An insulated glass façade with computer-controlled integrated louvre-blinds has been installed for the first time in the UK at the new £6m Bennett Building at the Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge.

GLASSOLUTIONS won the £800,000 glazing contract for the new energy efficient bio-incubator centre that houses both laboratory and office facilities and is specifically designed to accommodate growing companies.

The DLS ECKLITE SC system is manufactured by GLASSOLUTIONS’ sister company Eckelt in Austria and integrates an electrically operated louvre within the cavity providing efficient solar and glare control. The louvres and other integral parts are thereby permanently protected against weathering and are maintenance free. The thermal insulation of 0.6 W/m²K fulfils all requirements for passive house architecture.

Schueco FW60 curtain walling and neat detailing allowed toggle glazing and silicone sealing of insulated aluminium panels and single glazed glass spandrel panels as well as the glass units containing the automated blinds.

The glazing contract also included an 80 sq m glass spiral staircase, which forms an emergency escape route within the flagship building, which is located at the entrance to the prestigious site.

The Babraham Institute is an independent charitable life sciences institute involved in biomedical research, set in an extensive parkland estate just south of Cambridge.