Introduction
Welcoming almost 3 million visitors through its doors every year, Birmingham Library was intended to be the ‘people’s palace’ by architect Francine Houbin. A central hub of the city’s centre and key to Birmingham’s overall regeneration, when the time came to develop the library the AGF team were more than happy to provide our supply and fabrication services to the prestigious building.
Ambition
Working with a talented team of sub-contractors in Carillion and architect in Mecanoo, the central goal with Birmingham Library’s regeneration was to create a place of education that the city could be proud of, serving future generations for many years to come. It was also hoped that the project would deliver social value by creating jobs and training opportunities by engaging with local people and using local suppliers. Based in Peterborough, we were proud to be one of them.
Timescale
Total installation time from contract signing to project handover was over a 3-year time period despite it being a 5 year contract, with a total commercial project valued at £188 million. All this would be undertaken while keeping the level of disruption to the people of Birmingham at an absolute minimum.
Installation
Having supplied a series of Schuco aluminium systems in the form of FW60 SG Curtain Walling, AWS75 Windows, and doors using both ADS75-SI and ADS65-HD, we entrusted Carillion to install all products safely, securely, and at a quality level reflective of fabrication. Over the 3 years, different products were supplied at various times, as areas like the Entrance Hall, Exhibition Space, and rooftop Terraced Garden began to take shape.
ADS65-HD door units were selected for a large portion of the library’s section due to their heavy-duty performance and function – a must for any busy public commercial building intended to regularly welcome visitors. At 35,000 m², the further Schuco windows and doors were integrated accordingly, always supplied on time and on budget.
Outcome
Working with Birmingham City council, Mecanoo, and Carillion, AGF were able to aid in Birmingham Library’s completion sooner than expected, officially opening on September 3rd, 2013. A complex and ambitious project had come to an end, going on to win multiple awards from the likes of National Skills Academy, Considerate Constructors, and Design Through Innovation.
Products used in the Birmingham Library Project
FW 60+
- Burglar resistance tested to RC3
- Glazing up to 82mm
- Geometrically complex skylight construction
AWS 75.SI
- U values of 0.90 W/m2K
- Glazing up to 61mm
- High water and air resistance
ADS 75.SI
- U values of 1.7 W/m2K
- Maximum height 2500mm
- High water and air resistance