DORMA structural glazing for Welsh regeneration project
 It is not that long ago chapels in the Rhondda Valley in South Wales were full to bursting and the international market demanded the best steam coal in the world from its mines. Those days have gone and one dispiriting legacy is that the valleys in South Wales now rank as one of the most deprived areas in Europe, with dramatic consequences for the families and children in the area.
Capel Soar, an old Baptist Chapel in Penygraig, used to be one of those full to bursting and although the vestry still remains a place of worship it now plays another important role in the community as well. Thanks to the financial support of the Arts Council of Wales and some imaginative design from architects EPT Partnership it has been transformed into a multifunctional community and arts venue for Valleys Kids.
Valleys Kids is a charity working with disadvantaged children and families in the valleys of South Wales and the Soar Centre, as the development is known, provides activities for the local community – seven days a week. It encompasses parent and toddler, baby club, after-school play and youth activities, family support sessions, alternative health sessions, meetings, conferences, junior and youth drama sessions. It also hosts professional touring companies, multi-media presentations…and a lot more besides.
To create a welcoming, open feel to the centre, glass is used extensively in the refurbishment and DORMA’s MANET system has been used to very good effect as a glass façade.
The MANET Construct system makes it possible to connect glass to glass, or glass to building structure when meeting the special requirements of structural glazing systems used in the construction of external and internal walls, façades and roofs. The key to the system is the single-point fixing (available in two sizes) which controls the transmission of tensile and compressive forces to the substructure. The single-point fixing features an interfacial elastomer pad which dissipates stresses in the glass due to deformation and ensures optimum stress distribution under critical loading in the fixing area. As a result, large glass spans can be achieved.
A major feature of the range is the MANET Spider, a fascinating design element that enhances any façade. Whether in straight line, segmented or circular configurations with curved glazing, the MANET Construct Spider improves both design and connection safety. It is available in one, two, three or four arm variants. The articulated joint with its three dimensional movement in the Spider hub helps compensate for any building tolerances by absorbing the load at all the fixing points, while the resilient single-point fixings compensate for thermal expansion and glass panel deformation.
Manual glass doors are fitted throughout the Soar Centre, with DORMA floor springs and universal doors rails top and bottom. The rails provide maximum protection and effective sealing of the top and bottom glass edges. There is also an ED 800 swing door at the entrance to the building.
The DORMA ED 800 is the ideal operator in offering improved access and independence to people who would otherwise be restricted by conventional manual swing doors. In its low energy mode, the ED 800 operates as a standard manual door closer. However, immediately someone requires assistance, by pushing a button, an elbow pad, or actuating the operator in some way, the door opens as an automatic. The speed is precisely controlled and after the pre-set hold-open time delay, the door will close. The operator also features a ‘push and go’ facility where if the door is pushed open, the unit will determine whether or not the user requires assistance by monitoring the initial opening speed of the door. If it determines help is required, the unit will activate in power assist mode and open the door.
Peter Tyndall, Chief Executive of The Arts Council of Wales said: “ACW are delighted to be able to support this project. It will provide a vital facility to extend and improve their work.” He continued, “Valleys Kids are an outstanding community regeneration agency and their use of the arts to provide opportunities for young people is groundbreaking. They have helped to transform the prospects of the young people they work with, and to develop their creativity and self-confidence”.
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