Natural ventilation system from D+H UK was chosen as the bespoke solution for Maggie’s Centres, which provide welcoming ‘home away from home’ refuges for people affected by cancer.

The centre, designed and engineered by Foster + Partners, was inspired by Maggie Keswick Jencks, who fully appreciate how architecture can lift the spirits and help the process of therapy.

Throughout the centre, there is a focus on natural light, greenery and garden views. Natural light floods in via the triangular roof lights, and this is where D+H UK’s expertise was required. A natural ventilation system was needed and the triangular roof lights created an issue, a bespoke solution was needed.

D+H UK's D+H KA 34 chain drives fit highly efficient technology into a compact design. High quality materials and diligent engineering provided a reliable and unobtrusive system.

The drive requires only a very small amount of space for a mounting position and were also required to be hidden from view. To achieve this, D+H UK spent a lot time carrying out extensive calculations and testing on the triangular frames.

A solution was reached, by combining the KA 34 drives with gas struts. In effect, the drives allow the gas struts to open the vents, and the drives then pull them close. When the vents are closed, the drives and struts are completely concealed.