London Heathrow’s recently upgraded Terminal 4 building incorporates
a striking new glazed extension, which benefits from an advanced
Solar Shading solution from Levolux.
The full height, south east facing glazed extension has transformed
the 180 metre wide departures hall, adding 25 metres to its depth,
to create a lighter, more spacious area for passengers to check-in.
Commissioned by BAA Capital Projects, the glazed extension to
Terminal 4 was proposed, following its decision to increase the
number of airlines operating from the terminal from 7 to 39. The
extension provides additional capacity in the form of check-in
desks, self service units, ticket desks, retail areas, an
orientation zone and mezzanine offices.
To help alleviate the potential risks of excessive glare and solar
heat gain within the check-in and retail areas, Levolux devised a
subtle, yet highly effective Solar Shading solution, incorporating
its motorised internal Roller Blinds. The Blinds effectively filter
direct sunlight to varying degrees as it enters the building, which
is essential to maintain a comfortable, naturally lit environment.
In total, Levolux installed 33 of its 780HD High Performance
Motorised Roller Blinds, each measuring 3.4 metres wide and with a
maximum drop of 8.3 metres. The Blinds are linked together
electronically for simultaneous operation and at the flick of a
switch the blinds can be raised or lowered to pre-set levels, for
optimum shading performance all year round.
The heavy duty blinds feature an 85mm diameter roller tube and a
35mm x 10mm bottom bar, both formed from extruded aluminium. The
bottom bar and support brackets are finished in a co-ordinated dark
grey powder coating to match the surrounding curtain walling. A
charcoal grey fabric, with an openness factor of 10%, was chosen to
achieve effective control of light and glare whilst ensuring good
outward visibility.
Like all Solar Shading systems from Levolux, the Roller Blinds used
on this project are backed by the company’s design, manufacture and
installation package.
A spokesperson from BAA Capital Projects praised Levolux for their
contribution on the project, commenting; “Levolux impressed us with
their flexible approach and a fine attention to detail. Their
installation of highly technical blinds at Terminal 4 was
accomplished on time and within budget.”
Originally opened in 1986 and the second largest of Heathrow’s five
terminal buildings, Terminal 4 has been given a new lease of life,
following a £200 million refurbishment project. With its updated
facilities and the inclusion of a motorized Solar Shading solution
from Levolux, Terminal 4 now provides a very comfortable point of
departure.
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