district. Fixed, curved, and tilt & turn windows were all installed on this project, complete with all window jewellery. Read more….

6 Impressive Window System Projects-Gansevoort Row - New York
6 Impressive Window System Projects-Gansevoort Row - New York

402 Dunsmuir - Vancouver, Canada

Year Completed:  2020
System Used:        TB50 SG Concealed Frame Vents
Certification:         LEED Gold
Architect:               B + H Architects

The design brief for 402 Dunsmuir was to develop a cost-effective, secure, and integrated building solution that prioritized operations, comfort and energy efficiency. Over 200 of our structurally glazed, triple-glazed concealed frame awnings feature on every elevation of 402 Dunsmuir Street. They fit directly within the framework, providing internal ventilation whilst not affecting the appearance or geometry of the external facade. Read more…..

402 Dunsmuir Street - Amazon - APA Facade Systems
Amazon Vancouver - APA Facade Systems

Olympic Way & Pinnacle Tower, London

Year Completed:   2013
System Used:         ST70 & ST80 Windows 
Architect:                HTA Design

Olympic Way and Pinnacle Tower are neighbouring Wembley Stadium in London. The biggest challenge faced by the architects was to discover an economical solution to block out the noise and improve the internal acoustics of the building. The flexibility of our window systems meant our ST80 window, our highest performing at the time, could be installed on the first 8 storeys. Our ST70 window was then installed for the remaining 12 storeys when the acoustic requirements weren’t as demanding, reducing the overall costs and meeting the acoustic demands required. Our ST profiles have identical sightlines so the aesthetic appearance of the building wasn’t affected. Read more…..

Olympic Way - London - APA Facade Systems
Olympic way

Vita Student, Strawberry Place, Newcastle

Year Completed:   2017
System Used:         ST60 Windows
Architect:                Ryder Architecture

Vita Student in Strawberry Place is a 10-storey student accommodation development near St. James Park in Newcastle city centre. The development is focused around a central landscaped courtyard which spills out from a double-height student hub space. Each of the 331 rooms features our ST60 side hung casement windows, alongside our parallel sashes, expertly installed by Speedclad Ltd. Read more….

Front view, strawberry place - APA Facade Systems
Strawberry Place

New Mill Student Accommodation, Blackpitts, Dublin

Year Completed:  2017
System Used:        ST80 Window System
Architect:               Reddy Architecture 

New Mill Student Accommodation was completed in September 2017. This 15,093 m² development is a mixed-use student living accommodation with 410 rooms in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties. Each of these 410 bedrooms features our thermally enhanced ST80 Window System Read more….

new-mill- student accommodation

Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre, Wexford

Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre has just recently been completed. It was designed by Limerick City architectural firm Quinn Architects with sustainability at the forefront of design. Our ST70 Hi windows along with our curtain wall system were installed on this project, helping it to meet all the requirements of Near Zero Energy Building (nZEB) 

6 Impressive Window System Projects-Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre
6 Impressive Window System Projects-Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre

How Important Is The Thermal Performance Of Window Systems?

Modern aluminium profiles like our ST Window Suite are designed with thermally conductive insulating cores, foams and gaskets. They can accommodate double or triple glazed Low-E units with warm edge spacer bars. This means they can achieve, and in some cases surpass the Nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) and Passive House standards.

Choosing nZEB or Passive House profiles is also environmentally friendly. They create a strong barrier to the cold, reducing the demand for heating which saves energy and considerably reduces CO2 emissions. Read more……

Thermal Performance of Window Systems - APA Facade Systems
Featured Products
ST60 Window System
ST70 Hi Window System
ST80 Window System
Concealed Frame Awnings

Get in touch with a member of our team about your next project below

6 Extraordinary Curtain Wall Designs

6 extraordinary curtain wall designs - the bergeron centre

Architecturally designed buildings often feature beautiful curtain wall systems. Intricate feature facades bring little bursts of brightness or large floor to ceiling glazing, illuminating the internal space of the building. 

Here are six projects featuring extraordinary curtain wall designs.

The Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence

Year Completed:  2015
Awards:                       Can BIM Owners Award & Can BIM Best in BIM Award
Certification:         LEED Gold
System Used:        TB50 SG Curtain Wall 
Architect:               ZAS Architects & Arup

The unique architectural design of the Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence reflects the buildings main purpose – to be a hub for entrepreneurship, collaboration and creativity.
The cloud-like triangular glass facade is comprised of a series of triangles positioned according to a precise and complex algorithm. It was arranged in a mathematically derived Penrose Pattern that never repeats. Every individual triangular panel, of which there are 8,000, is unique. Read more….

6 extraordinary curtain wall designs - the-bergeron-centre
Facade Systems

The National Veterans Memorial & Museum

Year Completed:   2018
Awards:                    Best new building $10 to $75 million & Grand Award                                             Winner at CDCC Awards
System Used:         TB50 Curtain Wall
Architect:                Allied Works Architecture

The National Veteran’s Memorial & Museum was named as one of the most anticipated buildings of 2018 by Architectural Digest. It features a floor to ceiling curtain wall system, spanning 41 ft. unsupported in certain parts of the building. Surrounded by a concrete ribbon, it was impossible to glaze in a traditional manner. Transom lines were also required to follow the bespoke facade of the building meaning that each of the 230 mullions were uniquely installed. The total cost of the glazing works on this project surpassing the $10 million. Read more….

The NVMM Full feature post image
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum

The Glucksman Library

Year Completed:   2018
Awards:                   Architectural Design in the Education – Outstanding                                             Property Awards London Awards
System Used:         TB50 SG Curtain Wall, Concealed Frame Vents, Glass Fins
Architect:                RKD Architects

The Glucksman Library is the biggest on-campus library in Ireland and one of the most digitally advanced in the world. This $37m building features a floor to ceiling structurally glazed curtain wall system. For extra support, 23 ft. high glass fins were bonded to the 3″ wide bespoke aluminium mullions. Read more….

6 extraordinary curtain wall designs - the glucksman library
The Glucksman Library - Internal view - glass fins

7 & 8 Wellington Place

Year Completed: 2020
Awards:                  Commercial Development of the Year – Yorkshire                                                  Property Industry Awards
Certification:           BREEAM Excellent
System Used:        TB50 SG, Concealed Frame Vents, TB60 Curtain Wall
Architect:               Carey Jones Chapman Tolcher Architects

7 & 8 Wellington Place is 378,000 sq. ft. of grade A office space that features 194,000 sq.ft. of curtain walling.  This development has three impressive atriums and 6400 sq. ft. of rooflights constructed with our TB60 curtain wall system. It is the stand-out building in this high-grade office park and has made history as the biggest ever office pre-let in Leeds. Read more….

Storefronts - TB60 Facade System - Wellington Place Office Development - Leeds

Grifols International Logistics Centre

Year Completed:  2016
Awards:                       Manufacturing Facility of the Year 2016, “Be Inspired” RIAI                                    award
System Used:        TB50 SG, Concealed Frame Vents, Glass Fins
Architect:               PM Group

The multi-award winning Grifols development was built in two phases, a 240,000 sq. ft. logistics centre with a three-storey office space and a 200,000 sq. ft. biopharmaceutical process facility. Our structurally glazed curtain wall system with integrated ventilation features on the first phase of the building and connects the two building through a glazed link corridor. The external façade features integrated vertical glass fins, designed in the incorporate the blue brand of Grifols. Read more….

Grifols - Glass Fins - Curtain Wall Systems - APA Facade Systems
Grifols - Glass Fins - Curtain Wall Systems - APA Facade Systems

Collier Wood Tower / Brittania Point

Year Completed:  2016
System Used:      TB60 SG Curtain Wall
Architect:             KDS Associates

Colliers Wood Tower or Brittania Point as it’s now known, was a 17 storey office tower that was once named “London’s Ugliest Building” in a BBC poll. That was before it was completely renovated and transformed with our glazed curtain wall façade hiding the appearance of the 1960’s pre-cast concrete structure. The curtain wall used was our TB60 structurally glazed system. The development consists of 265 apartments and ground floor retail units.

Colliers Wood Tower
6 extraordinary curtain wall designs - Colliers wood

6 Sustainable Solutions for Windows, Doors & Curtain Wall Systems

Sustainable Solutions for Windows, Doors, Curtain Wall Systems

Climate change and sustainable production is top of the priority list for architects and designers to reduce our impact on the built environment. Here are 6 environmentally friendly ways you can reduce your carbon footprint when choosing your windows, doors and curtain wall systems.

1. Choose Aluminum

Aluminum has a life cycle that very few materials can match; it is infinitely recyclable. This means it can be recycled over and over without losing its properties or quality. That’s not all, recycled aluminum uses just 5% of the energy required for producing primary metal, saving an enormous 95%. In fact, about 75% of all the aluminum ever produced is still in use.

save-energy-circular-economy-sustainable construction

2. Install Thermally Efficient Glass / Windows

Modern aluminum profiles like our ST Window Suite are designed with thermally conductive insulating cores, foams and gaskets and accommodate Low-E double or triple glazed units.

They meet and surpass Nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) and Passive House standards. This reduces the demand for heating, saving energy and considerably reducing CO2 emissions.

Our design team can conduct a project-specific thermal analysis for each proposed system on the project. Get in touch with us below to find out more.

Thermal Performance of Window Systems - APA Facade Systems

3. Include Natural Ventilation

Ensuring refurbishments and new building designs have adequate and appropriate ventilation can have a significant impact on the building’s performance. Natural ventilation removes the need for air conditioning, reducing energy consumption. This leads to a reduction in carbon emissions and operational costs and can help to achieve nZEB compliance.

4. Install Solar Shading

Solar Shading or “Brise Soleil”, as it’s otherwise known, minimises the ‘greenhouse effect’ on the internal environment of the building. It controls the level of sunlight entering the building, which subsequently lowers the temperature.

Installing Brise Soleil on the external facade of a building is hugely beneficial to both the environment and the building’s overall operating costs. Similar to natural ventilation, it substantially reduces the need for air-conditioning during the summer and consequently reduces energy consumption.

solar shading - APA Facade Systems

5. Avoid Anodized Finish

The primary issue with anodizing is that you cannot use secondary (recycled) aluminum billets. This means that every piece of anodized aluminum is extruded from primary aluminum billet (new raw material). One of the key benefits of aluminum is that it is infinitely recyclable. Anodizing it kind of defeats this purpose.

Alternative to anodized? Powder Coating. Powder coating is available with hundreds of color variants including anodic colors, designed to look like anodized aluminum.

Painted aluminum has a guaranteed long-term resistance to weathering and unlike an anodized finish, it can be restored on-site, quickly and easily without having to replace the profile.

powder coating - anodic finishes

6. Recycle Old Aluminum Windows

Choosing aluminum windows is not only a sustainable option when installing them, as they are infinitely and 100% recyclable the old aluminum window systems can be melted down, and reused in the production cycle. This is vitally important in the Circular Economy of the construction industry.  

circular-economy-sustainable construction

Get in touch with a member of our team below

Acoustic Performance of Windows & Curtain Wall Systems

acoustic performance of windows and curtain wall

Acoustic Performance of Windows & Curtain Wall Systems

The importance of sound attenuation in windows and curtain wall systems is more prevalent now than ever before. With the huge increase in urbanisation in busy cities and districts, Architects and Designers are looking to minimize noise pollution.

Acoustics are extremely important when constructing multi-level residential developments, offices, educational buildings, hospitality and healthcare facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. 

The location of buildings is also a huge factor to take into consideration. If the building is near main streets, sports stadiums, train stations or airports, the noise pollution will significantly increase.

What affects the acoustic performance of windows & curtain wall systems?

Glazing is the biggest factor. Double glazing can substantially reduce the noise pollution from the external environment of the building. Laminated glass reduces the high-frequency noise considerably more than single pane double-glazed units. The polyvinyl butyral that laminates the two panes of glass together acts as a barrier against high-frequency noise pollution.

Double glazed units with varying glass thicknesses (1/2″ – 13/16″ – 5/16“) will reduce noise pollution at high frequencies (a whistle or claxon). This however is not the case with low-frequency noise pollution. Glass units with the same glass thickness (5/16” – 13/16″ – 5/16“) reduce lower frequency (traffic) noise pollution more effectively.

The cavity in between both panes of glass is also an important factor when reducing external noise. The general rule is that thicker spacer bars or cavities are better. The spacer and sealant separating the two glass panes make a significant impact on noise reduction.

There is also a range of acoustic glass or noise control glass, specifically designed to reduce noise pollution.

Noise control diagram - Pilkington Glass
At what stage should acoustics be considered?

The need to insulate the building envelope from exterior noise has become an important consideration in the selection of building products. The acoustic performance of windows and curtain wall systems should be included at the very beginning of the design process. A pre-completion acoustic test should also be conducted to ensure there is no delay to the opening of a new building

Case Study: Olympic Way & Pinnacle Tower London

The high-end multi-level condominium development at Olympic Way and the adjoining Pinnacle Tower are located right beside Wembley Stadium in London.

The vibrant, busy streets surrounding Olympic Way, often transports thousands of fans to Wembley Stadium, bringing with it a huge amount of noise.

The biggest challenge faced by the architects was to discover an economical solution to block out the noise and improve the internal acoustics of the building.

Our highest-performing window system at the time, the ST80, was installed on the first eight stories with 1 5/8” high-performance laminated glass units made up of  1/2“|11/16“| 1/2“, as they were closest to the busy streets of Wembley Way. For the remaining twelve stories when the acoustic requirements were not as demanding, our ST70 window system was installed with lesser performing double glazed units.

This cost-effective solution did not affect the aesthetic finish of the building as our window profiles have identical sightlines.

Olympic Way and Millennium Tower - London - APA

For more information on the acoustic requirements of our windows, doors or facade systems, or to discuss an upcoming project, please get in touch with a member of our team at info@apafacadesystems.com