Resistant to the salty sea air in Noordwijk aan Zee

Window frames and curtain walls

For Lieftink Geveltechniek, the Brede School in Noordwijk aan Zee is still in the early stages. The facade specialist is currently working on the design of 67 aluminum window frames (325 m2 in total) and a curtain wall (11 m2 in total). These must soon be permanently resistant to the salty sea air in Noordwijk aan Zee. This requires special processing.

As a rule, powder coating provides excellent protection for aluminum window frames, but in the windy climate of Noordwijk aan Zee, Lieftink Geveltechniek and the architect opted for anodizing. "This electrochemical treatment - which in this case gives a beautiful bronze color - is ideally suited for this type of environment," says Joost Plompen, director of Lieftink Geveltechniek. "It offers optimal protection."

Special requirements

In addition to the protective layer, the window frames are fitted with solar control glass, which prevents unnecessary heating of the building. And the shape is also an issue. "The window frames must go with the curved corners of the building," Plompen points out. "Each window frame should be designed with a small slant that goes with the masonry."

Thinking about implementation

While design is in full swing, Lieftink Geveltechniek is also already organizing the work. Accessibility to the work site is limited and it must anticipate this. Plompen: "Because of the limited storage space, we are going to deliver the window frames on a weekly basis. By the way, we think this is an excellent working method. It prevents mistakes and still leaves room for corrections, should they be necessary."

Concerned

"That involvement is part of our job," Plompen continued. "For the Brede School, we also helped think about the hardware. Which locks offer the right protection in panic situations? How do we ensure that the right doors open then and others stay closed? There is an excellent solution for every situation and we are happy to share it."