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 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

The Importance of Natural Ventilation

The Importance of Natural Ventilation

Poor ventilation in crowded indoor spaces increases the risk of transmitting COVID-19 and other illnesses/infections. Ensuring adequate and appropriate ventilation within offices, living accommodation, healthcare facilities and educational buildings may mitigate some of this risk.

Schools of the Future Design Concept

Schools have relied heavily on natural ventilation throughout the pandemic. The Department of Education and Skills in Ireland introduced a “schools of the future” design concept.

It discusses the role of school design in terms of school and classroom size; indoor space within the school; use of new technologies; outdoor space; and the implications for future design. It focuses on air quality, temperature and ventilation. The study found that the main reason for poor ventilation in the classrooms was a result of inadequate use of openable windows.

Clonakilty Community College, a project we recently completed in County Cork has been designed around this “schools of the future” concept. The building is naturally ventilated, with both high and low-level windows encouraging fresh air to circulate and flow through the building.

Natural Ventilation & Airflow - schools of the future - Clonakilty Community College
Natural Ventilation & Airflow - schools of the future - Clonakilty Community College
Natural Ventilation & Airflow - schools of the future - Clonakilty Community College
Health, Financial & Economical Benefits 

• Health benefits – Better ventilation reduces sick building syndrome symptoms, cuts absenteeism, and reduces infectious disease transmission
• Reduced costs – Natural ventilation significantly reduces the building’s energy consumption, saving on energy bills
• Reduced energy use
• Reduced carbon emissions
• Helps to achieve nearly Zero Energy Building standard
• Improved air quality – Natural ventilation provides fresh air domestic and commercial properties ensuring they are healthy and comfortable to live and work in
• Low maintenance – The ventilation solutions we provide are highly durable, flexible and require minimal maintenance

Energy Efficiency Building
APA’s Flexible Ventilation Solutions

APA Facade Systems offers a wide array of ventilation options to suit any elevation of the building envelope. Our window, door and curtain wall systems come with multiple opening possibilities.

Our ST Window Suite opening possibilities include:

• Push Out / In-Swing Casement
• Awning Window Open-In/Out
• Hopper Window Open in/Out
• Tilt & Turn/ Turn & Tilt (Life-Enhancing Window)

Sliding, Tilt & Turn and Rebated Door Systems:

• Our sliding doors are available with large sash dimensions, maximizing ventilation and luminosity
• Our tilt and turn doors offer trickle or purge ventilation
• Our rebated doors are available as single or double doors
• All systems are available with our Juliet balcony for added protection

Sliding Door Systems - APA Facade Systems

Our curtain wall ventilation systems are designed to fit seamlessly into our curtain wall grid, we have a variety of options available:

• Standard concealed frame awnings
• Structurally glazed concealed frame awnings
• Roof light ventilation systems
• Automated environmental and smoke ventilation solutions, see brochure below

curtain wall ventilation solutions

Do you have a copy of our Facade Automation for Environmental & Smoke Ventilation brochure with SE Controls?

Download Here

Why Choose Aluminum Windows?

Why-Choose-Aluminum-Windows

The discussion around what window systems should be installed on new developments, particularly condominiums or multi-level residential developments, is never ending. With aluminum, PVC, timber, fiberglass, aluclad and steel, Architects and Specifiers have multiple choices when making that all-important decision.

So why choose aluminum windows?

Here are some of the main advantages of choosing aluminum.

Thermally Efficient

Aluminum windows have come a long way over the past 10 years. Designed with thermally conductive insulating profiles and foams, the modern aluminium window produces excellent thermal values. They exceed passive house standards, meeting all the requirements of Zero Energy Buildings. These thermal breaks eliminate condensation, reduce heat loss and save energy (up to 85%), while considerably reducing CO2-emissions.

Strength & Durability

Although it is lightweight, there are few stronger, more durable materials than aluminum. Its’ strength allows designers to incorporate extra-large sashes, maximizing the intake of natural light. With multiple opening opportunities and robust slimline profiles, Architects and Specifiers have complete flexibility in their design options.
Due to its durability, aluminum can easily withstand all weather conditions without expanding or contracting in the changing climates. It comes with a life span in excess of 50 years.

Eco Friendly / Sustainable

There is a global push towards a greener economy and the construction industry is a huge factor in this. Building and construction is responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions in the world. The construction industry is set to double by 2060 so there is a huge emphasis on changing the whole life cycle of building design, construction and demolition.

Aluminum has a life cycle that very few materials can match. It is infinitely recyclable, meaning it can be recycled over-and-over without losing its properties or quality. In fact, about 75% of all the aluminum ever produced is still in use.

Not only that, recycled aluminum uses just 5% of the energy required for producing primary metal, saving an enormous 95%. It should be the material of choice to meet the demands of climate-conscious consumers. Aluminum windows can help to achieve a credible sustainability rating with LEED.

Available Finishes

Aluminum windows are available with hundreds of high-quality powder coated colors, textures and shades. Dual colored windows are also available allowing architects to match the internal and external aesthetics of the building.

Aluminim windows are the ideal solution for harsh climates. They require minimal maintenance and can come with a guarantee of up to 30 years.

Have you seen our wide range of high-performance, eco-friendly aluminium windows?

Do you have a copy of our residential brochure? Download it below.

Hotel La Tour – Milton Keynes

Hotel La Tour - APA Facade Systems

APA Facade Systems are delighted to be working on Hotel La Tour in Milton Keynes. A 15-storey, 50-metre-high, luxury, four-star hotel. It features 261 bedrooms, multiple conference rooms, an external terrace, and a fourteenth-floor sky bar and restaurant. This 14th-floor terrace and restaurant offers panoramic views over Campbell Park and beyond. It also features a panoramic lift, providing a unique visual experience across Milton Keynes.

Designed by pHp Architects, this beautiful building’s facade will have stainless steel, mirror-like finish and is designed to achieve ‘very good’ BREEAM rating.

We are partnering with Speedclad Ltd who will expertly install our high performance, eco-friendly ST90 window system to this project.

Our window systems feature on numerous luxury hotels, student accommodations, and apartments across Ireland, the UK and North America. Their flexibility, performance, and durability prove that they are the perfect solution for multi-level living accommodation.

The anticipated date for practical completion of Hotel La Tour is 2022.

For more information on our products, you can download our multi-level residential brochure.

Hotel La Tour - APA Facade Systems