Jazz improvisations, classical sounds, and contemporary arrangements resonate daily at the Bielsko Cultural Centre in Bielsko-Biała. A few years ago, the building underwent a complete redevelopment, with one of its key highlights being the replacement of the glazing and internal and external partitions using WIŚNIOWSKI aluminium products.
As this is a historic building, the architects focused on creating a space where high culture would be presented in a modern style while preserving the site’s historical atmosphere. Today, this 19th-century building houses one of the most advanced concert halls in Poland. All the elements referencing the building’s traditions were preserved, while at the same time, it was equipped with state-of-the-art systems to meet the most demanding requirements of performing artists.
A striking impression from the very entrance
Visitors to the Bielsko Cultural Centre are welcomed by a new glass façade. This consists of almost 500 m² of high-quality aluminium-glass structures. The entire façade was constructed using grey-tinted solar control glass, giving the building a distinctive character. It also protects the interior from excessive heat gain by limiting the penetration of sunlight. The tinted glass also produces an intriguing visual effect inside by refracting light and creating a unique atmospheric mood.
The front of the building features a massive 300 m² façade. Such a large façade requires special reinforcements to support its weight. The tempered glass is not only durable, but also provides protection from injury in the event of breakage. For the safety of visitors, in line with fire safety regulations, anti-panic locks were installed, enabling emergency doors to be opened quickly and safely by a pressing crowd.
Fire protection
To ensure the safety of visitors, a range of solutions were implemented to minimize the risks associated with a potential building fire. The facility is equipped with monitoring and fire protection systems that are connected directly to emergency services. These include modern audio systems and a water mist pump.
To meet the strict fire protection requirements, WIŚNIOWSKI façade systems were equipped with profile assemblies offering suitable fire resistance and non-combustible infills. In certain sections of the structure, angled connections with fire-rated façades were used to enhance their strength in the event of a fire. In particularly critical areas, specialized fire-resistant glass in the MB-78EI system was installed, providing significantly higher protection during a fire. This type of glass can contain the fire within the room for up to 60 minutes, allowing time for an effective rescue operation to begin.
Unlimited possibilities
WIŚNIOWSKI façade systems make it possible to construct all-glass building façades in any shape or form. The possibility to seamlessly combine them with aluminium doors and windows provides virtually unlimited creative opportunities, enabling the execution of even the boldest architectural designs. The quality of these products is confirmed by their excellent air tightness, acoustic and thermal insulation performance, as well as their high strength characteristics, making it possible to create safe monumental glazed structures.
