AluK (GB) Ltd

The 110m, 29-storey curved on plan Westmark Tower is the tallest residential tower to have been completed in central London in 2021. Part of Berkeley Homes Central London’s prestigious West End Gate development in Marylebone, it features more than 14,000m2 of unitised curtain wall designed and supplied by aluminium fenestration specialists AluK and installed by envelope contractors Martifer. What makes this project really stand out is the collaborative approach that was demonstrated by AluK and the other consultants involved from the outset. With Berkeley at the centre of the process, the technical and commercial elements of the façade were successfully de-risked at pre-tender stage because AluK were able to work directly with lead architect Squire & Partners, delivery architect Design Delivery Unit (DDU), façade consultants Cladtech Associates and structural engineers WSP on a RIBA 4 system design for the unitised envelope. The challenge for AluK was to work with DDU to deliver a design that was true to the architect’s original intent whilst addressing the technical issues of a curved on plan façade from the second to 29th floor. All the unitised cells needed to be dead loaded back to a post tensioned concrete frame with a 3-dimensional floor bracket, whilst catering for the varying facets of the façade.The final unitised solution features more than 2200 unitised cells of three principal configurations. Each floor comprises: a vision cell, typically housing AluK’s concealed vent and full height glass panes, a panel cell, specifically designed to house specialist internal framework to carry articulated GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) feature piers and spandrels, and a recessed balcony cell with an integrated floating glass balustrade.With 36 different angles to overcome in a faceted design ranging from 0° to 15°, AluK developed a series of common aluminium extrusions to close the joints and reduce the number of profiles required. The horizontal stack joint uses an aluminium profile to carry the gasket and avoid the incidence of crimping as the cells are stacked around the building structure. What is also significant is that every cell connection provides four lines of system seal to ensure that the façade meets the stringent Cladtech performance specification and the CWCT Sequence B test.AluK’s system, extruded from 6063 T6 alloy, extracted benefits from both a mitred corner and a square cut system by creating a hybrid to suit both the client’s aesthetic desire for a mitred joint to the corners and Martifer’s manufacturing requirements of a square cut for economy.AluK also extruded tailored aluminium bracketry from a structural 6082 T6 alloy which was capable of supporting the system weight and allowing for 3-dimensional adjustment for precise installation.From the onset of the project, the Berkeley director team set out a time and design model of early engagement, specialist designers and fabricators all within a clear programme. This also included a series of productive workshops sharing client expectations and considerations. AluK not only facilitated these meetings but also bought into the collaborative ethos and contributed to a highly successful project for Berkeley.AluK’s designers are all from a fabrication/installation background and, as such, they design a value engineered solution from the outset. Part of this was using 14,000m2 of AluK’s AW86 unitised curtain walling system with minimal bespoke profiles and gaskets, yet it meets every challenge the project presented whilst offering a significant cost reduction in metal and accessories compared to the original specification in a competitor’s system. As part of the project team, AluK worked collaboratively alongside consultants Squire & Partners (concept architect), Buro Happold (thermal and acoustics), WSP (structures), Design Delivery Unit (delivery architect) and Cladtech (façade consultant). The façade design meets the thermal efficiency requirements of the building at 0.95W/m2K, as a weighted average. Using a 43dB Rw(+Ctr) acoustic glass, it also meets the sound reduction targets. Because AluK was involved at such an early stage in the project, the complete RIBA Stage 4 system design enabled façade contractors Martifer to realise significant cost savings for their tender and several months of time saving against their usual post-tender design and iteration phase. This also offered cost certainty for Berkeley and significantly de-risked the post tender delivery of the façade.Alongside the unitised curtain walling, the finished Westmark Tower will feature 241 AluK SC156 lift and slide doors, 750 concealed vents and 58 swing doors.West End Gate is Berkeley Homes’ latest luxury development being built on a 2.66-acre site. Described as a modern interpretation of classic London, it will feature a series of contemporary mansion blocks alongside the 29-storey curved stone tower. Work began on the first phase of West End Gate in the Spring of 2018 and was completed in Spring 2021, with internal fit out nearing the end.

The Quadrangle building in the historic heart of Cheltenham, once a 1970s landmark, has been completely transformed into a contemporary mixed-use commercial development featuring exclusively AluK window, door and curtain walling systems.Designed by AWW Architects from their Bristol studio and completed by Beard Construction, it now features an inner courtyard, ground floor retail space, four storeys of open plan workspace and the town’s first rooftop restaurant.The fenestration package was absolutely key to retaining the design language of the original building within a more contemporary aesthetic, whilst also meeting the requirement for improved thermal efficiency, more natural light and better natural ventilation.Having been impressed with the design and quality of AluK products on previous projects, AWW specified a comprehensive mix of AluK systems at the Quadrangle – the SG52 capless curtain walling system to give a frameless appearance to the retail façade, the more conventional SL52 capped curtain walling system for the courtyard area and rooftop restaurant, the GT55 system for the entrance doors, and the tried and trusted 58BW window system for the 400+ windows fitted into the existing openings around the façade.The entire fenestration programme was carried out by AluK fabricator Aluminium Sashes, which used its extensive experience in the repair and replace sector to overcome the challenges inherent in surveying, fabricating and fitting windows into openings which, in many cases, were irregular in shape and form and not aligned with the concrete slab finish.Aluminium Sashes worked closely with AluK at planning and detailed design stage to achieve the contemporary look for the façade that the client and architect wanted. For example, where the original windows had a transom and modesty spandrel panel below, the slimmer sightline replacements replicated the line of the transom but with fritted glass below to provide a similar level of privacy with more natural light. They also designed a solution for fixing the anthracite grey windows to the metallic bronze louvre sections specified to break up the uniformity of the façade, give users the option of manual ventilation and to provide fresh air and exhaust points for the AHUs. The reinforcing bar in the windows has effectively become the carrier bar for the louvres and gives the impression that there are two colours in one window panel.

One of the most recognisable buildings in Keynsham, UK has been given a new lease of life which includes a number of new restaurants, a cinema, spa and swimming pool alongside over 55's living accommodation. The former Fry's chocolate factory was built in the 1920s, and it later became home to Cadbury. After a £60million investment, St Monica Trust has converted the iconic former Cadbury's chocolate factory into 151 assisted living apartments and a 90-bed nursing care home was project managed by the Andrew Wilson Partnership, with architects KWL of South Wales, and AWW of Bristol.

The newly opened £24m Torfaen Learning Zone in Cwmbran is a showcase for AluK’s SL52 capped, mullion drained curtain walling system, complete with punched open-in windows in the thermally efficient AluK 77IWE casement system. Part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Education programme, it is the new home of learning for all those aged 16 and over in Cwmbran and caters for 1300 students. It has been built on a brownfield site in the centre of the town and will form part of a wider development, also set to include offices, a hotel and retail and hospitality outlets.

The BREEAM Outstanding visitor and heritage centre at Tata Steel’s factory in Port Talbot, South Wales is a showcase for AluK’s SG52 and SL52 stick curtain walling systems.The thermally broken systems were used at various points around the £12m development, which is located at the main entrance to Tata Steel’s 16km2 site also houses stores and training facilities.AluK’s structurally bonded SG52 system was used for the expansive glass façade that dominates the front of the main building, while our capped SL52 system was used for the smaller sections at the side and rear with doors and opening lights incorporated.

Far Gosford Street is an iconic development in a historic area of Coventry which has been a focus of recent regeneration work, and is now home to around 300 University students, alongside new restaurant and retail space. This contemporary development, with its strking, curved facade showcases AluK's 58BW Student Accommodation windows and GT55 TB commercial doors. The project was supplied and installed by commercial fabricators, EYG Commercial over a 3 month period.

Chelsea Creek is a mixed residential and commercial project in Central London, combining luxurious apartments with low cost housing and a stunning Spa. As a major development it has been created by award winning developer St George. AluK supplied the windows, doors, sliding doors and ground floor treatment systems throughout the project.

Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) specified AluK curtain walling and window systems for the Burntwood School project, a series of new educational buildings which will serve up to 2000 pupils and over 200 staff. The scheme, developed by the architects AHMM working in close partnership with Lend Lease, Wandsworth Borough Council and Burntwood School, will see 85% of the school rebuilt.

Installed by WD Group for main contractors RG Carter, the curtain walling was an integral part of architects Stride Treglown’s vision for the landmark structure, which also features a flying roof. It features AluK’s SL52 flexible capped curtain walling system throughout, with an entrance door fabricated using the suited GT55TB door system. The diagonal design and irregular angles meant that AluK had to create a solution with multiple transom and mullion sections which was cost effective, while still being true to the aesthetic and meeting the static considerations and performance requirements laid out.

University of Wales in Swansea has invested £8million into the refurbishment, restoration and extension of the Grade II listed former Central Library building to create the new Institute for Sustainable Design. Devised by Powell Dobson Architects, the development incorporates a stunning twin wall façade featuring AluK curtain walling systems, complementing and adding a new dimension to the original design. The modern, double skin façade extension provides an additional 657m2, and incorporates a new reception entrance, workshops, teaching spaces and design studios. The original circular reading room has also been restored and made available as a public venue.

AluK’s 58BW and 58BD profiles feature in a contemporary new development in Ancoats, once the heart of Manchester’s cotton industry but now one of the city’s most vibrant and creative districts, and recently named by The Times as one of the UK’s 20 coolest places to live. The £3.7m POPworks project by Heatley Developments (https://www.heatleydevelopments.com/) converted a former solicitors’ office into a mixed-use development, with commercial units on the ground floor and 28 stylish apartments on the four floors above.

Schooner Wharf is the first open market scheme to be developed by Cardiff Community Housing Association (CCHA), who were working in partnership with main contractors Morganstone. It features 32 two, three and four bedroom affordable homes, alongside a seven storey waterside apartment building/ AluK products have been installed throughout in contemporary Anthracite grey, including fully suited 58BW and 58BD windows and doors, GT55TB commercial entrance doors and SL52 curtain walling. These all met the performance specifications laid down by the architects Austin Smith Lord and had the benefit that they could provide a coherent, fully suited look.

The former site of a cash and carry in Bow, East London, has been demolished to make way for the new and exciting residential development, Tredegar Place. Centra Living - part of Circle Housing, oversaw the creation of 87 new homes on the Tredegar Road site, transforming the space and bringing much needed family and affordable housing to the area.

AluK window and door systems were specified to enhance the views over the South Downs hills, whilst providing the homeowners with a long-lasting solution that will keep their home safe. Overlooking the City of Winchester, this stunning house has been designed to create a positive feel and ambience. Based on the principle that a connection with nature is beneficial to the body, the house provides a space for reflection, offering inspiring views over the city and the beautiful countryside.

A faceted on plan curtain wall completed in AluK’s SL52 system is the centrepiece of the two storey community hub known as The Curve in the Bryn Gaer Place housing development. AluK’s technical team worked closely with their commercial fabrication partners Vellacine to design the curtain walling for the project in Newport, which also required an external canopy to be attached to the system. The challenge was to deliver the faceted on plan design in a practical and cost effective way. This was achieved utilising AluK’s SL52 curtain walling system with a variable gasket solution and a single mullion to ensure that the glazing complemented the external façade design. AluK’s SL52 flexible, capped curtain walling system met the aesthetic, thermal, wind and water performance requirements set down by the north Wales based architects Ainsley Gommon. 

A contemporary development in the heart of London. The Christian Street development offers a range of studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses for contemporary, elegant living. AluK has supplied a range of windows, sliding doors and curtain walling throughout this stunning development.

56 outlets were installed at CARGO, the brand new retail hub installed at the wharf, all of which feature AluK’s premium-standard BSC94 patio doors. Maximising light and offering the best possible view of the surrounding harbour whilst being robust enough to handle high levels of traffic, the reliable, heavy-duty doors were supplied for each container. The sleek, contemporary look of the doors contrasts dramatically with the dockside harbour’s character, plus their high-performance profile and slim sightlines give every shop front the modern, stylish finish required to revamp the area.

Enfield Care Homes was fabricated and installed by EYG Commercial, a project which showcased a range of AluK products including; 58BW windows, GT55 TB commercial doors, BSC94 sliding doors and SL52 curtain walling. An important element of the specification by developers, Morgan Sindall development was for the windows to achieve high acoustic and thermal performance to ensure minimum noise pollution and maximum energy efficiency.

AluK’s 58BW ST aluminium windows replicate the look of steel frames so successfully that they were approved to replace the original Crittall windows in a landmark redevelopment project which has just been completed in central Birmingham. Herbert House, a 115-year old 52,000 sq ft commercial building in the Colmore business district, has been converted into one of the city’s newest and most prestigious apartment blocks. It features 316 windows in the 58BW ST system and 3 suited doors in the GT55 system, all in a standard AluK Anthracite grey finish.

Double and triple track AluK sliding doors and windows form a key element in an award-winning residential development on Old Ford Road, alongside London’s Hertford Union Canal and overlooking Victoria Park. Three houses, three duplexes and two flats have replaced derelict storage structures on a tight, 465m2 triangular site developed by Earth Residential. The geometric design, by architects pH+ Architects, echoes both the industrial wharf buildings which characterise the canal side and the Georgian terraces which surround the park.

The former Mardyke Estate in Rainham, east London, has undergone a substantial transformation to make way for a new residential development, Orchard Village. Circle Housing has invested £80million to redevelop the old housing estate, creating 555 new homes to meet local affordable housing needs. Designed by PRP Architects and developed in its entirety by Willmott Dixon, the project specified AluK aluminium curtain walling, window and door systems throughout all four phases, three of which have been completed.

The architects Willmore Isles of Bristol had to work closely with the local planners to demonstrate a design for the Pittville Campus which was sympathetic to the surrounding buildings and would sit comfortably within the streetscape. AluK aluminium window and door systems were integral to that design, providing a timeless, contemporary aesthetic which suited both the refurbished and new build areas of the development. Products included; 58BW top swing casement windows for the 577 student rooms, GTB55 TB commercial entrance doors and fire exits door for the eight separate accommodation blocks, and SL52 curtain walling for the refurbished communal areas.

Two five-panel BSF70 bi-folds installed on the front of the garden room open out from the centre, while the pool area features a single, nine-panel bi-fold which opens up one way from right to left to create a seamless link between inside and out. There are also two further five-panel BSF70 bi-folds installed at the end of the building and working as a divider between the two separate zones. All the doors are in Anthracite Grey throughout, double glazed with black, warm edge spacer bars.

The slim profiles and elegant lines of the windows complement the Instagrammable interior of the Twilight Bar, with its luxurious, art deco styling, featuring lots of scalloped prints and shapes, velvet seating, fringed lampshades and brass fittings. The exterior of the bar, clad in oxidised copper, is just as striking, and the green finish of the copper contrasts beautifully with the Anthracite grey of the windows. The installation shows the versatility of the AluK BSF70 system, which can be used for either open-in our open-out windows or doors with individual panels up to 1200mm wide x 2400mm high.

Ultimate Grey and Illuminating Yellow have been declared as the Pantone Colours of the Year for 2021and that grey and yellow combination was used to create a striking contrast with the contemporary cladding and render. The owners had installed AluK products in their previous property and had been impressed with the quality, style and durability, particularly for a coastal location. They had no hesitation in choosing them again this time around; and worked with AluK fabricator Rhino Aluminium and installer SG Installations to complete the design and installation.

When West Herts Golf Club in Rickmansworth finally opened its doors at the end of the latest lockdown, it did so in real style – thanks to the installation of four new AluK BSF70 bi-fold doors in the newly refurbished clubhouse and bar. All of the new doors provide players and guests at the 125-year old club with a perfectly framed view of the course, and can open up to provide a seamless transition between inside and out. They have been installed to replace PVC-U French doors which had been in place previously, and were chosen because the slim, 140mm sightlines of the AluK aluminium bi-folds provide a more contemporary look, with more glazing and less frame on show.