UCL Student Centre triumphs at 2019 Schueco Awards

The Student Centre at UCL has been named Overall Winner and Education Category Winner at the 2019 Schueco Excellence Awards. The awards are judged on innovation, technical expertise and collaboration in the design of projects that incorporate Schueco facade, window and door systems

NHA initially worked with Schueco's technical department and subsequently with sub-contractor FGS, to develop and refine the design and installation of a package of bronze anodised curtain walling, windows and doors.

Key technical challenges included design of a number of different glazed units on the Gordon Street façade including:

• Fixed-light projecting bays with integrated bespoke internal reveals
• A panel comprising a mix of fixed and opening glazed elements with three angled panels incorporating bespoke mesh infill
• Saw-tooth roof-level bays on the top floor

Achieving the elegant, refined end-result required close teamwork and collaboration between the sub-contractor, the structural engineer specialist suppliers and the architect. Key aspects were the structural integrity of the projecting elements and the integration of the bespoke mesh that had to comply with both aesthetic and environmental considerations: daylight, ventilation, rain.