The Maelor High School, a mixed comprehensive school for pupils between the ages of 11 and 18, is located in the small village of Penley near Wrexham. It has recently acquired a large sports hall which is also used by the local community.
Designed by Wrexham Council architects, this stunning facility uses modern building technology to create the ideal playing conditions. This is achieved by cladding the sports and entrance areas with Ice Blue Kalwall which not only diffuses natural daylight but also creates perfect playing conditions by eliminating glare and shadows. This solution also means that there is no need for blinds, curtains or external shading. With increased natural daylight and resistance to solar gain, energy-consuming artificial lighting and air-conditioning costs will be dramatically reduced.
The clerestory daylighting, along the sides and gable ends, has been shaped to follow the lines of the curved roof, technically, the translucent panels are highly insulating, with U-values as low as 0.28W/m2K.
Apart from being specified for all types of new build, Kalwall is increasingly used for the refurbishment of cladding or rooflights on aged buildings. Case studies and technical information are available from Structura UK Ltd, or visit http://tinyurl.com/kalwall