Case Studies

Products:
Vista V502 Channel Fix
Mono M311 Glass Infill Top Fix

Contractor: Willmott Dixon Construction
Architect: IID Architects

Replacing the existing kitchen and dining provision at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls in Hertfordshire, this new build two-storey extension also provides a new junior performance hall, a sixth form mezzanine café, a function room and general teaching spaces. Externally, the project also included courtyard improvements and roof top terraces for use as external teaching areas.

Designed by IID architects the building maximises light with open spaces and glazing while extensive use of architectural brick and timber provide texture. Several mezzanine areas enhance light diffusion and visibility, along with a light well above the central spine corridor.

Delta Balustrades provided the Vista system for the mezzanine areas, developing a special fixing system for the upstands to address the challenges of the floor slab system used. The handrail was provided in larch to complement the slatted timber finishes of the ceilings and mezzanine floor decks. Due to the large mezzanine areas and potential high occupancy rates, 21.5mm toughened laminated glass was specified for these areas to provide loading capabilities of up to 1.5kN/m. The same system was used as edge protection at first floor level in the light well area.

The project also involved provision of handrails for two internal staircases and here the Orbis system was selected with powder coated handrails. The handrails were fixed into the concrete walls and the finish was chosen to complement the grey steelwork used externally as part of the glazed front elevation.

For the two external roof terrace areas at second floor level, the architect specified Delta Balustrades’ Mono system with sigma stainless steel handrails and upstands and 10mm clear toughened safety glass. Here, the handrails were erected at a height of 1250mm to provide additional edge protection for the external rooftop position.