The Tallest Residential Tower within the Canary Wharf Estate
WICONA has designed a high-performance, unitised facade system incorporating two new door innovations for Newfoundland Tower, the tallest residential tower to be built within the Canary Wharf Estate. The manufacturer of highly engineered bespoke systems has developed these solutions to perform well in challenging high-rise conditions. The doors feature unrivalled weather performance, reduced sight lines and are aesthetically pleasing without detracting from the overall design intent of the building.
Newfoundland Tower is the first tall building to be designed and built by HCL Architects. Its slim flattened diamond plan responds to the narrow footprint of its tight site and the diagonal alignment of adjacent streets.
The landmark tower, which will provide 636 apartments, is situated directly above the Jubilee Line near Westferry Circus at the end of Middle Dock, one of three historic linear docks. The tower’s distinctive diamond pattern created by the external structure, provides lateral stability and is the most efficient way for a tall building to withstand wind forces.
A Bespoke Solution
The unitised façade system was designed as a bespoke solution by WICONA’s project engineering team in partnership with its client, Schneider GB Ltd.
WICONA’s bespoke project service, which involves collaborating closely with architects on a project-by-project basis, meant that it was well placed to design two innovative door solutions that integrated seamlessly within the unitised façade and provide comfort to the users whilst managing the challenging high-rise conditions of this building.
The first of these innovations is WICONA’s unique ‘Pull Slide’ opening mechanism to a sliding double glazed door with integrated Juliete balcony. Unlike a conventional sliding door, when opened, this easy to use bespoke, aluminium framed system pulls the door 8mm internally before it slides quietly and smoothly along its track. The action of turning the door handle releases pressure from the perimeter gaskets integrated around the door opening. When closing the door, the highly engineered mechanism compresses the door against the gaskets tightly sealing it and providing exceptional high wind and water performance.
WICONA has also developed an inward opening Juliete balcony door that won’t slam shut in strong winds. The key to this innovation is the new two-stage turn limiter designed by WICONA. This integrated safety feature provides an anti-slam function, which is necessary where doors are installed at height and exposed to potential high pressures.
