Glazing Wales’s biggest learning facility
3rd November 2015

Architectural glazing systems from KAWNEER were specified for the largest learning facility in Wales, the £48million Penarth Learning Community in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Kawneer’s AA100 zone-drained curtain walling combined with patterned glass was specified by HLM architects as well as a wide variety of Kawneer window and door systems, including the AA541 top and side-hung casement windows and AA3110HW horizontal sliding anti-ligature windows installed in the respite area which is a specially-designed system for people with learning difficulties.

The Kawneer door systems are series 190 and 350, heavy-duty and severe-duty respectively, commercial entrance doors which were installed over 14 months by approved specialist sub-contractor AB Glass (Doors & Windows), based in Swansea.

The 23,500m2 scheme includes a 1,500m2 residential home, which allows 19 special needs pupils, including those with learning and physical difficulties and those on the autism spectrum, to stay over at any one time and provide respite for their families.

Project architect Gareth Woodfin said Kawneer was specified for its “wide range of services and products, sustainability credentials and safety measures.” Aluminium’s sustainability had been an important factor and contributed to the BREEAM rating.”

Built by Bouygues UK on the site of the playing fields for the mainstream St Cyres comprehensive, the project saw the creation of two new schools in a single building. As well as providing new facilities for St Cyres, it created a new SEN school, Ysgol y Deri. This accommodates pupils from three SEN schools in the area – Ysgol Erw’r Delyn, Ysgol Maes Dyfan and Ashgrove School.