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Cardiff Glass - Clear Winner of Top Conservatory Prize

Cardiff Glass has once again claimed the top prize for Best Conservatory in the Master Builder of the Year Awards 2006.

Cardiff Glass, which first took the Award in 2005, was selected for this year's prize for a magnificent Victorian style conservatory offering state-of-the-art performance with glass that reflects heat away in the summer and sensors to shut fanlights automatically when it rains.

The Awards are part of a national search by The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) for the best builders in Britain, and the Conservatory category is sponsored by K2. The Awards are unique because every builder must be nominated by a satisfied client who is so pleased with their finished project that they feel their builder deserves special recognition.

Said FMB Director General, Ian Davis: 'The Master Builder of the Year Awards highlight the achievements of the many thousands of small and medium-sized building firms, which form the backbone of the UK construction industry. And whose work for homeowners, commercial organisations and public bodies, though greatly appreciated by their clients, often goes unsung by the media. These Awards provide an annual opportunity to redress that balance and to give the clients their say.'

Homeowners Mr and Mrs Gay, who nominated Cardiff Glass for the Award, said: 'The service we received from Cardiff Glass was second to none and we would have no reservations whatsoever in recommending the company. In fact, one of our relatives has ordered a conservatory from Cardiff Glass, which is currently under construction.'

Cardiff Glass was presented with its Award by expert property developer and TV presenter Sarah Beeny, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday 9th November in front of over 500 guests.

Details of Cardiff Glass' winning project, and those of the other five finalists follow.

National winner:
Builder: Cardiff Glass Ltd
Client: Jen and Bob Gay

Jen and Bob Gay both wanted a large conservatory to complement their farmhouse home, providing a living space that seamlessly integrated into their garden, and was usable all year round. Working in partnership with Shaun Armstrong and his team from Cardiff Glass Ltd, they came up with their ideal solution - a unique large hi-tech T-shaped conservatory, which with careful detailing, perfectly blends into the couple's idyllic rustic home.

On approaching the magnificent conservatory, the first noticeable feature is its mahogany exterior frame panels, matching the appearance of the farmhouse's window frames. However, inside, the conservatory's frame is of durable stylish white UPVC. Attached to the conservatory's structural steel-reinforced aluminium boxed trough system frame, these finishes show the exceptional attention to detail undertaken in this project.

Other aesthetic highlights include the use of attractive stone walls and flags - supplied and specified by Jen and Bob Gay - to enhance the rustic look of the conservatory to match their home.

Jen said: 'Changes were made to the original design - but these were discussed step-by-step and agreed with Shaun. We are absolutely delighted with the overall result and the speed of progress. The conservatory was ready in time to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary.'

One of the obstacles surmounted in building the conservatory was successfully integrating it with the typical vagaries of the shape of a period property.
Additionally, Sean applied his expertise in the building of a large conservatory. He appreciated the need to avoid the risk of the roof spreading because of its large span, and provided a five-way tie bar solution, ensuring its structural integrity.

Another challenge was making the conservatory comfortable all year round. Shaun and the team used the best technology available to achieve the desired result.
This included the use of K2 Celsius high performance solar reflective self-cleaning glass, which thanks to its excellent thermal efficiency helps keep the conservatory cool in summer and warm in winter. Furthermore, temperature controlled fanlights and roof ventilation panels were installed and linked to a rain sensor to prevent the interior getting wet. Providing the ultimate in comfort and dust reduction is a Mitsubishi air conditioning unit.

An example of the care taken over the project is the installation of top caps made of aluminium, because plastic ones would have distorted in the heat due to the conservatory's southwest orientation. Shaun's team even changed the barrels of the locks on the conservatory's many entrance doors, replacing them with locks that only allow access with one master key.

Regional winners:

Eastern:
Builder: G&M Parratt Ltd, Daventry, Northamptonshire
Client: Mr & Mrs Ross

G & M Parratt Ltd won the Eastern region prize for a bespoke timber conservatory, constructed to be in keeping with the an 18th century cottage.

The challenging nature of the site meant that more than 100 tons of topsoil had to be removed from the garden and distributed around different properties within the village.

Homeowner Maris Ross, who nominated the G & M Parratt Ltd for the Award, praised the company for their standards of workmanship and customer care. 'Very few builders would consider taking this job on because of the complexity of building a conservatory behind my house, where the garden rises in a steep bank, without proper access. The conservatory is in keeping with my cottage and the stonework is a perfect match. I am delighted with the result.'

London:
Builder: The East London Window Company, London E4
Client: Mr & Mrs Rasit

The East London Window Company won the London Award for the company's skill and care in constructing a stunning conservatory for a property in Woodford Green. The new conservatory has significantly extended the home, providing the owners, Mr and Mrs Rasit, with a light and spacious area to enjoy all year round.

A delighted Mr and Mrs Rasit had no hesitation in nominating the conservatory company for an Award, saying: 'We are so pleased with our new conservatory and were immediately put at ease by the East London Windows team, who were genuine and friendly from start to finish.'

Midland:
Builder: Argent Home Improvements, Cradley Heath, West Midlands
Client: Dr Ghatge

Midland region winner, Argent Home Improvements, specialises in bespoke design. Dr Ghatge had struggled to get anyone to design a conservatory to suit his home until the company came up with a plan for a conservatory wrapping round two sides of his property at an angle of 112 degrees.

The judges were particularly impressed by the craftsmanship and individuality of the design: 'Argent Home Improvements specialises not just in building conservatories, but in building relationships with its clients. The final result added almost double the cost of the project to the value of the house, which is a testament to the high standards of this firm.'

North West:
Builder: Wilmslow Glass, Cheshire
Client: Mr & Mrs Hardcastle

Wilmslow Glass won the North West prize for an impressive conservatory, with a roof that incorporates the latest self-cleaning glass. In addition to erecting the Victorian-style conservatory, Wilmslow Glass provided a full interior service, undertaking all the electrical work and plastering and constructing a bespoke wall unit to house the owners' home cinema equipment.

Said homeowner, Rachael Hardcastle: 'Wilmslow Glass could not have been more accommodating with our specific design requests and the company's commitment to customer service is second to none.'

South West:
Builder: Associated Conservatories & Windows Ltd, Filton, Bristol
Client: Mr & Mrs Oldfield

Associated Conservatories & Windows Ltd claimed the top prize for the South West region for a bespoke conservatory at a historic house in Tockington.

The house is owned by the musician, Mike Oldfield, who stipulated a 'quiet' site as part of the contract. Associated Conservatories & Windows Ltd dug the foundations by hand, ensured that no cutting saws were used on site and that any noisy work was planned well in advance so the client could be elsewhere. The company's helpful approach, and the beautifully crafted end result, earned Associated Conservatories and Windows Ltd its nomination for the Master Builder of the Year Awards.

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Lockwood Window Company Wins Top Showroom Award

Kömmerling fabricator, Lockwood Window Company, has scooped a special award for its outstanding showroom in Lockwood, Huddersfield.

The firm launched the showroom in January 2006, answering the call from customers who were requesting to see more of Lockwood's Kömmerling Connoisseur product range in situ.

Richard Pogson, Managing Director and owner of Lockwood Window Company says listening to customers shaped the showroom concept, ‘We're moving with the times, consumers simply want more choice - that's why we're moving away from the image of simple white PVC - creating a product range which positions windows and conservatories as lifestyle products enhancing the appearance of your property.’

Lockwood offers a range of eight foil colours in addition to the standard Oak and Rosewood foil variations of the Kömmerling Connoisseur profile. The interiors of the two showroom conservatories, one constructed in Rosewood one in conservation green coloured profile, were designed by Lorraine Smith, Richard Pogson's partner. The showroom is a very effective sales tool for Lockwood, customers have said that the dressed conservatories help them to visualise what it might be like to own the products on show.

David Wilkinson (pictured right), North of England Sales Manager for Kömmerling, shown presenting the award to Managing Director Richard Pogson (left) and Production Manager Raymond Simpson (centre) said, ‘Lockwood is a company, which in addition to becoming more efficient and more profitable, is ahead of the game in the way it presents its products. The 'Showroom of Excellence' plaque is well deserved.’

The Lockwood Window Company gains new business on the basis of recommendations alone and is well known locally for being a quality company with a unique range of quality products. Its flexibility is appealing to customers. They are able to choose bespoke frame colours, decorative glass designs and conservatories made to any shape, meaning customers are not restricted to a choice of a few modular designs.

Lockwood's latest window range includes a range of coloured blinds which are integral to the double glazed glass unit, yet another first for the local area.
Production Manager, Raymond Simpson said, ‘As a small local company, you have to be one step ahead of the competition - you can't afford to be complacent - That's why we're constantly on the look out for new products to enhance our product range.’

The fully sculptured Kömmerling Connoisseur, with its ovolo curves, forms the base of Lockwood's range. Richard Pogson said, ‘In Kömmerling, we are using the best profile in Europe. Everything we put on our products, from the Yale locks and hardware to the foils and bespoke glasswork is enhanced by the quality of the lead-free profile - Connoisseur projects quality.’

‘We're increasingly receiving calls from house builders at the premium end of the market who've heard about our range. Our fully bespoke double glazed windows in a variety of colours are perfect for giving property that differentiating edge. Our showroom helps buyers and specifiers to get a feel for the quality of the finished product.’

For more information on Lockwood Window Company contact Managing Director Richard Pogson on 01484 519677.

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Sash UK Enjoys Night of Glory at Prestigious Award Ceremony

Friday the 13th proved not to be unlucky for everyone when Sash UK scored a hat trick at the Rotherham Business Awards 2006, including the prestigious Overall Winner Award.

The Yorkshire based PVCu manufacturer was presented with trophies for both the 'Excellence in Business' and 'Innovation in Business' categories as well as being crowned the 'Overall Winner' at the ceremony organised by the Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, held at Magna this October.

After visiting the company's headquarters in Barnsley the Judges said, ‘In a competitive and saturated market, Sash shows real growth, profitability, efficient production, good customer and supplier relationships, innovative product design and top-class man management. The company is now exporting to the USA which shows that this company can develop new products and develop into new markets with an offering that customers really want.’

‘It's wonderful to be acknowledged by the local business community in this way’, said Joint Managing Directors, David Ruzicka and Stephen Morrell. ‘It shows true recognition of all the hard work that all our employees at Sash have put in over the years. And it is an even bigger compliment given the standard of the other businesses up for nomination,’ they added.

‘As anyone in the industry will know, it has been a very turbulent climate in which to do business,’ commented David and Stephen. ‘But we have always stood by our ethos to continuously challenge industry standards. And it is by doing so that we will continue to weather the storms so that when the cloud breaks we can bask in the sun and enjoy the accolades of our peers, on what is a momentous occasion in Sash history,’ the delighted MD's added.

As a result of its local triumph, Sash has now been invited by the Rotherham Chamber to take part in the Regional Business Awards later this year.

Tel: 01226 719997

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Eurocell's Cavity Closer is BBA Approved

Eurocell's Cavity Closer System has recently gained BBA certification under the newly published construction accreditation details.

The Cavity Closer System underwent vigorous testing for air and water penetration along with material and fit for purpose testing and passed with flying colours. Knowing that the product meets BBA stringent criteria gives Eurocell's customers confidence that the Cavity Closer System provides outstanding performance and lives up to its claims.

Phil Curry, BBA, presents Ian Kernaghan, Eurocell Drawing Office Manager, with the certificate.

Gaining certification is particularly important for Eurocell customers who work in the new build market. Most new build sites now require all products that are fitted to have BBA certification, likewise some councils and local authorities will only specify products that are BBA certified. This means that the Cavity Closer System now joins the large number of other BBA accredited Eurocell window and door products that are ready for use on new build sites and for local authority contracts.

The Eurocell cavity closer system is designed to be compatible with Eurocell's window system range, but can also be used with most other window systems including wooden windows with front to back dimensions of 60mm or more.

Eurocell's Cavity Closer fits 75mm and 100mm cavities feature a head vent and quick snap action and allows for both internal and external frame fitting.

For more information on the system and other Eurocell products please call 01773 837490.

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Siegenia-Aubi Shines at Regional 'Oscars'

Staff at Coventry hardware and ventilation firm Siegenia-Aubi donned their glad rags last month to take their place alongside other winners at a glittering regional awards ceremony, dubbed the 'Warwickshire Oscars'.

The 13th annual Coventry Evening Telegraph business awards saw Siegenia-Aubi's commitment to staff rewarded with the Learning and Skills Council-sponsored Training Excellence Award.

The award was given in recognition of the focus on staff development and team spirit at the firm. In just five years, an ailing business dominated by a blame culture and divisions within the workforce has become a leading subsidiary within the global Siegenia-Aubi group, held up as an example of best practice in every area of business.

‘None of this would have happened had it not been for our team's openness to learning, ability to embrace change and commitment to colleagues and the business,’ says general manager Léann Hearne, who took over the running of the firm five years ago a year after the untimely death of her predecessor.

‘To get everyone to buy into taking the business forward, it's vital that they have the opportunity to input,’ she adds. ‘Over the last five years, we've developed a team-focused approach, which has included the creation of a five-strong management team - in which each member takes their turn to act as chairman - the introduction of a 'job swap' programme; and support from a life coach for anyone who felt they could benefit from it.’

The firm has also achieved Investors in People accreditation; implemented structured training programmes, introduced an annual open meeting at which company strategy is presented and discussed, and launched an objective-based incentive system for staff.

For Léann (pictured right with Ursula Russell of the Coventry & Warwickshire Learning and Skills Council), this top regional award is the culmination of five years' hard work and the dedication of everyone at Siegenia-Aubi.

‘We're all thrilled with the award,’ she says. ‘It represents a real team effort, and we celebrated in true Siegenia-Aubi team style!’

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Rugby Windows gets Energy to Grow its Market Share with Efficiency

Rugby Windows, the commercial fabricator based in Sapcote, Leicestershire is celebrating the results of its quest for energy efficiency certification for its products. The white casement window, manufactured from Deceuninck's zendow 3000 series, has been awarded an energy efficiency rating of B during the testing process carried out by the BBA.

The excellent result (the ratings run from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient), is a great reward for the hard work that went into gaining certification.

Anthony Hopewell, Works Director at Rugby Windows, who led the project to achieve certification, says: ‘We're delighted to have achieved such an excellent rating. Certification involved a lot of work, because we had to gather information for the independent assessor, the British Board of Agrément, but the help and support that Deceuninck gave us throughout the process was invaluable.’

Rugby Windows is one of the first companies to gain certification through the BBA, and is certainly the first company to do so in its Leicestershire catchment area. Anthony explains why the company sought certification: ‘Energy efficiency is becoming such an important area and we're confident that our forward-thinking approach will pay dividends. As part of the Home Information Pack the government plans to introduce next June, every home that's put on the market will be awarded an Energy Performance Certificate and this is going to have a big impact on the market. It's likely that just as double glazing is an important selling point for a house now, a good energy efficiency rating will be just as important in the future. The B rating we achieved will be a huge selling point for our retail installers and will help us in our trade partnerships too.’

The energy efficiency certification follows hot on the heels of Rugby Windows gaining Kitemark accreditations BS7412 and BS7950 enhanced security standard on its casement windows manufactured from Deceuninck's 3000 and 1800 Series. Both are an excellent demonstration of Rugby's commitment to giving the company’s customers the highest quality products and to gain the accreditations and certifications that prove it.

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Alumet Wins 'Glass Project of The Year' Award at G06

Warwickshire based Alumet Systems (UK) Ltd collected the 'Glass Project of The Year' award at this year's G06 glazing industry awards. The award recognised Alumet's work with Marriott Construction at the new CAPE Electronics Building in Cambridge.

 

Sev Cataldo, Marriotts Contracts Manager was on hand to receive the award with Alumet's Commercial Director Mark Sayers. The award was presented by Giles Hayhurst of Windowlink (Sponsor) and television personality Alastair McGowan.

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EXL Excels in the Built-in Quality Awards

Longstanding VEKA fabricators EXL Windows has been recently praised for its role in winning the Small House builder category in the Built-in Quality Awards.

Contracted by builder Holloway Developments to produce the windows and doors for a prestigious new-build development in Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, EXL pulled out all of the stops to ensure the very best quality products were installed, coupled with a dedicated and committed approach to getting the job done quickly and efficiently. ‘Being a VEKA fabricator for 18 years, EXL has enjoyed a long-lasting partnership that has seen the company achieve an unsurpassable customer satisfaction record - for which it has earned an unbeatable reputation - and being a strong advocate of the VEKA Matrix system means that the company delivers nothing but aesthetically pleasing products every time.’

Commenting on the main factors that enabled the company to win the award, Brian Beynon, managing director of Holloway Developments said: ‘When it comes to choosing materials, components and systems for our projects, we must insist on the highest performance expectations with a superior degree of aesthetical appearance. The external doors and windows supplied by EXL Windows met with these requirements perfectly and since the installations, we have received nothing but praise from the house buyers for their looks.’

The Built-in Quality Awards recognise the valuable role that builders and developers play in delivering high quality work in and around Carmarthenshire, and what effect and impact the final result will have on the inhabitants and the surrounding environment.

Regeneration and leisure executive board member Councillor Clive Sourfield commented: ‘No matter how big or small the building job, each one of these winners will have made a real difference to people's lives and should be applauded for their efforts.’

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AGS Pro-Bend Takes 2nd Place at the G06 Awards

Double celebrations were in full flow during the week of the G06 awards as specialist shaped frame manufacturer AGS Pro-Bend took second place in the ‘Specialist of the Year’ category at the G06 awards.

Earlier that week managing director, Matthew Wilkinson became a father for the 3rd time. ‘It turned out to be a hectic week all in all, with my son Brandon being born on the Tuesday & then heading down to the G06 awards on the Friday. All the AGS Pro-Bend team had a great night. We were all disappointed not to go home with 1st prize, however making 2nd place was a massive achievement for the whole team’, commented Matthew.

‘It was great to meet so many other companies on the night from so many different areas of the industry. The mood was quite upbeat with many of the people I spoke to undeterred by the industry slow down.

‘We will be back next year, hopefully to claim first prize. Many of our plans and the company re-brand to Pro-Bend will hopefully guarantee we get the result we are after. I would like to thank Duncan Douglas of WHS Halo & Jason Currall for suggesting we enter the award’, added Matthew.

Tel: 01482 876680
Email: sales@agsonline.co.uk
Web: http://www.agsonline.co.uk

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Energy Ratings Success for New REHAU-Heritage

REHAU has carried out indicative energy rating tests on its new REHAU-Heritage vertical slider and has achieved a 'B' and 'C' rating on two versions of the new window. This means the REHAU-Heritage will qualify for the 'Energy Saving Recommended' mark.

The tests were carried out on two versions of the new window - one targeted at the public and new build sector with a standard bottom rail which achieved a B rating and one targeted at the retail and conservation market with a traditional mechanically jointed deep bottom rail which achieved a C.

The indicative testing is excellent news for REHAU customers fabricating in REHAU-Heritage because it means they will be able to have their windows formally assessed to the same standard and will be able to mark their windows with the 'Energy Saving Recommended' logo which is so familiar to consumers.

David Harmer, the Product Manager at REHAU responsible for the launch of REHAU-Heritage, says: ‘The REHAU-Heritage is almost invariably sold as a premium product to discerning homeowners and commercial specifiers. These are exactly the types of buyers for whom the energy ratings have the greatest significance so we know that these ratings have real potential to increase sales.’

The new REHAU-Heritage vertical slider has been rolled out to REHAU's fabricator network during the first half of 2006 and made its first public appearance at the Chartered Institute of Housing exhibition in Harrogate in June.

Aesthetically, it features many of the elements from the original S719 Heritage but has additional benefits such as the deep bottom rail and low level silver gasketry for improved sight lines.

It also satisfies all the requirements of the commercial sector in terms of its extrusion in accordance with CEN A criteria, its ability to be fabricated to satisfy BS7412 and BS7950 and three chambered sash profiles which give increased thermal efficiency and weather performance.

Tel: 01989 762600

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Potton 'Practical Guide to Building a Potton Home' Wins TRADA Award

Self-build specialist Potton Ltd (Bedfordshire) has won this year‚s TRADA-sponsored 'Best Technical Information Support Award' for the company's new 'Practical Guide to Building a Potton Home'. The Award was presented as part of the TTJ Timber Industry Awards initiative at The Savoy hotel in London last month.

Potton Ltd created this manual as part of its drive to achieve the Investors in Excellence Award which was presented earlier this year on 23rd July. The Practical Guide to Building a Potton Home is now presented to all the company's self build customers, and provides an invaluable guide to the steps involved in building a Potton home.

Martin Waker and Brent Ackerman from Potton, joined Sir Digby Jones, last Director General of the CBI and TRADA Chief Executive Andrew Abbott to accept the award.

Said Brent Ackerman, Construction Manager at Potton: 'We are delighted to have received the TRADA award. The self build sector of the timber frame market is very significant as self builders, collectively, are the UK's largest house builders.
Potton's aim therefore has been to demystify the self build process and make it easier for homeowners to build their dream home. The 'Practical Guide to Building a Potton Home', as well as our free fortnightly Self Build Workshops and Seminars are designed to do just that.'

Using guidelines from the National House Building Council and Zurich Technical manuals, this 20 part handbook takes the self builders through each stage of the build, from site preparation to details of the structural and thermal calculations required for building any of Potton's house designs. Each section includes a list of 'Key Materials' required at a particular stage, plus there is a 'Key Points' section on each page designed to highlight the important factors to remember at each stage of construction.

According to TRADA Chief Executive Andrew Abbott, its loose-leaf format impressed the judges. 'The folder is well laid out with an easy to follow index. Each section contains a box of key points, which will serve as a checklist to ensure that important items do not get overlooked. The handbook also enables homeowners to record details about their own specific house, making it a very personal document.'

Mr Abbott added; 'Yet again the judges were hugely impressed with the quality of entries received for the award. TRADA accords the highest importance to good technical information. Potton‚s 'Practical Guide' will help to develop a better understanding of both the benefits of timber frame and its design potential'.

Three further entries were shortlisted for the Award:
Dupont Tyvek's Technical Booklet, 'Providing protection in construction; Volume 2; Walls and Floors', providing typical membrane installation details.

AHEC's booklet 'Structural Design in American Hardwoods', aimed at structural engineers.

Wood for Good's first phase of its pioneering online learning system for architects.

TRADA - tel 01494 569600; website http://www.trada.co.uk
Potton Ltd - tel 01767 676400; website http://www.potton.co.uk

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