August 2001

Wrightstyle Calls for Architects to Reassess Airport Design

Wrightstyle, the Devizes-based steel glazing specialist, has called on architects to reassess their approach to the use of glass in airport construction.

The firm believes that recent developments in steel glazing systems are now having a major impact on how and where glass can be used both aesthetically and to perform other functions.

With passenger numbers set to rise overall by up to 5% a year over the next 20 years, particularly in the Far East, investment in airport facilities, both refurbishment and new-build, is at an all-time high.

For example, China alone is to buy 400 planes and build 43 more airports over the next five years – taking the total number of Chinese airports to 172.

By 2010 it is estimated that there will be 1.1 billion passengers travelling to, from and within the Asia/Pacific region.

Wrightstyle’s systems are well suited to airport applications, the inherent strength and durability of steel gives architects and specifiers the option to have large spans of glass, in areas previously thought of as unsuitable for glazing.

In the past six months, Wrightstyle has launched a number of innovative products that have particular application in airports:

· The first dry glazed, self draining, curtain walling system to achieve 120/120 fire resistance, for integrity and insulation against radiant heat

· The first multi-pane glazing system with snap-over beads to achieve a fire rating of 120 minutes integrity

· The world’s first pivot window to be fire resistant to 60 minutes integrity, now successfully installed at Dubai Airport, United Arab Emirates

· The first fire-resistant automatic sliding door, tested to 30 minutes integrity.

· A major development in ballistic resistant glazing systems for doors, windows, screens and curtain walling, incorporating within the framing systems a unique combination of steel profiles to absorb and disperse high velocity impacts, whilst offering total protection to the safe side.

“International growth in air passenger and cargo traffic, coupled with more stringent fire and safety regulations, mean that architects must constantly reassess what new materials and products can be cost-effectively used to meet aesthetic and regulatory demands,” said Wrightstyle’s Technical Spokesman.

These demands include, protection from fire, ballistics, blasts, or requirements for acoustic performance, as well as other specifications such as thermal performance under extreme weather exposures.

Wrightstyle offers a 48-hour estimating service.

The firm’s recent and current projects include:

• blast-resistant glazed doors at Manchester airport, England
• fire resistant circular pivot windows at Dubai Airport, UAE
• fire resistant glazed stainless steel clad doors at Chek Lap Kok airport in Hong Kong
• fire resistant glazed stainless steel clad doors and screens at the CKS airport in Taiwan.