Case Study

The Design Prototyping & Testing Center (DPTC), University of Sheffield U.K. | Rotherham, United Kingdom

Housed within a 100-acre campus of sharply designed buildings, the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, England is home to cutting edge technology in the manufacturing world while reflecting the spirit of innovation. Even there, the Design Prototyping and Testing Centre (DPTC) that features Kalwall translucent wall systems stands out.

The two-story building that is part of the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre is a testament to function, style and efficiency.

The function in the design is the mezzanine level, encased with Kalwall panels, allowing instructors and researchers to view the large workshops below, creating an intimate relationship between the levels.

The style is in the form of the building’s exterior, a design by Bond Bryan Architects that glows at night, and features Kalwall to engulf the facility in naturally diffuse daylight, which eliminates glare and shadows.

The efficiency also relies on the highly-insulated Kalwall system, which is rugged and has superior thermal properties and best in industry solar heat gain control. That factored into the DPTC earning the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent rating for sustainable building design, construction and operation.

The project was a collaboration with Structura UK Ltd, the exclusive distributor for Kalwall systems in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The influence of Kalwall panels is evident throughout the Advanced Manufacturing Park, which includes three other facilities that feature Kalwall diffuse natural daylighting systems.