Solaglas Contracting Midlands have just completed a civic regeneration scheme in Shropshire transforming Craven Arms’ disused cattle auction yard into a state-of-the-art office, retail and residential development.

The new Auction Yard consisting of two multi-storey blocks using a combination of materials including brickwork, cedar and zinc coated aluminium-based cladding was created by concept architect Mark Newell of Baart Harries Newell.

With fenestration a prominent feature to all elevations, main contractor Bluestone chose Contracting Midlands based on their expertise and innovative approach to complex environmental glazing projects.  Glazing consists of Technal curtain walling and windows using 6mm SGG Securit Coolite 469 combined with 6mm SGG Securit. 

As the office block directly faces the busy A49, part of the original specification included special acoustic requirements as well as natural ventilation.  To achieve this, a series of ‘Labyrinth’ style windows were specially designed by the architect and created by Solaglas.  Independently operated inner and outer single glazed 6.4mm clear laminated panels are divided by a gap of 250mm.  Electronic actuators automatically open the windows at opposite angles according to internal temperatures to provide ventilation.

Since completion, the Auction Yard has been rated the BREEAM award of ’excellent’, the top accolade for the UK construction and property sectors for best practice in environmental design.