A health centre in Belfast has been transformed following the completion of the final phase of a major construction and refurbishment programme. The Arches Centre features innovative use of Technal’s architectural aluminium systems including around 100 windows in large spans, different colour combinations and frame sizes.
The design theme for the building is lively and uplifting and the colourful windows are central to that. Dual colour tilt/turn casement windows were supplied by Technal from its FXi46 suite and finished in a variety of colours – grey, red, blue, black and purple – contrasting with the white rendered external envelope. Internally the frames are white, with the opening vents taken from the palette of colours.
Polyester powder coated infill panels were inserted into the window frames and were also finished in different colours, creating an animated and dynamic appearance. The windows, which have mullions of varying sizes, were 2.4 m high for the front elevation and used as 1.5 m high units in 11 m long runs to the rear of the building.
Commenting on the specification of the window system, Alan Holloway of lead architect Penoyre and Prasad LLP, said: “Using a variety of colours and frame sizes for the windows was an aesthetic decision to create a sense of dynamism, while balancing both buildings.”
