When designing an imposing municipal building in the North-West of England, architects Faulkner Browns took advantage of the wide range of Appleton Profilit OW low iron glass products for both the exterior building envelope as well as for the interior design. Rochdale’s newly-constructed town hall complex now boasts approximately 3,500 m² of thermally toughened and heat soaked Appleton Profilit T-H OW along with the Appleton Profilit design variations “Macro”, “Slim Line” and “Clear”. These new municipality offices form an integral part of the town’s development project for the town centre. The complex not only brings together 2,000 council staff from more than 30 existing buildings, it will also house extensive office and conference spaces, a public library and tourist information area. It was therefore essential that the glass installed should provide a comfortable environment, be practical and aesthetically pleasing. Appleton Profilit T-H OW planks have been assembled across the south facing elevation as a Brise Soleil (sun shading) system to deflect direct sunlight and reduce solar gain. The system consists of partly drilled, partly clamped thermally toughened and heat soaked panels assembled using bespoke bolt and plate connections. In the other façade elevations, the products have been used in traditional construction partly combined with the Appleton Profilit Opal design. Consistency has been maintained inside and out through the use of Appleton Profilit OW low iron glass.
