Glazing systems from architectural aluminium specialist Technal have been selected by CZWG Architects for Southwark Council’s iconic new library building which is now under construction in Canada Water, London.
Spearheading an ambitious programme of regeneration, Canada Water Library resembles an inverted ‘ziggurat’ – a terraced pyramid of successively receding storeys – that partly overhangs the Canada Water basin. 
Constructed by main contractors ISG Jackson, the four storey £14m building is being clad in anodised aluminium sheets with sequentially expanded perforations, interspersed with recessed curtain wall screens. The design gives the scheme a sculptural appeal and a striking visual effect.
Fabricated and installed by United AG and with a bronze anodised aluminium finish, Technal’s MX SSG structural sealant glazing and CD commercial doors have been specified for the ground floor. MX Visible Grid is being used for the strips of curtain walling to the three upper floors, with MX top hung concealed vents and PXi doors providing access to the balconies.
MX SSG is a flush curtain walling option which meets architects’ requirements for less visible aluminium and clear expanses of glass.
The curtain walling is complemented by FXi65 tilt/turn casement windows used as ‘punched hole’ openings set into the cladding.
Commenting on the glazing specification, Anna Ifanti, Project Architect at CZWG Architects said, “The Technal team was very responsive at specification stage and their input in the design and choice of glazing options was helpful and valuable. We needed the façade systems to be robust, lightweight, have slim frames and to meet the required U values, which the Technal products were able to deliver."
The Canada Water Library also has strong environmental credentials, with ground source heat pumps, grey water harvesting, energy efficient M&E services, and an extensive green roof. The incline of the building also provides a high degree of solar shading for the glazing, minimising glare. The scheme is targeting a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.
Due for completion summer 2011, the scheme will sit at the edge of a new civic plaza and forms part of a dynamic new town centre for Canada Water – a historic Docklands area that was once a bustling port.
The Canada Water Masterplan has been brought forward by master developers BL Canada Quays in conjunction with Southwark Council and includes around 900 new homes in the first phase, as well as retail, community and public spaces.
For further information about Technal’s façade products, call 01924 232323, email info@technal.co.uk or visit www.technal.co.uk.
