All-round solar protection made of stainless steel fabric for research institute facade

ICE Glasgow

The ICE building (Imaging Centre of Excellence), the neurosurgery research institute at South Glasgow University Hospital, was given a solar protection facade made of Lago metal fabric from GKD.

As a design feature visible from some distance, the three-dimensional zig-zag pattern of the 41 woven solar protection elements visualizes nerve pathways. At the same time, the facade made of stainless steel fabric ensures effective solar protection and efficient climate and energy management for the building. The transparent fabric panels increase user comfort for the staff and visitors to the institute: glare-free workplaces, unobstructed views to the outside, daylight transmission, and natural ventilation.
On the front facade, the mesh panels run vertically, while on the side facades they form a diamond-like pattern so that when viewed as a whole they symbolize the double helix associated with human DNA. The panels were affixed using round rods and eyebolts.
The woven solar protection, which surrounds the entire building, is another excellent example of the design and functional qualities of GKD metal fabrics in the field of architecture.