INTRODUCTION
The new, glass-fronted, state-of-the-art Porthcawl Watersport Centre has been built, thanks to £1.5m of EU funding, with the hope that it will turn Porthcawl town into a prominent coastal destination. It’s set to attract a variety of watersports enthusiasts, as well as walkers and, as rental bikes and cycle tours are also available, cyclists are encouraged to use the facilities too. Accessible beach wheelchairs are also provided. In addition it will act as a base for local clubs and groups including the local surf school to conduct surf and paddle board lessons as well as helping to educate visitors on the importance of coastal conservation. The purpose-built facility includes contemporary indoor and outdoor showers, changing cubicles and toilets. From the first-floor café/bistro/bar, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views over Rest Bay.
TASK
As Porthcawl Watersport Centre was built with an environmental conscience, it incorporates the latest solar technology so there was a requirement to regulate solar gain and keep temperature control as natural and ambient as possible thus reducing cost and energy consumption. Solinear was tasked to design, supply and install a bespoke horizontal brise soleil system to the fully exposed south east elevation of the building, which had to be in-keeping with the attractive, contemporary style of the new, purpose built facility.
ACTION
Solinear was delighted to be awarded the contract from Henstaff Construction to supply a bespoke solar shading system for the project – designing, manufacturing, supplying and installing the tailor-made Solex Halo 300 system consisting of 12 elliptical profile fins, at 5175mm in length, manufactured from extruded aluminium and finished in RAL7012 Basalt Grey – marine grade powder coating. The fins were arranged over a large expanse of glazing on the first floor, to the south east elevation of the building.
RESULT
Solinear’s attractive Halo 300 feature fins complement the striking façade of the building whilst maintaining a comfortable environment for the occupants of the first-floor café. Without brise soleil the south east side of the building would have been completely exposed to the full glare of the blinding, hot sun. The arrangement of the fins allows enough diffused sunlight into the space, maintaining a pleasant level of heat and natural light. The views beyond the fins are uninterrupted for visitors to the café who enjoy the magnificent scenery. Bridgend County Borough Council Leader, Huw David, praised those involved in the project “…I would like to congratulate everyone who has helped to deliver the new Rest Bay Watersports Centre.” The centre was officially opened on October 11th, 2019.
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