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St Columba’s College, St Albans

17 Jun 2014
Case study

When St Columba’s College was redeveloped and extended to provide more space for teachers and pupils, glazing systems designer and manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems was called on to supply curtain walling, window and door systems, helping to create a contemporary, elegant learning environment.


The overhaul of existing facilities at the independent boys’ college in St Albans was designed by SADA architects, with main contractor Quinn London overseeing the construction process.


Senior’s aluminium systems, which were installed by Essex-based firm Glass and General, bring a high quality, modern and sophisticated finish to the project, which was valued at £2.7 million.


Thermally enhanced, energy efficient SCW+ curtain walling systems from Senior were installed on the three elevations of the extension to bring an elegant, open, spacious feel to the school’s new sports changing areas, additional equipment storage facilities and teaching areas.


SCW+ systems feature high-performance gaskets and can be fabricated into ladders for more efficient installation. The high quality systems ensure daylight is maximised inside the school extension, and that the building is highly insulated.


Meanwhile, Senior’s thermally broken SPW300 windows were installed at the three-storey extension, on King Harry Lane. These polyamide aluminium systems achieve good thermal U-values and have a slim sightline, a wide variety of window styles and are available single or dual colour.
Robust commercial SD doors from Senior were also utilised on the site. The SD system offers an anti-finger trap feature and its resilience ensures the system’s suitability for high traffic environments, such as schools.
Overall, the use of Senior’s systems on the project helps to bring clean, crisp lines to the building, achieving contemporary, spacious aesthetics both externally and internally and enhancing learning and teaching environments for all.