High specification curtain wall and window systems from Senior Architectural Systems were installed at the Edinburgh College of Art’s Hunter Building to achieve a modern look which enhances the thermal performance of the building.

Senior’s SMR900 curtain wall systems and SPW600e window systems were installed by Gardiner Window Services at the L-shaped red sandstone block, which was built in the 1970s as a teaching facility for students. The Hunter Building houses activities including art and design, printed textiles, silversmithing and jewellery, fashion and performance costume, among many other subjects.

Senior’s systems have helped to improve the thermal performance of the building, as existing single glazed timber windows were replaced on the site. The work was carried out during the summer academic breaks of 2012, 2013 and 2014 so as not to disrupt students, lecturers and visitors at the university and was led by SHS Burridge Architects.

The robust, tubular aluminium SMR900 system was installed on one elevation of the building to flood the interior with natural light and to ensure a modern, open feel was maintained for the building’s users.

SMR900 is a stick system which is zone-drained and pressure equalized and offers a slim 50mm sightline, with a standard choice of six mullion and six transom depths. The system is capable of being fabricated into ladders for quick assembly on site, which is beneficial to all involved in a project, including fabricators and installers.

Senior’s systems create crisp, modern lines at the Hunter Building to offer a contemporary feel both inside and outside of the university building, while the use of fully-recyclable aluminium ensures the systems are a sustainable option for architects.

The SPW600e window systems, meanwhile, were installed across four levels, again to upgrade the building and improve the thermal performance. SPW600e is a three chamber, 75mm polyamide thermally enhanced aluminium window system which is available in various configurations.

Andrew Burridge, of SHS Burridge Architects, said: “The new window system has made a material difference to the performance of the Hunter Building and a substantial improvement to the comfort of the occupants.”