Architects are increasingly developing buildings which are specifically designed to work in harmony with the local climate to provide comfortable living and working conditions more efficiently.
A previous article explored building maintenance safety in various weather conditions, including extremes of cold and heat.
Looking back at traditional building techniques around the world, weather was always a factor in the materials and methods that were chosen. From whitewashed homes that reflected the heat of the Mediterranean sun to the spherical shape of igloos which minimised heat loss, and unusual chimneys in the Middle East which created natural ventilation by directing wind into buildings, our ancestors had to design structures that harnessed or reduced the effects of the local climate.
Advances in technology during the 20th century saw many of these ideas fall out of use as electricity, air conditioning and mechanical ventilation became more widely available. However, with sustainability and energy efficiency becoming increasingly important in construction projects, architects are returning to the idea of using forms, materials and new technology to deliver buildings that interact more naturally with the local climate.
Lakhta Center, St. Petersburg was designed to respond to the sub-zero conditions of north-eastern Russia. Heating of the glass at higher floors helps prevent ice accumulation and maintain good visibility, while the spire uses metal gauze to reduce the formation of ice during winter. A double facade also improves thermal insulation and reduces the need for heating and air conditioning.
The maintenance of these facades relies on an effective building access system. CoxGomyl provided a bespoke solution involving more than 600 metres of complex pipe track welded directly to the steel roof beams, twisting and curving in three dimensions.
The double-skin facade, where the inner panels are concealed behind an outer skin, presented a particular challenge. To allow replacement of the inner panels, the outer panel can be removed and access is provided by a telescoping glass-handling beam capable of dealing with heavy glass panels weighing up to 925 kilograms.
Al Hilal Bank, Abu Dhabi presents a very different example, with architecture designed to deal efficiently with the intense heat of the UAE.
The building incorporates a glass and steel curtain wall system, with exterior glass fins adding texture to each facade. Special fritted glass provides shading from the heat while allowing filtered natural light into the interior spaces.
CoxGomyl provided a customised facade access solution consisting of a Building Maintenance Unit running on tracks at roof level. A large cradle with a self-approaching mechanism includes an attached material hoist, while a gantry at a lower level provides additional access.
As an end-to-end provider of building access solutions, CoxGomyl works on projects around the world, designing, manufacturing and installing BMUs and other access systems for innovative and challenging buildings such as these.
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