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,Ā TB50 Concealed Frame AwningsĀ Ā 

Location:Ā  Dundalk

Client: IDA Ireland

Architect:Ā 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

OurĀ structurally glazed TB50 curtain wall system with integrated concealed frame ventsĀ was installed on this project byĀ 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 byĀ Fewer Harrington & PartnersĀ to achieve LEED CS accreditation.

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The Samuel Hotel Dublin
Richard McVey

The Samuel Hotel

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

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IDA Advanced Technology Building Dundalk
Richard McVey

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

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Facade Systems - APA Facade Systems
Richard McVey

Grifols International Logistics Centre

Grifols International Logistics Centre Dublin The Brief System Used:  TB50 SG Curtain Wall & TB50 SG CFA Glass Fins Location:   Dublin Client:   Stewart Construction  Architect:   PM

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The Dean Hotel

The Dean Galway

The Dean Hotel

Galway

The Brief

Ā 

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

Location:

Galway

Client:Ā 

JJ Rhatigans

Architect:Ā 

Lawrence & Long Architects

Ā 

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.Ā 

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.

Ā 

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 performanceĀ 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.

OurĀ TB50 curtain wallĀ system andĀ ST70 Hi doorsĀ 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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The Glucksman Library - APA Facade Systems
Richard McVey

The Glucksman Library

The Glucksman Library University of Limerick The Brief System Used:  TB50 SG Curtain Wall TB50 SG CFA 23 ft. High Glass Fins Location: University of

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Hotel La Tour
Richard McVey

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 

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Facade Systems - APA Facade Systems
Richard McVey

Grifols International Logistics Centre

Grifols International Logistics Centre Dublin The Brief System Used:  TB50 SG Curtain Wall & TB50 SG CFA Glass Fins Location:   Dublin Client:   Stewart Construction  Architect:   PM

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The Samuel Hotel

The Samuel Hotel Dublin

The Samuel Hotel

Dublin

The Brief

Ā 

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

Location:

Dublin

Client:Ā 

PJ Hegarty

Architect:Ā 

Henry J Lyons

Ā 

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

Named after Irish novelist Samuel Beckett, The Samuel Hotel is an integral part of the urban regeneration of the Spencer Place Development byĀ Ronan Group Real EstateĀ andĀ 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.Ā 

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

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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IDA Advanced Technology Building Dundalk
Richard McVey

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

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Hotel La Tour
Richard McVey

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 

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Vita Student accommodation
Richard McVey

Vita Student Accommodation

Vita Student Accommodation Newcastle The Brief System Used:  TB50 Curtain Wall System, ST60 Windows & Doors  Location:   Newcastle  Client:  Wates Group    Architect:  Ryder Architecture

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Hotel La Tour

Hotel La Tour

Hotel La Tour

Milton Keynes

The Brief

Ā 

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

Location:

Milton Keynes

Client:Ā 

Winvic Construction

Architect:Ā 

pHp ArchitectsĀ 

Ā 

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 ā€˜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 windowsĀ andĀ TB50 curtain wallĀ system were expertly installed byĀ Speedclad Ltd, helping to achieve a ā€œVery Goodā€ BREEAM rating. Managing Director of Hotel La Tour, Mark Stuart said ā€œWe have worked hard to create an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable building that delivers on luxury as well as functionalityā€.

Spectacular Floor to Ceiling Views

On arrival to ā€œFourteenā€, 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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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 Olympic Way building beside Wembley

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The Dean Galway
Richard McVey

The Dean Hotel

The Dean Hotel Galway The Brief Ā  System Used:Ā Ā TB50 Curtain Wall,Ā ST70 Hi Windows & Doors Location: Galway Client:Ā  JJ Rhatigans Architect:Ā  Lawrence & Long Architects

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The Samuel Hotel Dublin
Richard McVey

The Samuel Hotel

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

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6 Impressive Window System Projects

6 Impressive Window System Projects - Gansevoort New York

Following our previous blog,Ā ā€œ6 Extraordinary Curtain Wall Designsā€, we are looking at 6 super window projects featuring our profiles across North America, Ireland and the UK.Ā 

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

Gansevoort Row, Meatpacking District, New York City

Year Completed:Ā  2021
Awards:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Winner of the Adaptive Reuse and RenovationĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  category at the Society of American RegisteredĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Architects Awards
System Used:Ā Ā Ā  Ā  Ā  ST70 Hi Window System
Architect:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 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.Ā 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:Ā Ā 2020
System Used:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  TB50 SG Concealed Frame Vents
Certification:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā LEED Gold
Architect:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 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:Ā  Ā 2013
System Used:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā ST70 & ST80 WindowsĀ 
Architect:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  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.Ā Read more…..

Olympic Way - London - APA Facade Systems
Olympic way

Vita Student, Strawberry Place, Newcastle

Year Completed:Ā  Ā 2017
System Used:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā ST60 Windows
Architect:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  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 ST60Ā side hung casement windows, alongside our parallel sashes, expertlyĀ installed by Speedclad Ltd.Ā Read more….

Front view, strawberry place - APA Facade Systems
Strawberry Place

New Mill Student Accommodation, Blackpitts, Dublin

Year Completed:Ā Ā 2017
System Used:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  ST80 Window System
Architect:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Reddy ArchitectureĀ 

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 SystemĀ 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)Ā 

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 ourĀ ST Window SuiteĀ 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 canĀ achieve, and in some cases surpass the Nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) and Passive House standards.

Choosing nZEB or Passive HouseĀ 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.Ā 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.Ā 

Here are six projects featuring extraordinary curtain wall designs.

The Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence

Year Completed:Ā Ā 2015
Awards:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Can BIM Owners Award & Can BIM Best in BIM Award
Certification:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā LEED Gold
System Used:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  TB50 SG Curtain WallĀ 
Architect:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 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:Ā  Ā 2018
Awards:Ā  Ā Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Best new building $10 to $75 million & Grand AwardĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Winner at CDCC Awards
System Used:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā TB50 Curtain Wall
Architect:Ā Ā Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Allied Works Architecture

The National Veteran’sĀ Memorial & Museum was named as one of the most anticipated buildings of 2018 byĀ Architectural Digest. It features a floor to ceiling curtain wall system, spanning 41 ft.Ā unsupported in certain parts of the building. Surrounded by a concrete ribbon,Ā it wasĀ 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:Ā  Ā 2018
Awards:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Architectural Design in the Education – OutstandingĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Property Awards London Awards
System Used:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā TB50 SG Curtain Wall, Concealed Frame Vents, Glass Fins
Architect:Ā Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 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:Ā 2020
Awards:Ā Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Commercial Development of the Year – YorkshireĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Property Industry Awards
Certification:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā BREEAM Excellent
System Used:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  TB50 SG, Concealed Frame Vents, TB60 Curtain Wall
Architect:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 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.Ā of curtain walling.Ā  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 andĀ 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:Ā Ā 2016
Awards:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Manufacturing Facility of the Year 2016, ā€œBe Inspiredā€ RIAIĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  award
System Used:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  TB50 SG, Concealed Frame Vents, Glass Fins
Architect:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 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 throughĀ a glazed link corridor. The external faƧade 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:Ā Ā 2016
System Used:Ā  Ā  Ā  TB60 SG CurtainĀ Wall
Architect:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 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 faƧade 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 SuiteĀ 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 ShadingĀ or ā€œBrise Soleilā€, as it’s otherwise known, minimises the ā€˜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. Ā 

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.Ā 

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″ –Ā 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″ –Ā 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 1Ā 5/8” high-performance laminated glass units made up of Ā 1/2“|11/16“|Ā 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

Building Emissions Reduction & Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO 2.0)

Energy Efficiency - BERDO 2.0 - APA Facade Systems

On September 22nd 2021 Boston City Council introduced a new building performance standard, ā€œBERDO 2.0ā€ (Building Emissions Reduction & Disclosure Ordinance). This new initiative will have a momentous impact on the future of Boston, extensively reducing greenhouse gases in the city.

Mayor Janey, who introduced this new ordinance called it a ā€œmonumental achievement that will have positive impacts on our residents for generations to come.ā€ This was the feeling of the majority of councillors as they voted unanimously to pass the ordinance. City Council President Matt O’Malley described it as the, ā€œmost impactful decarbonization law of anywhere in the country.ā€

Buildings account for over 70% of Boston’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, with the majority of those emissions originating from the largest commercial and multifamily residential buildings.

BERDO 2.0 requires current buildings and new developments greater than or equal to 20,000 square feet to meet emissions targets starting in 2025 with reduction targets every five years. This will ultimately result in the buildings becoming carbon neutral by 2050. This new policy plans to remove 42% of the whole cities emissions which accounts for only 4% of the city’s buildings.

Andee Krasner of Mothers Out Front JP & Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility (GBPSR) noted that emissions from buildings alone lead to $8.4 billion in annual health costs for the state.

There are three pivotal ways buildings can comply with BERDO 2.0.
1. Retrofitting them to be more energy-efficient and reduce overall energy use.
2. Eliminating the use of fossil fuels that cause greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Producing or purchasing clean energy to power building operations.

This initiative is not just in Boston and America, there is a huge global push towards a greener economy. Building and construction is responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions in the world. The construction industry is set to double by 2060 which is why there is a huge emphasis on changing the whole life cycle of building design, construction and demolition.

How can APA Facade Systems help with BERDO 2.0?

Sustainable Production

APA Facade Systems window, door and curtain wall profiles are fabricated from recycled aluminum. This requires just 5% of the energy used during the extrusion process, in comparison to primary billet aluminum, it is 95% more energy efficient.

Aluminum is also infinitely recyclable. It can be recycled over and over without losing its strength or quality. In fact, about 75% of all the aluminum ever produced is still in use. This shows the longevity and life cycle opportunities of our fenestration systems.

Thermal Performance

Designed with thermally conductive insulating profiles and foams, our aluminum windows, doors and curtain wall systems produce excellent thermal values. These thermal breaks eliminate condensation, reduce heat loss and overall energy use (up to 85%). This considerably reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Our windows, doors and curtain wall systems can help to achieve a credible sustainability rating with LEED. They will feature on Cascada, a LEED Platinum project development in Portland, Oregon.Ā 

Cascada - APA Facade Systems

Our profiles are the perfect solution to meet the requirements of BERDO 2.0 and should be the window of choice to meet the demands of the climate-conscious consumer.

Discover more about our energy-efficient windows, doors, and curtain wall systems.

With Winter on The Way, How Important is Thermal Performance?

Thermal Performance of Window Systems - APA Facade Systems

With winter looming, the thermal performance of windows, doors and curtain wall systems is crucial. Not only to keep the inhabitants warm but to reduce condensation, energy consumption and operational costs of the building throughout the winter months.

Modern aluminum 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, achieving, and in some cases surpassing the Nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) and Passive House standards. Our windows also meet the requirements of the new Berdo 2.0 building performance standard in Boston.

Choosing nZEB or Passive House standard 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.

Thermally Enhanced Windows Help to Achieve LEED CertificationĀ 

Assessed for sustainability during the design, construction, operation and maintenance phases, LEED-certified projects are among the most energy-efficient buildings in the world. Windows, doors and curtain wall systems play a key role in the building envelope, providing a sustainable solution to meet the environmentally sensitive requirements of LEED.

Cascada – APA Facade Systems

We have recently won the contract for a LEED Platinum designed multi-level residential development in Portland Oregon, Cascada. Our TB50 Curtain Wall, ST4-600 Lift & Slide and ST80 Window System are being installed on this energy-efficient development. This follows numerous projects completed to the highest LEED standards across Ireland, the UK and North America.

Cascada - APA Facade Systems
Thermal Analysis ReportsĀ 

Get in touch with our design team before your next project. We will conduct a project-specific thermal analysis for each proposed system on the project. This is to ensure that the product you have chosen is the perfect solution for the thermal requirements of the building.

Thermal Analysis - APA Facade Systems