University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Swansea has invested £8 million 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.

Yvonne Gibbs, architect, Powell Dobson comments: "Due to the context of the Listed Building, it was imperative that the new extension was as transparent as possible to express the original scale and features of the historic fabric behind. The University was also looking for a truly sustainable solution, to both reduce energy consumption and create an inspiring place to learn."

As the main extension to the Grade II listed building, the twin wall façade runs the full 38 metres of the Alexandra Road elevation. Designed by D2e, a multi-disciplinary engineering and management consultancy, the façade comprises AluK SL60 curtain walling system forming the internal wall, and structurally bonded glazed toughened laminated glass skin forming the outer wall, with an interstitial space between them.

Banks of bespoke, top hung, open-in AluK 58BW window system are located on the internal wall open and close automatically depending on weather conditions, regulated by sensors located on the face of AluK’s SL60 curtain walling system. Manual operation is also possible to introduce further air.

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