Llanegfedd Visitor Centre

By lowering the soffit, it was possible to create a curved ceiling that lined through with the curved soffit, whilst ensuring the fixed glazing was not compromised by the live load movement of the roof. In the resulting reflection in the glass, the timber soffit appears to run straight through the upper glazing.

With the site exposed to high wind loads and the need to create an open space for diners and visitors, the design used bi-parting panels on the water-facing elevation. These measured 2.4m in height and 2.9m in width and were made to slide across the fixed glazed panels.

On the return elevations two panels slide over a fixed unit, again maximising the opening. Further bespoke design was required to interface with a timber-framed fixed glazed panel in order to overcome challenges for drainage. Fineline supplied its BSI tested sill detail as standard to the exposed site, and this was further complemented by a wade drain to give maximum protection and enable the removal of excess water. With the addition of a 10mm outer pane, the system’s performance gives an overall U-value of 1.4W/m2K.

Working closely with the contractor on site, Anthony A Davis Ltd, our experienced project manager was able to ensure that the installation went smoothly. The space around the site allowed for easy access, making the delivery and installation of the fixed panels weighing up to 350kg straight forward. During installation, the main issue was to ensure that the clerestory glazing allowed for the live deflection, whilst interfacing seamlessly with the timber soffit. As this had been identified at design stage, everyone on site was well-briefed and the installation went as planned.

Overall, the project showcased the advantages of effective collaboration between Fineline, the architect

and the contractor. From the initial design meetings with Hall + Bednarczyk at their office in Chepstow, to the detailed drawing process and finally the work on site between the contractor and our installation team, we were able to identify the issues, and find solutions before they became a problem.

Architect Martin Hall, Director at Hall + Bednarczyk Architects, Chepstow has the following to say: ‘Fineline show impressive attention to detail and we have established a successful working relationship over a sequence of projects where architectural glazing is absolutely integral to the overall design. We generally involve their technical team from an early stage as a way of ensuring that structural and

dimensional allowances, sightlines and thresholds are comprehensively considered. The built results have been outstanding.’

Fineline offers an all-encompassing service from free initial meetings and advice, to estimating, detailed drawings from our in-house design team, and highly experienced installers and project managers. Whether the job is commercial or residential, Fineline can offer a solution.

Since the completion of the build, Llanegfedd centre has won the RIBA Welsh building of the year award and the Eisteddfod Architectural gold medal. Our congratulations to Hall + Bednarczyk Architects.

Llanegfedd Visitor Centre

Many challenging design obstacles hadto be overcome. The original design concept had called for curved fixed glazing, but due to the large live deflections and extreme winds it was decided to square the panels and fix them directly to the steel.

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