In Antoni, the window frames and glass breakthrough screens stylishly fall away

Aluminum combines effortlessly in a contemporary building. The proof is in Nieuw Delft district, where Kawneer's aluminum profile systems were used in the multifunctional building Antoni. Facade specialist Alkondor Hengelo was able to quickly integrate the prefabricated systems and, with Kawneer's fall-through protection, added a unique form of security. Because those screens, integrated ín the frame and completely made of glass? They are barely noticeable - exactly as they are meant to be.

Harmonious. Perhaps that word best describes the appearance of Antoni, Jan Bergman believes. "A lot comes together in this building. It looks stately. And at the same time it has a modern look, like a project of our time. Special to see how our products are reflected in it."

Bergman is deputy director at Alkondor Hengelo, a facade specialist that works with total concepts primarily on larger commercial and residential construction projects throughout the Netherlands. Development and prefabrication, delivery and assembly: at Alkondor they bring it all together. The same goes for Antoni, a multifunctional building in the Nieuw Delft district that combines living and working.

The complex stands out with its stacked form, with the two sides rising gradually to the highest point. Behind the glass plinth on the first floor are work and exhibition spaces, among other things; above that, people look out over the surroundings from their hotel rooms, studios and lofts. And that's because of the triple-glass placed in Kawneer aluminum frame profiles, which Alkondor integrated into the facade.

Modular makes efficient

"We've been working with Kawneer for years," says Bergman, "and for good reason. Half a word is enough, we know where to find each other. Apart from that mutual communication, we are satisfied with Kawneer's products. They are modular, which increases both the design possibilities and the efficiency on the construction site."

For Antoni in addition to the AA 4110 sliding system, Kawneer also supplied the RT-72 Reflex window system, which includes an integrated fall-through guard just in front of the tall tilt-and-turn windows. This consists of a transparent screen of glass, which ensures maximum light penetration. "Instead of being on top of the frame, this fall-through protection is inside it," says Hans den Hollander, technical sales advisor at Kawneer. "This makes the screen less conspicuous, which contributes to a unified appearance."

Moreover, there is another advantage with the system, says Den Hollander. "This fall-through screen is part of our standard range, and can therefore be used for any project. An architect does not have to start drawing, instead a facade builder can integrate the frames directly into the facade. That improves speed."

Advice to architect

Like Bergman, Den Hollander also emphasizes the good cooperation between the two parties, as he says the consultation for this project went smoothly with all involved. "The communication was open, with room for everyone's input and knowledge. For example, Kawneer provided advice to Studioninedots, which asked us as architects about the possibilities of integrated fall-through protection." Whereas Alkondor carried out the project on behalf of the construction companies SBB and Vink Bouw, there was hardly any hierarchy, Bergman says. "Instead, the cooperation was mostly equal. And when delays did occur, we dealt with them by communicating openly. By being flexible and understanding everyone's situation. That worked well."

Two-tone window frames

Look at Antoni from the outside, and the window frames have a clear anodized gray color with RAL 7021. This is in contrast to the view from inside: there the window frames have a white look with RAL 9010. According to Bergman, see it as a combination of the desired look with an eye for living comfort. "White simply looks more neutral, and can be combined better inside."

Aluminum requires little maintenance, making cleaning less frequent. Also, the material is 100% and infinitely recyclable, retaining properties and quality. As a result, it contributes to a circular economy. And so Kawneers products make their sustainable contribution, just as AA 4110 and RT 72 Reflex do in other areas. Both systems are easy to operate, and offer high thermal insulation in addition to high airtightness and strong sound insulation. Together, this all fits within the sustainable features of the building, Bergman says. "The requirements for energy savings were higher before construction than they were in the Building Code at the time. In that respect, too, Antoni has become a building of our time.