Leading ventilation louvre specialist Renson UK has contributed to the regeneration of Bristol’s Richmond Building, helping return the iconic structure to its important role as the city’s university’s student union in the affluent Clifton suburb.
Built in 1965, the Richmond Building was built to meet the recreational and social needs of an expanding student population living away from home – but over the last 50 years, following a series of ad-hoc changes to the interior, had become cluttered and inflexible.
Architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios was tasked with transforming the building into a welcoming, accessible, inclusive, and environmentally efficient space, which involved leaving the existing concrete soffits exposed to provide thermal mass to help regulate internal temperatures, and allowing a shift to natural ventilation by incorporating a new glazing design combined with a new layout.
The building’s transformation needed to be approached with care for not only its architectural significance as a modernist building, but also for the Georgian setting of the Clifton Conservation Area.
For this project, Renson UK supplied its 431-RC2 surface-mounted, burglar-resistant and barrier load tested louvres with intensive ventilation, known for their use in schools, student accommodation, and shops.
Entirely assembled of aluminium profiles with all connective pieces in aluminium and stainless steel, 431-RC2 louvres have a 33.3mm blade pitch, a 2.3 x 2.3mm 305 stainless steel insect mesh, 40.5% physical free area, and are mounted by means of 4.2 x 3mm A2 burglar resistance screws.
Renson UK National Sales Manager Martin Daniels comments: “We’re very proud to have played a significant role in the restoration of Bristol’s Richmond Building, and to have contributed to the creation of a modern, environmentally efficient and architecturally significant piece.
“Our 431-RC2 louvres have not only provided essential ventilation, but have also seamlessly blended with the building’s design, preserving its historical and aesthetic importance.
“We’re delighted to have been a part of this transformation that renews the Richmond Building’s legacy as the heart of the university’s student community in Clifton.”
For more information, visit https://www.renson.eu/en-gb/for-professionals/contact
