May 16 2007
Pilkington has taken a leaf out of children's favourite, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and helped to create two glass elevators. The lifts in The Shires shopping centre in Leicester have been created using 400m2 of Pilkington Planar/Sentry Glas Plus with Pilkington OptiWhite.
The world's leading forces in structural glass systems and laminate interlayers have joined together to create the ultimate in strength, safety, durability and appearance in laminated structural glass - the Pilkington Planar/Sentry Glas Plus system. This unique collaboration between Pilkington and DuPont results in a robust system that enables architects to extend the barriers of glass design. The Sentry Glas Plus system consists of a laminated structural glass that is thin and light, wh! ilst allowi! ng for the creation of larger glass panels with a reduced number of support fixings, whilst still meeting demanding structural and safety requirements.
The combination of Pilkington OptiWhite glass within the Pilkington Planar/Sentry Glas Plus system results in improved light transmission and viewing clarity which both adds to the building's internal appearance and the experience of the visitors to the shopping centre.
One further innovation on this particular application is the use of the Pilkington Planar™ integral fitting. This innovative and fully tested method of fixing laminated panels to a backup structure without any exterior caps or washers - all fixings are concealed within the laminated glass.
Chris Doran, contracts manager with Leicester based installers Norman & Underwood commented: “Pilkington PlanarÍ/Sentry Glas Plus was perfect for the lifts because it appears frameless in its construction. The reduced number of fittings successfully challenges conventional framing systems with a more subtle glazing solution. The result is a fully-engineered system providing a thoroughly modern look. The elevators are a stand-out attraction giving users uninterrupted views of the shopping centre. They really add to the shopping experience.”
Pilkington Optiwhite™ has superior performance when compared with conventional clear float products; this includes higher light transmission and greater solar heat transmittance. In shop windows, car showrooms, display cases and exhibition areas, Pilkington Optiwhite™ displays products with a greater degree of clarity.
Equating to the size of 20 football pitches, the extended shopping centre will boast 100 new apartments, 40 brand new shops, and eight flagship stores. Aside from shopping, The New Shires will be a new and vibrant meeting place right in the heart of the city centre. The restored historic buildings, including the old grammar school, will nestle amidst an exciting mix of architecture designed specifically for Leicester by five leading architects. The New Shires development is one of five key regeneration areas in the city being provided by Leicester Regeneration Company and Leicester City Council.