The new state-of-the-art centres provide places of research into new technologies and will allow businesses to gain access to university research expertise. The centres will further boost Sheffield’s reputation as a hub for advanced engineering.

This particular design utilises a frameless glazing system that does away with aluminium mullions or transoms or point fixed connections. The vertical face glass is bonded with a structural silicone to vertical glass fins and captured at the periphery in a channel.

The unit sizes are 2.0m wide and 7.6m tall and supported by one-piece full height 7.6m multi-ply glass fins, which makes them the largest application of this style of glazing in the UK. COOL-LITE SKN 176 II was specified. The laminated glass fins were produced in extra clear low iron glass – Saint-Gobain DIAMANT in order to give a clear transparent view through the façade glass with minimal visual obstruction.

Project stakeholders

Client: University of Sheffield
Architect: Bond Bryan Architects
M&E Engineer: Curtains
Main contractor: JF Finnegan
Facade fabricator: Alusec
Glass processor: Glassolutions