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Kolorplas
Takes on the Tudor Challenge
Kolorplas
has solved the problem of finding suitable replacement windows for owners
of a 300-year-old Tudor house near Milton Keynes. The PVCu fabricator
and colour coating specialist has supplied twenty black Tudor style windows,
and installation was completed by Radley, the Group's retail division.
Kolorplas is one of the few companies offering a black frame profile,
which offers low maintenance, yet aesthetically acceptable replacements
for homes with Tudor-style timber windows. The owners of the property
near Milton Keynes heard about Radley's wide choice of window colours
on a local radio advertisement. "Being in their seventies they didn't
want the high maintenance of timber, but until they heard our advert thought
white or woodgrain were the only options in PVCu. These simply weren't
suitable for a property of this style and age, so our Tudor window provided
the perfect solution,' explains Chas Hollis, Sales & Marketing Director
at Kolorplas.
Following discussion at Radley's showroom and a site visit, casement windows
using WHS/Halo's Eclipse profile system, colour coated in black on the
outside and with a white interior, were selected. The traditional effect
was further enhanced with the application of external Georgian bars. Due
to the unevenness of the property's stone facade, Radley's installation
team also supplied and fitted matching PVCu trims for the frame surrounds
for a neat, clean finish.
Kolorplas' Tudor range is suitable for all window types - casement, vertical
sash, bow, bay and even French doors. The standard configuration consists
of a black frame with black transom, mullions and cill with white sashes
and can be supplied in a satin or timber effect finish. The interior can
be left in the white or woodgrain finish, or be coloured as required.
However, there are numerous combinations along these lines. Specially
treated blackened lead, which is less shiny, can be specified to create
a more authentic aged effect, and a highly decorative leaded design, called
Queen Anne, is also available.
Contact: Chas Hollis
Tel: 01235 516700
Vetrotech
Saint-Gobain In World First Glass Tunnel
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain, the manufacturer
of fire resisting glass, has completed a glass road tunnel in Munich,
Germany - the first of its kind world-wide to use a point-fixing spider
system.
Successful construction of the 280 metre tunnel, on the city's new 28
km Middle Ring Road, further emphasises to specifiers and architects that
today's technologically- advanced glazing systems can provide an expanding
range of design solutions.
'Glass is no longer simply a medium primarily for use in windows, screens,
doors and curtain walling. Advanced glazing systems can now meet such
stringent fire conditions that glass can now replace other building materials
for a much larger range of building applications,' said David Clarkson,
UK managing director of Vetrotech Saint-Gobain.
The glass Petuel Tunnel was built as a noise enclosure to protect neighbouring
residential buildings - a major consideration for an important ring road
that will carry one seventh of total trunk road traffic within the Munich
metropolitan area.
The developers chose SGG Vetroflam, a Class A glass developed to meet
the new radiation control classification of Euronorm EN 357, and which
provides up to 60 minutes of integrity and a significant reduction in
the transmission of radiated heat.
The laminated glass, which also has to withstand the effects of deliberate
vandalism, high wind loading and severe weather conditions, was installed
in thicknesses of either 29mm or 37mm, and in glass sizes of 1700mm by
2050mm. In total, some 3,500 sq metres of Vetrotech Saint-Gobain glass
was installed.
The advanced fire resisting properties of SGG Vetroflam was of particular
significance to the Munich fire department, following a number of high-profile
fires in European tunnels in recent years.
One advantage of SGG Vefroflam is that, in the event of fire, the glass
not only provides an effective barrier against the passage of smoke, flames
and toxic gasses - it also remains transparent and fully intact, therefore
allowing better evacuation of the fire site.
The specialist system passed eight separate fire tests, underlining the
success of SGG Vetropoint as a safe and aesthetically-pleasing point-glazing
system to safely accommodate large spans of glass - the first time world-wide
that such a system has been used.
The glass enclosure, designed by local architects Aur & Weber, was
also required to withstand temperatures ranging from -35 degrees C to
+60 degrees C.
Last year, Vetrotech Saint-Gobain also supplied over 2,672 glazed panels
for the Wong Chu Road glass tunnel in Hong Kong - again constructed as
a noise enclosure, and the first such structure of its type in the world
to incorporate large areas of fire rgsisting glass.
'Our experience across the world in projects large and small means that
we can supply the right fire resisting solution at the right price - a
unique combination of experience with the most advanced glasses available
anywhere,' said David Clarkson.
Contact: Paula Doody
Tel: 0113 239 1500
Email: mailto:paula.doody@saint-gobain.com
New
Technology Solves Arch Challenge
Metal
UK has completed a £300,000 project to design, engineer and install
double-glazed entrance facades to six Victorian railway arches which are
being converted into restaurants, bars and retail units in Isabella Street,
London.
As Managing Director Rod Milicevic explains, the arches presented a number
of interesting challenges. 'The design specified that each head section
be curved and that the external surface should be sheer-faced, without
protruding retaining bolts. The architect, Allies Morrison, also wanted
the doors to appear frameless and to fully open, so that the units can
be used as pavement café's.'
These challenges were overcome with the assistance of fischer Fixings'
new Micropoint technology, which is exclusively marketed in the UK by
Metal UK. 'Micropoint is a unique new retaining system that is secured
within the glass with an undercut hole, presenting a completely sheer
external face,' explains Milicevic.
Metal UK's specialist glass manufacturing sister company, Glass UK, created
the huge double glazed units for the project and Metal UK set about designing
the bespoke door system, which also utilises the Micropoint technology.
Tel:
01895 629940
Email: mailto:enquires@metaluk.co.uk
Web: http://www.metaluk.co.uk
Mercury
Keeps the Temperature up at Pembrokeshire Schools
Veka
fabricator and installer Mercury Window Systems of Ammanford near Swansea
has completed two installations at infant and junior schools in Pembrokeshire,
West Wales that will keep pupils warmer and more comfortable during the
winter months and beyond.
Built
in 1973, the Roch Community School is situated in a rural area near the
coast at Newgale just outside Pembrokeshire National Park. Its older windows
were beginning to suffer from age and wear and tear and were letting in
the cold, a fact that was highlighted on a condition survey conducted
by Pembrokeshire County Council. A similar problem was also being experienced
by another school near Cardigan, North Pembrokeshire, a building also
erected in the early 1970s.
A seasoned Veka specifier, the Council tendered the window refurbishment
of both schools out to Network Veka members only. Veka's Matrix 58 system
was specified as a high quality, durable system at a cost-effective price.
As a result of the contract, Roch Community School recently benefited
from the installation of 26 new windows and doors manufactured by Mercury
using Veka's Matrix 58 system. The project was completed by the company
in just five days.
The school near Cardigan has also undergone a three stage refurbishment
involving the installation of new Matrix 58 manufactured windows and screen
walling systems. lnstalling screens measuring 7.5 metres wide, Mercury
Window Systems had to work to tight deadlines during school holidays in
order to complete the work on schedule. Comments Stuart Jones, one of
the partners at Mercury Window Systems:
'We had to contend with a lot of old steelwork inside the building that
needed examining or replacing, as well as fitting new structural mullions,
all of which can slow you down. However, we still managed to complete
the projects on time, which was quite an achievement.'
Neil McCarthy, Maintenance Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, was
pleased with Mercury's performance: 'This is the first time we've used
Mercury Windwv Systems and we were very impressed with the work they did.
There were no problems at all.'
Established just 14 months ago, Mercury Window Systems has already built
up a considerable portfolio of trade and retail customers and plans to
expand its commercial and local authority activities in the near future.
Tel: 01282 716611
Email: mailto:salesenquiry@veka.com
Web: http://www.vekauk.com
Metal
UK Installs Record-Breaking Glass Roof
Metal
UK, designer and installer of bespoke glass solutions, recently installed
the largest toughened double-glazed unit ever created in the UK –
a huge 5.9m x 2.4m roof for one of the company's most demanding clients.
The glass roof unit, which weighs over 700kg, was craned over a terrace
in Notting Hill, London, along with the other glass components to make
up a conservatory. The conservatory was designed by architectural designer/developer
David Furze of The Holland Park Studio. The engineering was in collaboration
with his engineer, Steve Atkinson of Building Structure Works Shop. The
unit was manufactured by Metal UK's sister company, Glass UK.
'I have worked with Metal UK on several projects and they are unique,
not just in terms of the size and quality of what they provide, but also
in their attitude to their work. I require minimalist execution that matches
my design philosophy and in that regard this latest project is a beautiful
example of oneness,' says David Furze.
Tel: 01895 629940
Email: mailto:enquiries@metaluk.co.uk
Web: http://www.metaluk.co.uk
Wendland's
new Styal conservatory roofing system is providing an attractive and practical
solution for covering over a disused swimming pool in a courtyard at a
Cornish primary school. Oxford Trade Frames in South Brent, Devon has
recently supplied the roof, pre-fabricated by Wendland, for installation
by Alliance Windows.
The
large 8.5m by 6.2m roof now encloses the area, creating a light and airy
new classroom at Biscovey School near St Austell, The finished result,
in durable white PVCu, is an intricate L-shaped triple hipped roof, incorporating
a double fabricated box gutter to ensure effective rainfall collection.
Given the size and complexity of the roof, Wendland worked closely with
all parties to produce a comprehensive specification that ensured both
fabrication and installation went smoothly.
'Wendland's technical team provided excellent support throughout, and
the increased strength and rigidity of the new Styal system make it ideal
for this type of demanding roof specification,' says Andy Agar, Director
of Oxford Trade Frames.
Launched in autumn 2002, Wendland's Styal roofing system incorporates
a combination of new features and benefits which represent added value
for both fabricators and installers. Stronger, slimmer and easier to install,
Styal incorporates hollow sections in the rafters to accommodate invisible
steel reinforcement. This innovation permits a projection up to five metres
on lean-to roofs without the need for additional expensive and unsightly
support.
Oxford Trade Frames operates as a trade distributor of a wide range of
PVCu windows, doors and conservatories throughout the south west of England.
The company offers a complete conservatory service including full CAD
facilities.
Established for six years, Oxford Trade Frames was set up to service the
smaller user, as co-director Mark Thomas explains, 'Cost and delivery
charges for top quality branded products can be prohibitive for some lower
volume companies. As a distributor we can buy in at competitive prices
and pass this economy of scale onto our customers.' This supply approach,
which includes a one working week service, certainly seems to be proving
a commercial success for Oxford Trade Frames. The company has nearly doubled
its turnover since 2001 and is looking to expand into bar length roof
fabrication using the Wendland system following its move into larger,
purpose-built premises next year.
Tel: 01452 722266
Web: http://www.wendland.co.uk
Originally
designed over 100 years ago by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, The Lighthouse
is one of Glasgow's most popular architectural landmarks.
Granada
Secondary Glazing Ltd was chosen to supply and install the secondary glazing
for The Lighthouse. There were a number of reasons why The Lighthouse
chose Granada and secondary glazing. Among them that Granada claims to
achieve as much as 52dB noise reduction in practice/on site by applying
secondary glazing methods and special acoustic materials.
The Lighthouse opened to the public in July 1999 as part of Glasgow' s
year as UK City of Architecture and Design. It has been transformed from
the near derelict home of the Glasgow Herald newspaper to a stunning contemporary
centre with exceptional views across the city. The final stage ofthe refurbishment
was to install secondary glazing.
The Lighthouse is now more than a visitor attraction; it offers public
access to culture, heritage, architecture and design. It is regularly
used to hold seminars and workshops for educational purposes. It is also
known as Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design and the City.
Jim Egan, Director of Works at The Lighthouse said 'From initial contact
and placing a bid to completion of the work, Granada reacted well to the
project. We wanted sound reduction rather than anything else, and we are
entirely satisfied with the end result. The windows have not only solved
the problem of noise but they look good too. They did a very good job.'
Granada Secondary Glazing Ltd is a UK supplier ofbespoke secondary glazing
with its head office and origins rooted in Chesterfield. Modern fabrication
techniques allow considerable freedom of choice with secondary glazing
design - horizontal or vertical sliders, hinged or lift out units, arched
or curved heads - and Granada's secondary systems have been developed
specifically to meet all these
requirements.
Contact: Steve Barrow
Tel: 01246 261262
Siegenia
Products are a 'Sinah' Dependability
Product
reliability and a strong service led to the specification of window hardware
from manufacturer, Siegenia-Aubi Ltd, in a recent new build project for
the Warner Group.
The
£6 million project involved the demolition of old chalets to build
the new, stylish extension to the Sinah Warren hotel on Hayling Island,
near Portsmouth.
The new section of the hotel features tilt and turn PVCu windows fitted
with Siegenia-Aubi hardware throughout the second floor. Installed by
Blendworth Windows, the windows were manufactured using the Marshall-Tufflex
Strata system profile. Contractors, Kier, completed the project in February
2003 and the hotel, which has a capacity of 580 guests, is currently fully
booked.
Blendworth Windows Ltd has been working with Siegenia for more than eight
years and always turns to Siegenia hardware for commercial and residential
installations. According to Bob Cummins, Managing Director at Blendworth,
the decision to incorporate TBT gearing in the Sinah Warren hotel was
a result of the continued quality of Siegenia-Aubi hardware and the need
for improved ventilation made possible by tilt and turn windows.
He says, 'We have always been impressed by the quality and reliability
of Siegenia products and the technical advice and support we have received.
Siegenia tilt and turn mechanisms are the most reliable on the market
and so it was an easy decision!'
Siegenia-Aubi and Blendworth Windows are already involved in discussions
about a future project incorporating Siegenia's high performance, corrosion
resistant E-Look hardware coating in a seafront installation.
Tel: 024 7662 2000
Email: mailto:si-uk@siegenia.com
Web: http://www.siegenia.de