MK Open University, Jennie Lee Building

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Architect

Swanke Hayden Conell

Client

Open University

Location

London

Year

2008

The new building is named after Jennie Lee (1904-1988) the Labour MP who was instrumental in the foundation of the Open University during her time as Minister for the Arts and will house the faculties of Mathematics and Computing and the Institute of Educational Technology. The design concept responds to the OU’s ambition to create a showcase for cutting edge research on the campus. EAG were contracted by Galliford Try to provide the external envelope in the form of windows, doors, curtain walling and an internal atria in addition to the bolted entrance screens, louvres & brise soleil for this scheme. The building’s characteristic alluring glass envelope contains a series of coloured vision panels in green, orange, pink and yellow. Additional solar control and visual interest is provided by two frit patterns applied respectively to glass faces two and four of the outer and centre panes of the triple glazed units that gradually reveals itself upon approaching the building. The building has been designed by Swanke Hayden Connell’s to achieve a high level of sustainability targets and was occupied in March 2008. This is the second successfully completed project by EAG for The Open University and Galliford Try at the Walton Hall Campus.

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Metal Technology Ltd is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading architectural aluminium systems companies, specialising in the innovative design and supply of bespoke architectural fenestration products offering an extensive range of thermally efficient window, door and curtain walling systems. Metal Technology have enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Alucraft Systems supplying our architectural aluminium curtain walling, window and door systems on numerous prestigious projects. Our experience of the Alucraft team is that they are innovative, technically excellent, focused and extremely professional from the initial project concept through to design and installation providing clients with high quality building fenestrations. As a valued customer and supply chain partner we would have no hesitation to recommend that you engage with Alucraft Systems for your building facade requirements.

“Schueco are the global, market leading company for aluminium windows, doors, façade and more. We maintain this position by partnering with the very best specialist façade contractors. Schueco has enjoyed a successful and established trading relationship with the Clarison Group of companies for over 20 years. During this period we have developed strong working relationships in all aspects of our business from design to procurement, fabrication and installation, leading to numerous projects being completed to the fullest satisfaction of the clients. Consequently, we regard the Clarison Group of companies as one of the most experienced and competent partners in the UK building envelope and fenestration market. Staff at the Clarison Group regularly visiting our accredited training programmes to stay up to date with product development, fabrication guidelines, regulations and technical standards at all times. As a highly valued Partner of Schueco we have no hesitation in recommending the Clarison Group.”

“PRESS GLASS is the leading and largest independent glass processor in Europe, producing over 40,000 IGU’s daily and with a turnover of over £400m, ¼ of which is from the UK & Ireland. PRESS GLASS supplies ASL with the very highest quality of commercial Insulated Glass Units (IGU’s) for projects across the whole of the UK, whether windows, curtain wall or unitised applications. PG supports ASL as a market leader, from project inception right through to project supply, including detailed and mutual project planning. Technical and operational support go hand in hand with on time in full error free product supply to agreed programmes. Working with ASL from the enquiry stage has allowed PG and ASL to build a lasting supply chain partnership. It Is our mutual desire to leave no technical stone left unturned and our collaborative approach to completing the program on time, that allows PG to recommend ASL with no hesitation.”