One of the most dramatic Kalwall projects in Europe is part of the conversion of old railway maintenance buildings in Antwerp. The brief for architects Verdickt &Verdickt was to use as much as possible of the original to create a major leisure complex. This was to include a large new sports hall within the existing footprint, formed by retaining the gable walls and with a totally new structure behind connected to the main complex.
Maximum natural daylighting with minimum energy loss has been achieved by cloaking the envelope entirely with translucent Kalwall. This highly insulating system comprises a very large pitched roof, supported by laminated timber trusses, together with vertical clerestories at each end and along the long side elevation. Internally, the other long side forms an upper level viewing gallery. When lit up at night, the building exudes an ethereal glow.
Kalwall is the most highly insulating diffuse light transmitting cladding and sky lighting system available. It is designed to transmit "museum-quality" light, flooding an interior with natural diffused daylight without glare or the harsh contrasts of light and shade. Running costs are reduced because of the superior insulation which reduces a building energy running costs including less reliance on artificial lighting.
Apart from being specified for all types of new build, Kalwall is increasingly used for the refurbishment of aged buildings and failed curtain-walling or sky lighting. Project and technical information is available from Stoakes Systems Ltd (tel 020 8660 7667) or downloadable from www.stoakes.co.uk
