Kalwall translucent cladding is the architectural
focus of the new £55million development of Benenden Hospital in Cranbrook,
Kent.
The scheme, designed by architects C A Vaughan
Blundell with assistance from SR Architects Ltd, has created a wonderfully
light and airy entrance atrium designed to welcome and create an enhanced
patient and visitor experience with maximised natural daylight.
The extensive breakout and catering facilities support
theatres, en-suite rooms, outpatient department and ophthalmic suite along with
diagnostic imaging, rest and recovery areas. The main contractor was Willmott
Dixon Construction.
The Kalwall skylights provide additional
light in the large atrium throwing (would ‘projecting’ sound better) it deep into the interior. They were
specified complete with highly insulating Nanogel which achieves an impress U
value of 0.28W/m2K, helping
the project attain a Breeam status of ‘Good’. This is particularly impressive
given the amount of curtain walling and clerestory glazing involved in the
scheme.
The skylights have a unique ability to bathe interior
spaces with diffused and glare-free daylight, which creates a stimulating and
healthy environment. In addition, their heavily insulated composition
eliminates glare and hotspots, thereby reducing the load on temperature control
systems and the need for artificial lighting.
Geoff Holden, Senior Technician at C A Vaughan
Blundell comments: “The use of Kalwall represented the best value balance
of energy saving and cost and provided us with the ideal way to achieve spatial
daylighting within the requirements of Part L."
Kalwall is a popular choice for projects where
performance, long life cycle and low maintenance are required, coupled with an
aesthetic finish. The aluminium or thermally-broken grid core with interlocking
I-beams gives Kalwall incredible strength.
The lightweight system reduces the need for supporting
structures while offering the highest protection in terms of wind-borne debris
and resistance to impact, abrasion and point loads. The exterior face is colour
stable and includes a UV resistant, self-cleaning surface. This means that
normal rainfall helps to keep the surface free of dust and dirt while at the
same time retaining its original colour during the weathering process.
Furthermore, the inclusion of an erosion-prevention
barrier protects the interior from weather exposure and the risk of
fibre-bloom, cracking and crazing.
