London South Bank University – London – UK

K2 is part of the London South Bank University (LSBU), one of the largest and oldest universities of London. The new sustainable building, designed by GRIMSHAW ARCHITECTS LLP as a structure with low “carbon footprint” includes brise-soleil screens, natural ventilation and solar panels. The design clearly shows the University’s aspiration to construct an open and accessible building. Palagio Engineering’s intervention reflects on the aesthetic impact of the building on the surrounding urban profile, on its functional value allowing to maintain an optimised temperature inside the building which grants comfort, reduces leakages and ensures considerable energy saving.

1500 sqm of a ventilated terracotta facade cover a portion of external surface of the building with insulation and a gap to optimise ventilation. The profile used for this realization, TerraModus R, is a prestigious terracotta tile extruded with Impruneta clay as single element, produced in different dimensions to meet the Architect’s demands (MODUS R 240 mm with height x length variable from 745 to 1180mm and MODUS R 393 mm with height x length variable from 745 to 1180mm). The element was produced with a natural surface finish in a warm, yellow colour (267 N) from series Terre Ocra.

TerraModus R is a double-wall element extruded as single piece. The ribbed surface on its front face reminds the visible effect of a strip covering. It is ideal for the cladding of large surfaces. Invisible anchoring is possible grace to the battens kerfs on the lower and upper edges, providing so maximum protection against rainwater infiltration and improving resistance to frost, to chemical action of atmospheric agents and pollution and to thermal shocks.

Technique

The terracotta profiles are fixed to the surface by means of aluminium structures designed for dry cladding, composed by vertical T-profiles, support brackets and brackets to hold the cotto.
The 100 sqm of brise-soleils, composed of TerraTube 50×70 x length 500mm, again in colour yellow 276N, have an essential role in the thermal regulation of the building’s solar shading, ensuring at the same time correct lighting ratios and an excellent aesthetic result.