Specialist architectural aluminium systems manufacturer Metal Technology has supplied its Latitude Curtain Walling on a five storey scheme at Teesside Universitys new Darlington campus. Built by Durham based main contractor Morgan Sindall and developed by architects CPMG to a concept by NAPPER Architects where zinc cladding and translucent coloured curtain walling panels contribute to a dynamic external design. The central spine splays out skywards to exaggerate the building perspective and to act as a metaphor for Teesside University reaching out to a global audience.
Based on Metal Technologys successful System 17, Latitude has been developed with a strong horizontal focus. Latitude Curtain Walling is designed to give facades an ultra-contemporary and high- tech aesthetic with extended elliptical capping to the transom and flush joints vertically. Horizontal capping is combined with a thermally enhanced pressure plate and flush joints are formed by use of either a flush gasket or silicone pointing.
Latitude offers structural support to all sides of the double-glazed units through concealed or disc fixings, allowing transom centres to be increased. To complement the fixed glazing a concealed vent is also available.
The latest intake of students is benefiting from the £13m investment in the 4000 sq m new campus adjacent to the existing Darlington College. The campus offers courses from all six of the Universitys academic schools and provides a library, café, computer labs and social learning spaces, significantly expanding the range of higher education courses available in the town.