The new 29,000 sq. ft Waitrose supermarket at Boughton retail centre, Chester, has benefitted from the FGS VS-1 million only curtain walling system.
The superstore is one of the biggest investments that the retailer has made in a single store and anchors the Renaissance redevelopment scheme.
Local materials and alternative construction techniques were used to minimise carbon emissions. Benefitting from the FGS (formerly GLASSOLUTIONS) VS-1 mullion-only curtain walling system, this vibrant and distinctive building allows plenty of natural light into the store.
The building’s stunning design includes large, continuous vertical expanses of curtain walling which were possible due to the VS-1’s unique design.
The 10.5m mullion spans were achieved without the need for mid-point lateral load restraint from horizontal mid-span steel. 3.5m high glass panes are solely supported by the structurally robust mullions allowing uninterrupted vertical sightlines in this transom-less system.
FGS was able to demonstrate that the VS-1, which is available in a range of sizes, was able to reduce façade lead times and costs significantly.
The store’s bronze rainscreen cladding is matched sympathetically by the exterior real bronze fins carried on the VS1 system and the bronze PPC mullions internally.
The store was designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. Key sustainability dimensions include 75% of the energy needed for the supermarket being provided by an on-site wood burning biomass plant. The VS-1 system contributed to sustainable design in a more fundamental way thanks to its structural integrity.
With the VS-1 façade designed and installed to comfortably accommodate larger than normal building movements, the whole building could be constructed using a lighter steel framework, which also delivered financial savings for the client.
FGS utilised SGG COOL-LITE® SKN165ii glass to help achieve an optimum internal environment which balances natural lighting with solar control and superior thermal performance.
Complementing the VS-1 façade, GLASSOLUTIONS was also appointed to install glazing for the north and south entrance lobbies using the SPIDERGLASS® bolted glazing system. This ensured consistency with the rest of the building and meant Barr Construction could benefit from a single sub-contractor for all glazed façade elements.