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Overview
Maxwell House and Medway House are two prominent office buildings located within Newbury Business Park, a major commercial hub in Berkshire. As business parks evolve and tenant expectations increase, many office buildings require façade upgrades to remain competitive, energy efficient, and visually appealing.
Structura was appointed to deliver a curtain wall refurbishment project that would both modernise the appearance of the buildings and improve the performance of their external façade systems. The objective was to replace outdated curtain walling with a contemporary façade solution that improved thermal efficiency while enhancing the architectural identity of the buildings.
The project required careful coordination between façade design, manufacturing, and installation to ensure that the new systems integrated seamlessly with the existing building structures.
This curtain wall refurbishment case study demonstrates how targeted façade upgrades can significantly improve both building performance and visual appeal in commercial office developments.
Details
Client:
Ven 3 Ltd
Location:
Newbury Business Park, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Architect:
Darling Associates
Project Metrics
While each façade refurbishment project has unique requirements, the Maxwell House and Medway House project delivered measurable improvements to both buildings. Key performance and project metrics include:
Project Type: Commercial office façade refurbishment
Scope of Work: Replacement curtain walling with integrated architectural feature panels
Curtain Wall System: Aluprof aluminium curtain walling
Feature Panels: Trespa façade panels
Key outcomes:
- Improved thermal performance across both buildings
- Modernised façade appearance
- Replacement of ageing curtain wall systems
- Enhanced durability of the building envelope
The Challenge
Many commercial buildings constructed in previous decades were designed with façade systems that no longer meet modern expectations for energy efficiency, visual quality, and long-term durability. For Maxwell House and Medway House, the existing façade systems had begun to show signs of ageing both technically and visually. While the buildings remained structurally sound, the curtain walling required replacement in order to improve building performance and maintain the competitiveness of the office space within Newbury Business Park. Several key challenges shaped the project.
Modernising the Building Façade
The original façade systems no longer reflected the contemporary architectural standards expected in modern commercial environments. In competitive business parks, building appearance plays a critical role in attracting tenants and maintaining property value. The new façade therefore needed to deliver a refreshed architectural identity while integrating naturally with the existing building structure. Achieving this required a façade design that balanced modern aesthetics with practical performance requirements.
Improving Thermal Performance
Thermal efficiency is one of the most important considerations in modern façade design. Older curtain wall systems often allow significant heat loss during colder months and increased heat gain during warmer periods. Improving the thermal performance of the building envelope was therefore a key objective of the refurbishment. Enhanced façade performance helps reduce energy consumption, improve internal comfort levels, and support broader sustainability goals for commercial buildings. The replacement curtain wall system needed to provide improved insulation while maintaining structural integrity and weather resistance.
Integrating with Existing Building Structures
Façade replacement projects must work within the constraints of the existing building frame. Structural tolerances, connection points, and installation logistics all influence how new façade systems are designed and installed. For Maxwell House and Medway House, the new curtain walling had to integrate precisely with the existing building structures to ensure long-term stability and performance. This required careful engineering design and precise installation planning.
Maintaining Operational Continuity
Commercial office buildings often remain operational during refurbishment works. Maintaining access and minimising disruption to tenants and building users was therefore an important project consideration. Installation planning and sequencing had to ensure that façade replacement could be carried out efficiently while maintaining safe conditions around the buildings.
Structura’s Solution
Structura delivered a complete façade solution for Maxwell House and Medway House, covering the design, manufacture, and installation of the new curtain walling systems. The project focused on delivering a modern façade that enhanced building performance while creating a refreshed architectural appearance.
Curtain Wall System Design
The new façade system was based on Aluprof curtain walling, a widely used aluminium façade system known for its strength, flexibility, and thermal performance. Aluminium curtain wall systems provide several key advantages for commercial buildings, including strong structural performance, improved thermal insulation, high durability and weather resistance, flexibility in architectural design ,and reduced long-term maintenance requirements. By selecting an aluminium curtain wall system, Structura ensured the buildings would benefit from both improved technical performance and contemporary visual appeal.
Integration of Architectural Feature Panels
To enhance the visual identity of the buildings, the façade design incorporated Trespa feature panels within the curtain wall system. Trespa panels are high-performance architectural cladding panels known for their durability, colour stability, and resistance to weathering. The inclusion of these panels helped create a distinctive façade appearance that elevates the overall architectural quality of the buildings. The feature panels were integrated directly within the curtain wall system to create a cohesive façade design. This combination of aluminium curtain walling and Trespa panels allowed the buildings to achieve a modern and visually striking exterior.
Design & Engineering Coordination
As part of the project scope, Structura was responsible for the design of the curtain wall system to ensure it met both performance and architectural requirements. Engineering considerations included structural integration with the existing building frame, thermal performance improvements, weather resistance and sealing performance, installation methodology, and long-term façade durability. By carefully engineering the curtain wall system, Structura ensured that the façade would perform reliably while maintaining its aesthetic quality over time.
Manufacturing & Fabrication
Following the design phase, the curtain wall components were manufactured to precise specifications. Manufacturing accuracy is critical in façade systems because small dimensional variations can affect installation alignment and long-term performance. The fabrication process ensured that all curtain wall elements and feature panels were produced to meet the project’s structural and architectural requirements.
Installation & Project Delivery
Once the curtain wall systems were manufactured, Structura’s installation team carried out the façade replacement works on site. Installation planning focused on delivering the project efficiently while maintaining safety and minimising disruption to the surrounding environment. Through careful coordination and experienced façade installation, the project was completed successfully and to the required quality standards. The installation process involved:
- Removal of existing façade components
- Preparation of connection points within the building structure
- Installation of the new curtain wall framework
- Integration of glazing and Trespa feature panels
- Final sealing and finishing works
Project Results
The curtain wall refurbishment at Maxwell House and Medway House delivered significant improvements to both building performance and visual identity. The project demonstrates how façade engineering can transform existing commercial buildings without requiring complete structural redevelopment.
Improved Thermal Performance
One of the primary outcomes of the refurbishment was improved thermal performance across both buildings. The new curtain wall system provides improved insulation compared with the previous façade systems, helping reduce heat loss and improve internal environmental conditions. Improved thermal performance can contribute to lower energy consumption, improved occupant comfort, reduced heating and cooling demand, and increased overall building efficiency. For commercial office buildings, these improvements play an important role in supporting both tenant satisfaction and long-term operational efficiency.
Refreshed Architectural Appearance
The integration of aluminium curtain walling with Trespa feature panels delivered a modernised façade that significantly improves the visual presence of both buildings within Newbury Business Park. The updated façade creates a contemporary architectural appearance that reflects the expectations of modern commercial developments. Improving building aesthetics is particularly important in competitive business environments where visual quality influences tenant perception and property value.
Enhanced Building Durability
Modern curtain wall systems are designed to provide long-term resistance to environmental conditions including wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations. By replacing the ageing façade systems, the refurbishment improves the durability and longevity of the building envelope. This helps reduce long-term maintenance requirements and ensures the façade continues to perform reliably for many years.
Increased Market Appeal
Commercial property developments must continuously evolve to remain competitive. The façade refurbishment at Maxwell House and Medway House has significantly enhanced the attractiveness of the buildings within Newbury Business Park. The combination of improved thermal performance and refreshed aesthetics helps position the buildings as modern, desirable office spaces. These improvements contribute to maintaining strong occupancy levels and long-term property value.