Laidlaw Library - Leeds

“DUCO’s solar shading combines functionality with aesthetics at the Laidlaw Library”

In recent years we have come to value the sun as an ally that supplies us with free energy. However, even your closest ally can sometimes be an uninvited guest. On summer days the sun can give off too much heat and this can be unpleasant, especially if you are in a building that incorporates lots of glass. The Laidlaw Library, part of the University of Leeds, was constructed in early 2014 and glass was an important element in the design of this building. Architectural firm ADP nevertheless managed to achieve the ideal indoor climate, working together with various parties including DUCO Ventilation & Sun Control.

The new undergraduate library at the University of Leeds provides 1000 reader seats, flexible training rooms, a skills zone, community classrooms and café, plus flexible space for 6800 linear metres of book stock. The new building, which was completed during spring 2015, supports student learning by providing a gateway to information and an inspirational study environment thanks to its floor-to-ceiling glazing giving views out to the surrounding buildings. 

Comfortable indoor climate

Given the fact that the building consists of large areas of glazing, the use of external solar shading was of crucial importance to avoid the risk of overheating and to create a comfortable indoor climate. As a trendsetter in the field of solar shading systems, DUCO was chosen as supplier of the architectural solar shading systems.

DUCO’s partner Ash & Lacy Building Systems worked closely with the curtain wall fabricator and ADP Manchester to design the striking new building and to achieve the required level of solar shading along with their vision of a floating brisesoleil system.  This required the design of a bespoke bracket to allow a complete secret fix back to the curtain walling. 

Unique rectangular louvre blades

In close consultation with all parties, the decision to use DucoSun Cubic 300 (300 mm), combining functionality and aesthetics, was made quickly. The unique rectangular louvre blades in DucoSun Cubic 300 not only ensure that the heat from solar radiation gets absorbed efficiently, but they also give the Laidlaw Library a sleek, linear accent which definitely adds architectural value.

The blades of DucoSun Cubic 300 were installed vertically in front of the glass windows. Vertical solar shading guarantees maximum privacy, while still allowing an adequate outside view at the same time. Using DucoSun Cubic 300, all parties were able to achieve the desired aesthetics and performance requirements at the new library!