The Alex Building development is a new build extension to the existing 1,557m2 Grade 2 listed building that was originally opened in 1887 and forms the Central Library for Swansea Metropolitan University.
The extension provides an additional 657m2 in a modern glazed double skin facade extension and incorporates the new reception entrance, workshops, study spaces, new lift and seminar space.
Design2e were responsible for the design of the energy saving, double skin inner glass walls through which you have clear views of the original building.
This south facing glass façade with peak sun exposure acts as a thermal flask, which gives a highly energy efficient finish. This efficiency has been achieved through solar shading with coloured glass sheets which have been designed with toggles to create ‘shelves’ for the glass, to keep maintenance as simple as possible.
The glass sheets have been hung with springs in order to maintain the required tension levels regardless of seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations.
In order to assist the airflow within the building our SMART designs included the placement of fans at the top of the building and vents at the bottom to regulate the flow within the building.
The design itself was entirely bespoke, with each element being created and designed specifically for the needs of our client.