Sapa Building Systems - Keeping learning simple in Luxembourg

Simple forms and natural raw materials are the hallmark of the design of the Lycée Technique which has been complemented by the use of high performance aluminium curtain walling and windows from Sapa Building Systems.
The Lycée Technique houses 1,300 students in 31,000m2 split into five blocks. Each four-storey unit is 275m in length and 21m wide allowing the large expanses of glazing, totalling over 6,300m2, to let light flood into common areas and corridors.
The buildings’ traditional construction of concrete columns and cladding contrasts sharply with Sapa’s high performance Elegance 52 curtain walling which achieved a U-value of 1.3 W/m2K. This high performance, coupled with the inherent long life and low maintenance requirements, made aluminium the natural choice for the architects Bureau d’architecture BENG.
A fixing system was devised for mounting the modular window elements which allowed for serial production of the simple frames. Sapa’s Excellence 75 windows are fitted with metal sun blinds on the outside which are mounted in a concealed position behind an elegant glass construction and fixed to the curtain wall with steel brackets. The sun blinds are operated remotely to reduce solar gain.
Although the glass surface areas of the curtain wall are at least 3 metres wide by 2 metres high, a design was created without steel supports which could meet the high static demands whilst still allowing sufficient strength to cope with the weight of the windows, in addition to the wind pressures.
The Lycée Technique project was undertaken for the Administration des Bâtiments Publics, Luxembourg by contractors Mieszala Jos of Ehlerange.

Email: Nicola.abbey@sapagroup.com