Screen star
February 2020

Architectural glazing systems by KAWNEER, including aluminium heritage-style windows appropriate for the conservation area, have helped to transform the façade of an old radio and television factory into the new London Screen Academy.

The manufacturer’s GT70S slimline renovation open-in windows were the “focal new element” of the renovation of the façade of the four-storey building at Highbury Grove in Islington, where its AA100 zone-drained curtain walling and series AA190 TB entrance doors also feature.

The GT70S windows were installed over 12 weeks by a team of eight from sub-contractor and Kawneer dealer JPJ Installations throughout the 8,050m2 building, with the AA100 curtain walling, which also has narrow 50mm sightlines, used on the rear elevation and the series AA190 TB severe-duty welded doors used on the main entrance.

This new free school by the Department for Education provides film industry focused vocational training, including behind-the-camera roles, costume design, production management, distribution and marketing, alongside a broader curriculum, for 17 to 19-year-olds.

Lee Mainwaring of Architecture Initiative said: “The external windows are the focal new element of the façade renovation. The Kawneer window system, which was offered by the contractor as a more cost-effective alternative, effectively met the technical requirements needed whilst achieving a 1930s warehouse “Crittall” window lookalike.

“The windows have greatly enhanced the existing façade as well as referring to the building’s history with its design. The final product was of great quality and in keeping with the design concept.”

www.kawneer.co.uk