Designed by Eric Parry Architects to offer a five star working environment in central London, 60 Threadneedle Street is a striking new 10 storey office building, equipped with a state-of-the-art Levolux Solar Shading solution. With its imposing curved exterior, floor to ceiling glazing and a host of energy efficient features, the building provides more than 18,000 m2 of highly desirable office space.

Levolux provided an extensive range of products which combine to deliver the perfect blend of form and function. The bespoke solution consists of Screening Louvres, Ventilation Louvres, High Performance Ventilation Louvres, Photovoltaic (PV) Cell Louvres and Internal Roller Blinds.

Levolux installed 250mm wide aluminium Aerofoil Fins, covering a total of 1400m2 in horizontal panels above roof level plant equipment. This canopy of louvres effectively screens essential building services.

A series of vertically stacked, horizontal 75mm deep High Performance Ventilation Louvres, were also installed at roof level to screen and ventilate each of the building ’s service risers .High performance “S ” profile louvres are designed to prevent water ingress and have an integral mesh panel which provides a physical barrier to birds and insects.

Continuing on the 9th and 10th floors and at roof level next to the atriums are vertically stacked, horizontal 75mm deep Ventilation Louvres, each with the same “S ” profile..Measuring up to 4 metres in height and extending to 123 metres in length, the louvre sections incorporate tapered, curved elevations, large louvred gates and sliding doors. The complete louvre system provides optimum airflow, is extremely weather resistant, and effectively screens unsightly plant from view.

All of the aluminium components are finished in a coordinated dark blue powder coating, emphasising the building ’s contemporary,hi-tech design.

In order to achieve a more energy efficient building, Levolux installed 101 of its fixed external glass PV Louvres, containing polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) cells. The PV Louvres each measure 2800mm long x 550mm wide and are supported by an aluminium frame assembly, creating a glazed canopy of 230m2.  The photovoltaic system is self-monitoring and operates automatically, generating electricity which is fed into the building ’s electricity supply.

To complete the bespoke solution, Levolux installed its 760L Manual Roller Blind System throughout the offices on 8 floors. In total 1128 roller blinds control internal light levels and combat glare, creating a comfortable working environment. Roller blinds were supplied in charcoal and pearl white, to compliment the existing colour scheme. For ease of use, each roller blind is operated by a continuous bead chain, with a positive action friction clutch.

The various shading solutions provided by Levolux are all designed to complement the building, performing effectively on a number of levels. The combined solution sets the benchmark for new office developments in London and across the UK.

All Solar Shading systems from Levolux are backed by the company ’s design, manufacture and installation package.

Email: chrisp@levoluxltd.co.uk