One of the design features of the new training facility is its curved roof, which drops to ground level at both ends and has a natural living surface to help it blend into the rural surroundings.

Fabricated and installed by Fox Aluminium, Technal's Trame Horizontale curtain walling was specified for its horizontal emphasis to express the building's linear aspect. The system - used on three elevations - gives the academy a spacious feel and contemporary design.

On the north and south elevations, the top mullions and pressure plates of the curtain walling were specially curved to follow the roof line. The system was finished in metallic silver, and glazed in clear solar control glass.

Natural ventilation

The glazing is shielded from solar gain by a series of vertical brise soleil "fins" that are clad in brass panels, which will weather naturally over time. Concealed top-hung vents were inserted into the façades to provide natural ventilation where required.

Technal's GXi sliding aluminium doors were also installed, opening onto the balconies from the managers' suites, with two larger sets providing access onto the players' terrace.

The new facility features the latest in training, rehabilitation, medical, and pitch technology, and unifies all football training activities at Chelsea. Facilities include the UK's largest HydroWorx pool, steam and sauna room, spa pool, medical treatment rooms, gym, changing rooms for professional, reserve and academy players, offices and dining rooms. 

Continuous product development

As part of its continuous product development program, Technal has launched MX Trame, which uses the same grid system as other design options in the MX curtain walling range. The system allows specifiers to accentuate the vertical or horizontal profiles across the building envelope and can accommodate 6mm to 32mm glazing units, as a flat façade or faceted up to 10º with MX Trame Horizontale.

The GXi sliding window and balcony door is an elegant glazing solution, which has clean, narrow 41mm sight lines and a flush polyamide thermal break for enhanced performance. The GXi aluminium profiles can be flat-faced or curved and there is the option of single or dual colors for further design flexibility. Configurations range from a simple two-leaf system to a multi-panel sliding patio door on two tracks.

Hydro is Europe's preferred supplier of aluminium building systems, and delivers to scores of other countries around the globe. Its three international brands - Domal, Technal and Wicona - cover the whole range of system products.