Designed to future-proof for an ageing population, more extreme weather conditions and increasingly noisy, high-rise cities, TECHNAL has launched TIGAL. This new, hybrid sliding aluminium system combines the advantages of a sliding door with the high performance of a window, and is especially suitable for tall buildings.

Designed to provide quiet, comfortable surroundings for occupiers whilst performing well in challenging high-rise conditions, TECHNAL has paid particular attention to TIGAL’s design. Combining sleek lines and concealed hardware, it delivers a balanced aesthetic that won’t detract from the overall design intent of the building.

Up to four times more watertight than traditional sliding door

This hybrid system combines multi-point locking around the perimeter and its patented central sealing system guarantees exceptional water-tightness performance – up to four times better than a traditional sliding door.

The action of turning the door handle releases pressure from the perimeter gaskets integrated around the door opening and when closing, the mechanism compresses the door against the gaskets. This seals it tightly to provide E1200 water-tightness and up to Class 5 wind resistance of 3000 Pa.

Good acoustic and thermal performance

Delivering excellent sound proofing up to 45dB, which is ideal acoustically for an urban environment, the system also offers high thermal performance with U values up to: 0.85 W/m2K (Ug: 0.5 W/m2K).

Hidden micro-ventilation innovation for natural airflow

Particularly suited where doors are installed at height and exposed to potential high pressures, TECHNAL has designed an inward ‘Pull Slide’ opening mechanism that provides an interesting alternative to the traditional in these situations.

Unlike a conventional sliding door, the door pulls 6mm internally and will sit in either a parallel secure fixed position or slide open, quietly and smoothly along its track. In the micro ventilation position this creates a hidden ventilation gap to all four sides allowing a gentle, well-dispersed airflow internally.

Accessibility has been carefully considered too with TIGAL featuring a recessed threshold and disabled access threshold of 15mm high, purposefully designed for ease of use.

Responsibly designed for sustainability

Also designed with sustainability in mind, 70% of the materials and components of TIGAL are recyclable and durable. The extrusion of its aluminium profiles can be produced with Hydro CIRCAL 75R, recycled low carbon aluminium. That means it’s prime quality aluminium made with a minimum of 75% recycled end-of-life aluminium (post consumer scrap). Hydro CIRCAL has one of the smallest CO2 footprints worldwide: 2.3 kg of CO2 per kilo of aluminium. This makes TIGAL a much more sustainable model, taking into account that the average carbon footprint of aluminium in Europe is around 8kg.

Large dimensions maximise light opportunity

Floor-to-ceiling glazing is possible up to a height of 2.70 m and width of 4 m using one sliding and one fixed leaf, with each pane capable of weighing up to 300kg and carrying a glazing thickness of up to 52mm.

Always looking to meet the changing demands of construction in the UK, Allan Barr, TECHNAL UK Sales Director commented on the launch of TIGAL: “Tall buildings are becoming more and more important for cities of the future. TIGAL introduces innovations that meet the daylighting, ventilation and safety challenges of what can be a demanding but increasingly prevalent environment, putting the comfort of building users first.

“Purposefully designed for great ease of use, TIGAL’s secure micro-ventilation system and smooth, silent operation, provides a serious option for architects designing tall buildings in situations where a high performance door solution is required.”

TECHNAL is part of Hydro, a world leader in aluminium solutions. It shares its values and commitment, namely the preservation of natural resources, the reduction of CO2 emissions and waste, the guarantee of employee safety, the satisfaction of quality expectations and the improvement of consumers' quality of life. As part of our commitment, we hold BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products accreditation.