500 Capability Green
Schüco Value Up approach delivers a contemporary façade refurbishment to a landmark office building
Architect: Darling Associates Architects
Façade contractor: Arkay Windows
Photo credits: Steve Pearcy Photography
The façades of a landmark 1980s office building in Luton have been enhanced using the Schüco Value Up approach as part of a major upgrade to create the new energy efficient headquarters for holiday company TUI.
Refurbishment of the 7,500m2, three-floor office at Capability Green was undertaken by MCR Property Group. The project prioritised sustainability and energy efficiency in line with both TUI's and MCR's Environmental, Social and Governance goals.
Façade contractor Arkay Contractors adopted the Schüco Value Up approach to upgrade the existing 1980s curtain wall system to current energy performance standards.
Rather than replace the curtain wall in its entirety, Arkay Contractors developed a solution which retained the existing mullions and transoms to save time and carbon.
Once the old curtain walling had been removed the transoms and mullions were cleaned and resprayed to freshen up their appearance. Once refreshed they were fitted with the new hybrid curtain wall system developed by Arkay Contractors in collaboration with Schüco.
The upgraded system incorporated high-performance glazing units which were retained by the outer components of the Schüco FWS 60 curtain wall system. This included pressure plates, face caps and pressure plate gaskets.
To ensure the hybrid system was weathertight, Arkay designed and manufactured project specific gaskets to seal the interfaces between the old and the new.
Arkay Contractors also adapted the Schüco FWS 60 mullion-drained system to work with the existing transom-drained elements. “We tested the finished solution using the CWCT hose test for watertightness to prove the finished system performed as designed," says Sony Atwal, Technical and Operations Director at Arkay Contractors.
The Schüco Value Up approach adopted by Arkay Contractors at Capability Green shows how the thermal performance of existing curtain walling systems can be economically upgraded. By taking a project specific approach, tailored to the existing installation, the scheme secures the property’s long term value and appeal.
As part of the upgrade Arkay Contractors also replaced external doors with new Schüco ADS 60 units.
TUI is expected to move into its new HQ in early 2026.
