Slim frame series allows daylight to flow in to maximum extent

Sustainable new building for SO It Twalûk and KDC De Vlieger

On Plataanstraat in Leeuwarden, care institution Alliade and SO Fryslân will open a new and sustainable center for children and young people who need extra support and care this summer. The new building will house Kinderdagcentrum (KDC) De Vlieger and elementary school for special education SO It Twalûk and will be tailored in detail to the specific requirements of both the school and the kinderdagcentrum. Whereas the school requires a low-stimulation, secure learning environment, the day care center offers a reclusive, protected environment for treatment, guidance and care. Here, the slim Max Light frame series from Aliplast Aluminium Systems ensures maximum transparency and pleasant daylighting.

The design for the new center was created by De Unie Architects, while Hesco Bouw was responsible for construction. “For the window frames, our customer Slump-Fictorie was involved,” says Marc Mulders, Sales Manager Netherlands at Aliplast Aluminum Systems. “Initially, this project prescribed our Star75 series, which is characterized by a stylish design, with a built-in depth of 75 mm for the outer frame and 84 mm for the sash. With a Uw-value of 0.94 W/m2K, an airtightness class 4, a burglary class RC2/RC3 and an acoustic value of 47.1 dB (-1;-4), this solution is perfectly suited for buildings with high demands in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation. Because architect and client also valued maximum daylighting, however, our Max Light series was chosen on our advice.”

Unprecedented aesthetic freedoms

Project consultant Joris de Zeeuw of Aliplast Aluminum Systems visited De Unie Architecten, to show both the Star75 and Max Light series. “The minimalist and completely flat design of our Max Light Modern profile was immediately convincing at this,” says Mulders. “Our Max Light series is designed very specifically for projects where a combination of large glass surfaces, slim frame profiles, high-quality thermal insulation and comfort is desired. Within the series, architects have unprecedented aesthetic freedoms. Both in form, style and color. Favorable thermal insulation values up to Uw = 0.97 W/M2K are no problem here.” Unique is the high fire resistance of the aluminum windows, which allows complete projects to be implemented in one uniform system, he says. “For example, we conducted a fire resistance test with a Max Light Modern tilt and turn window measuring 1,000 x 2,000 mm, achieving an EI30 and EW60 standard!” In addition, the Max Light profiles have a Cradle-to-Cradle certificate.

Bicolor frames

In Leeuwarden, a total of 500 m2 of Max Light Modern windows were applied, in combination with HR⁺⁺ glazing. “Following the architect's wishes, bicolor window frames were chosen, with a different color on the inside and outside,” says Mulders. “The inside is finished in RAL9002 M (gray-white), where the ‘M’ stands for a matte finish with 30% gloss level. Outside, a special RAL7002 M (olive gray) finish was chosen, allowing the building to blend very nicely into its surroundings.”

Concealed fittings

The Max Light Modern windows feature hidden hardware, meaning the hinges on the tilt-and-turn windows are not visible. “To take the aesthetics to the very highest level, all the hardware is delivered by color,” Mulders concludes. “Again, a combination of RAL7002 M (olive gray) and RAL9002 M (gray-white) in both a matte fine-textured finish was chosen for an even fancier look.”