WICONA unitised curtain walling used for striking new office tower in Brazil

2007-04-20

The Wicona unitised curtain walling system from Hydro Building Systems, which is now available in the UK, has been used for a striking new 39-storey office tower in Brazil.

The Wicona unitised curtain walling system from Hydro Building Systems, which is now available in the UK, has been used for a striking new 39-storey office tower in Brazil.

Designed by Afalo and Gasperini Architects, the 150m high e-Tower in the business district of Sao Paulo provides 52,000sqm of office accommodation, and is believed to be the most high tech office development in Brazil. Wicona’s unitised system met the architect’s specification for wind loadings and the height of the tower. The curtain walling panels were manufactured off site and comprise the aluminium system, glazing and granite. The heaviest units weigh more than 500kg, further evidence of the strength of this unitised system, which has recently been launched in the UK and Ireland. The system has been used on other projects in Brazil, but this is the first in the country to feature granite cladding. The building has the most technically advanced security and telecommunications systems available in Brazil, 16 high-speed elevators, a helicopter pad, fitness centre and swimming pool, restaurant, 10m high lobby and a 100-seat conference auditorium. The demand for unitised façades continues to rise as more developers, architects and contractors recognise the benefits of this innovative approach to the building envelope. Fully glazed and sealed off site, the Wicona unitised system can reduce time on site by up to 70 per cent, offers enhanced quality and performance, and unlimited aesthetic variations.

The Wicona system can be adapted to specific project requirements and is one of the most widely used and technically advanced unitised curtain walls in Europe. Any combination of profiles, external feature caps and glazing can be specified and the system can incorporate stone cladding; metal, composite or polycarbonate panels; windows, doors and fixed light glazing; brise soleil sunshading and photovoltaic panels. It is fully tested to the most stringent European standards for air permeability, water tightness and wind resistance. Wicona Projects is the first façade specialist to oversee the full package for the unitised curtain wall – from design concepts to fabrication, installation, testing and handover. This gives specifiers, building contractors and construction clients the benefit of a seamless approach and complete peace of mind.