Technal At Sheffield's Newest School Building

Architectural aluminium glazing specialist, Technal, has supplied more than 450 windows, curtain walling and door systems for a state-of-the-art academy - Sheffield's newest school. The systems were fabricated and installed by Dortech.

The Sheffield Springs Academy, managed by the United Learning Trust, replaces Myrtle Springs School and is one half of a £60m project to transform two former comprehensive schools.

Designed by Aedas Architects and constructed by Bowmer & Kirkland, the scheme has a sharp angular design and is arranged around a central courtyard which features a circular amphitheatre for music and drama performances.
Twenty seven different configurations of windows from Technal's FXi65 range comprise fixed lights, top hung, four and six bay composites, punched hole and ribbon windows. Large casement windows were used for the upper classrooms to maximise the views across the sports fields towards the city centre and across to the Derbyshire Moors.

The systems were installed into brickwork, white split face blockwork, aluminium rainscreen cladding and curtain walling. Some of the windows incorporate louvres for the building's heat exchange and ventilation system, and opening casements provide natural ventilation when required.

Large sections of Technal's Visible Grid curtain walling were specified for the courtyard elevation, and areas between the five blocks of teaching accommodation. This adds a degree of transparency to the building, inside and out, and contrasts with the solid mass of the brick-clad elements.

Commenting on the design and glazing specification for the new academy, David Haselgrove, Project Architect at Aedas Architects, said, 'We have replaced a run-down school with the very best facilities possible. This is a non-utilitarian building, which has a number of innovative features such as the amphitheatre, cyber cafés, recording studios and a 33m long sports hall.'

'The glazing systems had to meet both our aesthetic aspirations and our budget requirements. The Technal window, door and curtain walling range allowed us to choose a suite of systems which are complementary, integrated and have the benefit of slim sections. We are very pleased with the finished building which is a fantastic new facility.'

The academy specialises in performing arts and has 1,350 places for pupils aged between 11 and 19. It forms part of a step change in education in the area, providing the highest standards of education and lifelong learning, and contributing to regeneration.

Technal's glazing systems have been specified for a number of other new academy projects for the educational charity, United Learning Trust. Currently under construction by Bowmer & Kirkland, the three other academies are located in Stockport, Barnsley and Manchester, and the systems will be fabricated and installed by Dortech.

www.technal.co.uk