Projects & Contracts May 2004

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Lottery Grant Work Contract Won by Sierra Installer

Sierra Windows installer Clive Nicholls Conservatories, has won the contract to replace the doors and windows during the refurbishment of Amersham Common Village Hall.

The 1921 building has been awarded a lottery grant after the third application, to replace the 20 windows and fire escape door with smart new, high specification PVCu units.

Clive Nicholls established his company in 1991 and, through personal recommendation and word of mouth, has been offering high quality products and service to his customers ever since. He has been trading with Sierra Windows solely since 1992.

He comments, ‘The timber framed hall was originally funded by Lord Lyle of the Tate and Lyle Sugar Company at a cost of £500, as a gift to the local community.
‘It is extensively used by many local organisations, so the work had to be carried out quickly and efficiently with minimum upheaval. The units all feature the very latest high security Safeware hardware and are low maintenance so they will keep their good looks for many years to come.’

Tel: 01803 697000


Vicaima Fire Doors Chosen for New Hotel

Berkshire’s recently opened West Grange Hotel is benefiting from both good looks and high performance with the supply and installation, throughout the complex, of Oak finish fire doors from the Vicaima Dekordor range.

Situated at Midgham near Thatcham, this modern hotel is located in beautifully landscaped grounds, which include a nearby stream and pond making an idyllic setting. The establishment has been designed to cater for a wide range of customer requirements and so all its 40 en suite rooms are fully equipped and furnished to a high standard. In addition to the hotels obvious attractions for private guests, its many business clients are able to use the purpose built conference facilities provided.

The project utilised both single leaf and double leaf doors all to half hour fire rating. To aid improved visibility, especially in corridors, many of the doors were also glazed with clear fire rated glass, fitted as part of Vicaima’s range of factory prepared servicing options.

Safety in hotels is naturally of paramount importance, however achieving performance does not need to be at the expense of aesthetics. As hotel manager John Abbott says, ‘The Vicaima doors have added the finishing touch to West Grange, giving a modern and attractive feel throughout the hotel’.

Vicaima is a specialist in the manufacture of fire doors. Accredited to both the BWF-CERTIFIRE and TRADA Q-Mark schemes, all Vicaima fire doors are independently tested at a UKAS test laboratory and guaranteed for 10 years. Doors are available as FD30 and FD60 rating, with or without smoke seal. In addition to which recent improvements to core construction means the company’s FD30(S) doors are now compliant with Part E in respect to sound reduction.

Tel: 01793 532333
Email: mailto:info@vicaima.com
Web: http://www.vicaima.com


Safe and Warm with Duraflex

PVCu doors and windows from the Duraflex Diamond Suite are providing a smart and secure solution for tenants on the Oakwood Estate in Maesteg, South Wales. The £300,000 installation contract was awarded to Abergavenny-based installer Heronhurst Ltd by Bridgend County Borough Council.

The project involved replacing outdated steel windows on 22 two-bedroom flats with a thermally efficient PVCu system complete with 28mm ‘K’ glass. Customade in Gloucestershire fabricated the 88 windows required using 65mm Diamond Suite profile from Duraflex in a brilliant white finish. A Tilt & Turn fenestration design was specified to maximise ventilation and enable easy cleaning from the inside, a particular benefit for residents living in flats above ground level. In addition, thirty new PVCu residential doors from the Duraflex range have also been installed as part of the refurbishment programme. The contract required Heronhurst to complete the work and secure the unoccupied properties as soon as possible because of problems with vandalism on the Estate. Finished windows had to be boarded up at the end of each day to prevent wilful damage occurring overnight.

Increasingly stringent building regulations have put further pressure on public sector specifiers to source energy efficient replacement window solutions. The Duraflex Diamond Suite ensures full compliance with Part L, and independent tests show that the System already exceeds the higher Scottish level of 1.8W/m2K which is likely to be extended to cover the entire UK in the near future. It also carries all the necessary BSI and BBA accreditations, providing peace of mind both for specifiers and end-users.

An approved local authority supplier, Heronhurst Ltd has just celebrated 21 years in business. The family-run firm supplies PVCu doors, windows and conservatories for a wide range of refurbishment and new build contacts throughout Wales and the West Country. According to Karl Stuckey, Managing Director of Heronhurst, establishing a reliable supply chain, from the systems supplier through to fabrication and delivery on site, has been critical to the company’s success, ‘We’ve gained a reputation for high quality service and being able to fit in with a contractor’s needs at very short notice. I believe our ability to achieve this comes down to having an experienced team and choosing reliable supply partners, like Duralfex and their fabricator customers.’

Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk


Securistyle - The Fast Track to Secure Homes

Window hardware manufacturer Securistyle Ltd has helped Aldwick Housing Association initiate a window replacement project, just four months after a major stock transfer.

Over 200 houses, bungalows and flats were transferred from Haringey Council to Aldwick Housing Association. In order to bring the new stock into line with existing properties, nearly 2000 windows have been replaced with PVCu, by Midlands based K.E.B Fabrications Ltd, and fitted with the Securistyle Vector Excluder locking mechanism, Defender Restricted and Easy Clean hinges, and Viscount handles to provide residents with safe, secure homes.

Supply chains, contractors and installers were all put under pressure to complete the job in record time. All 2000 windows and doors were surveyed, manufactured and installation had begun within four months of transfer.

Ken Evans, national specifications sales manager at Securistyle said, 'As a large number of Aldwick Housing Association's residents are elderly, safety and security were the top priority when the window specification was made. Low maintenance and ease of cleaning were also important issues, so the Defender Easy Clean hinge was the obvious choice, allowing residents to clean both sides of their windows from inside their property.'

Chris Rogers, maintenance manager, at Aldwick Housing Association said, 'lt is a credit to both Securistyle and K.E.B Fabrications that this project was completed in such a short timescale, and that the residents suffered minimum disruption, without compromising on the quality of materials used.'

Deputy managing director of K.E.B Fabrications Ltd, Lawrence Breakspear, commented, 'This project really emphasised the benefits for a close working relationship with your supply chain. There is no doubt that the Securistyle hardware used has enhanced the quality of the finished product, and I know that Aldwick Housing Association have a job well done.'

Securistyle hardware meets the Building Life Plan's component life manual recommendations for 25-year component durability. The product range provides the capability to exceed the current standards relating to child safety, emergency egress and security, and are manufactured under the BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System as approved by the BSI.

Contact: Maria Fatica
Tel: 01242 221200
Web: http://www.securistyle.co.uk


Portello in the Tea Rooms

These contemporary Tuff-X frameless glass privacy doors and entrance to a tea factory's restrooms were created and installed by the James Price Group in Liverpool.

Manufactured from 10mm clear toughened glass to BS6206 by the glass processing division of James Price plc, the type C doors were then heat soak tested (DIN 50049-2-1) and screen printed with an etch effect, all work being carried out entirely in-house to ensure single responsibility for the project.

To finish, the doors were complemented by the Manet system of satin stainless steel lever handles and matching pivots.

Portello glazed entrance systems and doors are available in a wide choice of styles to provide a suitable solution for both medium and heavy usage. While manually operated versions are appropriate in most commercial premises, as either single or double doors, hinged, or fitted with single or double action pivots, automatic systems are usually recommended for public buildings, hotels, shopping centres, airports and hospitals.

James Price plc claims to be one of the leading UK glass processors, tougheners and ceramic screen printers, as well as one of the largest producers of insulating sealed units for both commercial as well as domestic applications. Using state of the art equipment and operating from the company's premises near Liverpool’s Aintree racecourse, all door systems produced by the company can accommodate any glass thickness from 6mm to 12mm, and may also incorporate a wide range of safety and security features, including anti finger trap profile and multi point security locking, dependant upon specification. To assist with individual design requirements James Price provides a full CAD service.

The company’s close proximity to the M6/M62 motorway complex means a fast and reliable service for both the North and South of England, as well as easy access to the industrial heartlands north of Manchester and the East Midlands.

Contact: John Tierney
Tel: 0151 523 7070
Email: mailto:tuffx@jprice-group.co.uk
Web: http://www.jprice-group.co.uk


Hansenglass Helps Complete Glazing of South Gyle Crescent

An impressive new commercial development in Scotland’s capital has made full use of HansenGlass’ capabilities in terms of both solar control and the supply of decorative glazed panels.

Involved as a key supply chain partner for Charles Henshaw and Sons, the Edinburgh based façade specialists, HansenGlass fabricated some 4,000 double glazed units for the curtain walling on Number One South Gyle Crescent in Edinburgh: a development for The Highland Properties Group by HBG Scotland Limited.

While the bulk of the insulating glass units supplied were from HansenGlass’ ThermoCool™ range to provide control of solar gain within the three floors of offices, the designs of Michael Laird Architects also made use of the manufacturers Ceraphic™ and Ceramalite™ panels. These products producing a striking visual effect as the enclosure to the floor zones.

The head of Charles Henshaw’s design office, Mr Donald Fraser, comments "We have clad Number One South Gyle Crescent using the Kawneer aluminium system, calling on HansenGlass to supply all of the glazing units because of our past experience of working with the company.

‘Aside from the ThermoCool™ units the architect also wanted to make use of a coloured backing panel with a tightly banded horizontal painted pattern on the outside of spandrel units. This was achieved by employing HansenGlass’ enamelled Ceramalite™ panels behind the Ceraphic™ outer panes featuring thin, four millimetre lines with five millimetre gaps. This stretches from the ceiling level right up to sill level on the next floor.’

In addition to the external elevations, Charles Henshaw and HansenGlass combined again in the creation of a stunning internal courtyard that provides a focal point for this impressive commercial development.

Donald Fraser concludes: ‘Given the scale of the property, the tight programme times and the performance demands for the glass, it was essential for us to work with a supplier we could rely on and HansenGlass has met all our expectations in terms of both design assistance and product quality’.

The last of the HansenGlass units to be installed on the building were delivered to Charles Henshaw in July for the enclosure of the two feature stairtowers which incorporate areas of sloped glazing.

HansenGlass is part of the Anglo-Scandinavian HansenGroup, one of Europe's leading fenestration specialists in curtain walls, commercial windows, steel doors and fire resistant structural glazing. The Group has annual sales of some £100 million and employs over 1,000 people.

Email: mailto:sales@hansenglass.co.uk


HansenGlass Chosen for Chelsea Bridge Balustrading

High performance products from HansenGlass are being supplied for construction of a large new residential development, being seen as a catalyst for a long neglected stretch of the Thames south bank.

Chelsea Bridge Wharf is situated between Queenstown Road and Battersea Power Station and will eventually provide over 600 new apartments and penthouses. Being managed by Bovis Lend Lease for Berkeley Homes, the high specification properties start at £355k for a one bedroom apartment within Centurion, the riverside building.

The first release of new homes was within Grosvenor Bridge House which has
panoramic river views. The few remaining penthouses will command a price tag of £795k upwards. Unifying the designs of these towering structures and the designs for later phases are projecting balconies whose balustrading makes expressive use of HansenGlass FortPlus™ panels.

Within a total order from Berkeley Homes of 2,500 square metres of toughened and heat soaked safety glass, the glazing specialist also supplied Ceraphic™ screen-printed FortPlus™ panels. These are acid etched to a density of 15 per cent and are employed either as modesty screens at low level or to provide privacy between adjacent balconies.

HansenGlass can produce Ceraphic™ finishes on toughened and laminated glass to serve as shower screens, to create architectural effects across spandrel panels or for many other practical applications.

Contact: Graham P Chung
Tel: 0151 545 3000
Email: mailto:sales@hansenglass.co.uk


Thermestra Continuing its Dynamic Performance in Edinburgh

The exhibition ‘Myths and Monsters’ has seen a significant rise in visitor numbers to ‘Our Dynamic Earth’ in Edinburgh; while the building itself continues to confound some of the widely held misconceptions about the science of structural glazing.

Since it opened in July 1999 more than 2.2 million people have toured its permanent exhibits and seen shows such as the Natural History Museum’s investigation of such mysteries as unicorns and the abominable snowman. Designed by Hopkins Architects the building also presents what was at the time MagHansen’s most startling use of Thermestra™: the manufacturer’s high performance structural glazing system.

Despite the scale of the installation, the sheer volume of people passing through the place and the extremes of the Scottish climate, the 1500 square metres of the single and double laminate glazed wall have performed exactly as predicted.

Hopkins Architects specified the Thermestra™ system for the entire outer elevation, covered by a tensioned fabric roof, to minimise and lighten the visual impact of the building’s form. MagHansen facilitated this by fabricating a series of glass fins from 800 mm to 1250 mm deep, and rising between 4.5 metres and 6.5 metres above ground level. These fins are attached to the vertical sections of glazing using bespoke metal bracketry, to offer rigidity without the interruption of conventional steel or concrete columns.

The Facilities Manager for Our Dynamic Earth, Mr Andrew Elmer, comments: ‘Hopkins Architects’ design for the building and in particular the upper ‘deck’ area attempted to make it appear like an open air space so the glazing was very important to us in creating the right feel. For us on site the Thermestra™ has definitely achieved what it was meant to and, on an aesthetic level, looks superb beneath the tented fabric roof. Despite the size of the fins and the glass areas right around the perimeter there have been absolutely no problems technically.’

Contact: Pat Hodges
Tel: 0113 2555111
Email: mailto:sales.leeds@MagHansen.co.uk


Canine Conservatory - Customer Takes the Lead and Creates Puppy Paradise!

Helen Osborne-Brown's friends thought she was barking mad when she told them about her plans to build the perfect conservatory - to breed her dogs!

Amber, the flat-coated retriever, is due to have her first puppies this summer and Helen wants to ensure she has the perfect place to have them.

She'd read about Conservaglass, the new glass from Ultraframe conservatory systems, which stops solar heat coming in during the summer months, and keeps the warmth in from heating appliances during winter.

Conservaglass meant Helen could use the conservatory all year round and ensure her canine chums were comfortable and safe.

Helen, from Crowborough in East Sussex, said: 'People think I am mad, but I now have an extra room which looks lovely and which will make a fantastic nursery for my puppies due this summer. The glass roof really is amazing, it's the dogs!!'

South Coast Windows Conservatories installed the conservatory. Haydn Hicks, Managing Director, says it is one of the more unusual uses of his creations.

'Conservaglass is proving a massive hit for people who want to create a permanent extra room on their property, but this one really brings a new take on going to the dogs - we think it is great!'

Your Home magazine was so impressed with Helen's Ultraframe conservatory it is featuring her in the April issue.

The magazine is doing a 'make-over' on the conservatory but Helen says the advantage of a conservaglass roof is that she no longer needs blinds to keep out the heat of the sun.

Her dogs, Amber and Maverick, will be competing in Crufts this year. Ultraframe is just delighted top breeders recommend it!

Stockists & brochures: call 0500 822340


Maco and Kirklees Neighbourhood Project

In a major Beacon funded project, Maco has secured the supply of its hardware for the fabrication of approx 18,000 windows in a housing project near Dewsbury in Yorkshire. The Kirklees Neighbourhood housing project posed a significant logistical problem satisfying a variety of specification and financial criteria.

It is a mixed development of houses, bungalows, maisonettes and low-rise flats, and will be completed by seven different fabricating companies working with different profiles. The project Director, Mike Kimmings was delighted that ‘Maco has the ability to provide specific solutions for each’. Work commenced in the Spring of 2003 and completion is anticipated to take four to five years in total.

Specification is for both the Maco Mk1 and MachII Shootbolt Espagnolette systems, both offering high levels of safety and security and having the Secured by Design accreditation. As a company, Maco set out to provide the optimum performance hardware in order to fulfil an investment such as this, as can be seen by the size and specification of this project, the company is both working to a competitive and performance led target.

Maco Sales Manager John Staton sees this project as, ‘An indication of the value set against low maintenance, high performance safety and security criteria whilst satisfying a ruthless budget’.

Contact: Craig Bryant
Tel: 01795 433911
Web: http://www.macouk.net


Photo: John Staton (left) Mike Kimmings together with a delighted resident.


Duraflex Delivers in Record Time

Sedgemoor Housing Association has specified PVCu windows and doors from the Duraflex Diamond Suite for the refurbishment of sixteen properties in Woolavington, Somerset. Approved local authority installer, Heronhurst Ltd, won the contract with its combination of quality products and service plus the ability to work to a tight schedule. Speedy completion on site was a specific requirement as it was necessary for the houses to remain occupied throughout the renovation. Over 100 windows and 40 Duraflex doors were installed by Heronhurst in just over a month, causing the minimum of disruption to tenants.

Fabrication of all units for the contract was awarded to Griffin Windows. Classic casement style windows using Duraflex 65mm PVCu profile in a brilliant white finish were selected as a high performance, low maintenance replacement solution. In addition to visual appeal, thermal efficiency was a critical factor in the choice of system. The Duraflex Diamond Suite was able to meet the demanding performance specification set by Sedgemoor Housing Association to ensure full compliance with the latest building regulations relating to domestic energy conservation. Duraflex profiles are designed to meet all the relevant BSI and BBA standards and also conform to the U-Values required under Part L.

2003 marked the 21st anniversary for Heronhurst Ltd, which operates throughout Wales and the West Country. Based in Abergavenny, this successful family-run firm started out as both a manufacturer and installer before deciding to concentrate on the installation side of its business. Backed by an experienced team, Heronhurst offers a high quality design and fitting service for a wide range of applications, from bespoke domestic conservatories to large commercial refurbishment and new build contracts.

‘We first started working with Duraflex fabricator Griffin Windows, in nearby Mid Glamorgan, three years ago and the partnership has proved highly successful on a number of contracts. The project at Woolavington, where time was particularly critical, clearly demonstrates the importance of reliable partners throughout the supply chain, from the systems company right down to on time delivery on site,’ comments Karl Stuckey, Managing Director of Heronhurst Ltd.

Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk


Spectus Sightline for Sporting Scholars

Spectus' Sightline 70 windows, installed by Highseal, have been used in the new Study United Learning Centre at Scunthorpe United FC's ground.

The unit, which provides school children from the area with extra support in numeracy and literacy in a different, football-themed environment, has been built by the Playing for Success initiative. This scheme is jointly funded by the Department for Education and Skills, the Football Foundation, football clubs and Local Education Authorities and has regularly seen a 70% improvement in the numeracy and literacy skills of pupils across the country.

Scunthorpe United spokesman Don Rowing and Highseal MD Neil Donaldson are delighted to be involved with the scheme.

'It's something in the community, for the community. Sport is a great way to capture the kids' interest and help them to learn,' says Don Rowing.

'It's nice to get a project like this', adds Neil Donaldson, 'where you know that not only are you supplying a great product that will look great, but you're also helping out the community in providing a really valuable resource.'

Tel: 01625 420400
Web: http://www.spectussystems.com


Safety and Security are Within Easy Reach with Securistyle

Luton Borough Council has successfully delivered provision for elderly and wheelchair bound residents in its sheltered accommodation, by specifying window hardware from Securistyle.

The Vector Excluder Locking Mechanism from Securistyle was positioned lower down the window to allow wheelchair users, and those residents with restricted movement, easier access to the handle, without compromising on security.

In addition to the Vector Excluder, each window in the 26 flats has also been fitted with the Defender Restrictor hinge eliminating the possibility of a fall from a window. Both products are made from austenitic 304 stainless steel and come with a 10-year guarantee.

Ken Evans, national specifications sales manager at Securistyle said, 'Working with housing providers, flexible products and our continual testing and development programme, means that we are able to meet very specific requirements. Each hardware package is completely tailored to each site and can be delivered quickly, benefiting both our customers and their residents.'

Technical officer at Luton Borough Council, Peter Cornwall, who worked closely with Securistyle to design the package, commented, 'When specifying hardware for sheltered accommodation, safety and security are top priorities. As we manufacture and install our own windows we appreciate the importance of correct hardware to achieve our quality goals.'

Contact: Maria Fatica
Tel: 01242 221200
Web: http://www.securistyle.co.uk


Technal’s Facade Systems Specified for Major Regeneration Project in Bristol

Capricorn Quay is a major part of the regeneration of Bristol City Docks, developed by Crosby Homes to take advantage of an extraordinary 200m waterside location. A range of aluminium glazing systems from Technal were specified by architects Alec French Partnership for the scheme which comprises two curved apartment buildings spanning up to five storeys.

The site was previously a timber yard and railway track with a quayside that dates back to the early 20th century. The new development contributes towards the policy of encouraging sustainable living in the city centre and has opened up an extensive part of the quayside walkway.

The scheme was planned to ensure that each of the 41 apartments is positioned to enjoy water views and lengthy periods of sun to the living rooms and balconies. To help meet this brief, balcony doors from Technal’s FXi52 range and FXi46 casement windows were specified for the project. MC curtain walling also spans four storeys to some areas of the buildings.

Commenting on the specification, Project Architect John Fjeld, said, ‘We see Technal as a market leader for quality glazing products. The company’s systems met our criteria for both performance and aesthetics, and have helped us to use form and light to create a restrained yet distinctive scheme for this important brownfield site.’

The stylish curved profiles of the FXi52 balcony doors complement the design of the apartment buildings, whilst an efficient flush polyamide thermal bridge provides excellent thermal performance. Sight lines are clean and narrow, and the 52mm framing system uses profiles with three separate hollows for superior strength and insulation.

Also available in the FXi suite, in either 46mm, 52mm or 65mm options, are fixed light, projecting top, side and bottom hung, and tilt-turn casement windows. The systems can also be inserted into curtain walling.

The windows specified for Capricorn Quay were Technal’s FXi46 side hung casements for easier cleaning. All the glazing systems for the project were finished in grey using low maintenance polyester powder coating, and were fabricated and installed by Salisbury Glass.

Web: http://www.technal.co.uk


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