Kawneer systems help to distil a sense of transparency at Dalmunach

Architectural aluminium glazing systems by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer have enabled an award-winning distillery to also be ground-breaking in its transparency.Kawneer’s AA®110 dry-glazed and externally-capped curtain walling and series 350 severe-duty commercial entrance doors feature on the £30 million Dalmunach Distillery on the banks of the River Spey in north Scotland.Designed by architects Archial Norr, the new distillery was commissioned by Chivas Brothers to replace the former Imperial Distillery as the 15th Scotch whisky distillery operated by the company.They were not looking for an industrial shed but rather a building that would demonstrate the manufacturing process in a transparent and easy-to-follow way. The distillery was designed to showcase the equipment including malt mills, malt bins, mash tuns, washbacks, stills and the spirit safe, in a bright and spacious environment.Built using the latest innovations and environmental expertise such as heat recovery technology, the layout was inspired by the shape of a sheaf of barley, Scotch whisky’s core ingredient.Kawneer’s curtain walling has been used as the principal screens in the Mash House and Still Room, including the striking gable screens which also accommodate the large louvered timber access doors. On both, subtly radiused corners help soften the overall appearance.The design of the curtain wall, with glass units more than 10m² in size and weighing up to 540kgs, allowed for partial demountability to allow for future removal of the glass for maintenance of the equipment inside.The systems by Kawneer, part of the Arconic group, were installed over five months for main contractor Robertson by approved specialist sub-contractor Linn-Tech Scotland.