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Pilkington
Pyrodur Protects Greenwich School
As
part of the wider reorganisation of school services by the Greenwich Education
Service, Shooters Hill Campus has recently undergone a comprehensive process
of modernisation. In a move to improve the overall fire protection of
the building Pilkington Pyrodur was
used in the refurbishment.
Nicholls
and Clarke, a key partner of Pilkington Building Products - UK, worked
closely with the architect, Bryant Harvey Architects, on this development.
Nicholls and Clarke recommended the use of 100m2 of 10mm Pilkington Pyrodur
for the internal doors throughout the building, which means it has a 60
minutes integrity rating.
Chosen for its excellent fire resistant qualities, the fire resistant
glass is ideally suited for the glazing of partition doors. As an advanced
clear fire-resistant laminated glass, Pilkington Pyrodur meets all the
latest British and European fire and impact standards. It features an
intumescent layer that provides a combination of fire and impact performance.
Suitable for use in public buildings such as schools, leisure facilities,
and offices, Pilkington Pyrodur is an integrity rated glass that also
provides a barrier against smoke and hot gases. It is based on the same
advanced leading technology as Pilkington Pyrostop, with the special interlayer
starting to foam when exposed to temperatures around 120 °C.
Stephen Greenman Head of Corporate Resources for Shooters Hill Campus
commented: 'In the unfortunate event of fire breaking out the number one
priority is the successful containment of the blaze. Pilkington Pyrodur
was specified because it offered the most effective performance in this
situation, while adding to the overall aesthetic feel for the building'.
This foamed interlayer works as an opaque shutter blocking out most of
the radiant heat from the fire and bringing down the surface temperature
on the non-fire side, so that any re-radiated radiant heat is significantly
reduced. This effect as a radiant heat shutter works particularly well
during the first 15 to 20 minutes of a fire when flames tend to spread
more rapidly.
Pilkington Pyrodur is available from stockists across the UK and Ireland.
An information product pack can be obtained by calling the Pilkington
Building Products - UK by sending an email to mailto:pilkington@respond.uk.com
or call 01744 692000.
Grey
zendow not Run of the Mill
An
unusual refurbishment project recently presented Status
Systems fabricator Warmshield Windows with a challenge. Developer
City Services is refurbishing the former Valley Mill in Halifax into exclusive
residential accommodation.
Warmshield Windows was awarded the glazing contract after a number of
fabricators and system companies had tried and failed to meet the specification,
which called for an aesthetic PVCu window with slim sightlines and a grey
woodgrain finish. Following approval of samples, the developer chose grey-foiled
zendow windows with zendow French windows on the Penthouse floors.
Installing 100 French windows and over 350 sash windows into a five-storey,
stone built, former industrial building is all in a days work for Warmshield
Windows, which says that it is establishing a reputation for high quality
commercial work.
Paul Cambell, Warmshield’s Commercial Manager picks up the story,
‘Working on such a big project, safety is the foremost consideration.
Our installation teams have all received a safety induction on the site
and wear appropriate safety equipment at all times.
The zendow windows are easy to fit and look stunning against the stonework.
The client is delighted with the finished appearance of the zendow product’.
Warmshield Windows recently received BSI accreditation at Glassex and
is engaged in a number of commercial partnering projects as well as producing
high quality window and door products for the trade.
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:info@status-systems.co.uk
Clearshield
Battles it Out on the Border
Ritec’s
ClearShield is ensuring open-air glass artworks commemorating a 700-year
old battle on the Scottish border retain their gleaming finish, whatever
the weather. Ritec’s advanced surface finish provides exceptional
protection to the glass, making it resistant to weathering and staining,
as well as easier to clean.
The
two spectacular glass monuments are located on the battle site near Berwick-upon-Tweed
and form part of a new tourist ‘Battle Trail’. They have been
produced and installed by glass art specialist, Creative Glass in Stockton-on-Tees,
which has been a ClearShield applicator for nearly seven years.
At 3 metres high and weighing three quarters of a ton each, the artworks
vividly recreate the Battle of Halidon Hill in almost photographic scenes.
The life sized images of soldiers against the backdrop of the surrounding
hills were created by The Design Quarter in Northumberland, following
lengthy research to ensure an authentic portrayal of the costumes and
armoury of the time. Tony Campbell, Managing Director of Creative Glass,
comments: ‘This exciting project has pushed the boundaries of glass
technology, and the use of glass as a structural entity, to new levels.’
Transporting the two monuments up to the remote hillside presented a mammoth
challenge for Creative Glass and involved specialist vehicles. Tony continues:
‘And just a few weeks after they were erected, they were battered
by the worst winds in 40 years. In order to retain their high polished
finish, we decided to apply Ritec’s ClearShield on site. In addition
to protecting the glass surface from the elements, it will also make it
resistant to general staining, such as finger marks.’
Ritec’s ClearShield offers superior surface protection for all types
of glass from the damage caused by weathering and contamination. It is
based on the company’s proven polymer technology, enhanced with a
new and more active catalyst. By converting high maintenance unprotected
glass into Low-M (Low Maintenance) Glass‚, it ensures higher resistance
to corrosion and staining for easier cleaning without the need for harsh
chemicals.
ClearShield is part of a fully integrated system for the renovation, protection
and maintenance of all kinds of exterior and interior glass, including
residential windows and architectural glazing. It can be applied onto
new glass in the factory before installation using either manual or automatic
spraying equipment, or on-site for existing glass.
Tel: 020 8344 8210
Web: http://www.ritec.co.uk
On
the other side of the world at the Fire Officers' Emergency facilities
at the British Army base in The Falklands, a requirement for two casement
windows and an entrance door was identified.
A local Walsall company asked Dave Stearman, National Sales Manager at
Indigo Products, if he could help.
Ideally, the windows and doors needed to be on the high seas heading for
Port Stanley within 4 days.
Dave commented: ‘Spectus' Elite 70 window system fitted the bill
perfectly, particularly in view of the need to act quickly.
The PCE gaskets on the profiles enabled us to save considerable fabrication
time. It's nice to think that in our own small way we were doing our bit!’
Tel: 01625 666119
Pilkington
Activ™ Answers Demand for Safe Access Solution at Lindrick House
A
four storey housing complex in Eston near Redcar has been fitted with
Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning
glass as part of a wide-reaching refurbishment programme undertaken by
Coast & Country Housing. The Pilkington Activ™ units, installed
by main contractor Wrekin Windows of Telford, were selected for Lindrick
House by Coast & Country as an ideal solution to increasingly strict
safe access regulations regarding window cleaning.
Coast & Country Housing is one of the largest social housing providers
in the Tees Valley area, located on the north-east coast of England. The
company operates within the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland, where it
owns and manages over 11,200 dwellings in addition to other premises such
as shops, offices and depots. Lindrick House is one of several multi-storey
blocks owned by the housing group and was recently ear-marked by Coast
& Country for a number of refurbishments, including window replacement.
However, because Lindrick House is a four storey building, the company
was faced with some difficulty regarding specification. ‘Current
safe access regulations do not allow the use of a ladder longer than 9
metres in length for window cleaning,’
says Jim Brook, Procurement Manager for Coast & Country. ‘To
clean the top storey windows conventionally would have meant the use of
complex equipment such as cradles or cherry pickers. It is hard to find
cleaners that use this type of equipment, and those that do are specialists
who charge far more for their services.’
After consultation with Wrekin Windows, Coast & Country chose Pilkington
Activ™ self-cleaning glass as the best possible solution to the dilemma.
Indeed, this is the second time that Coast & Country have specified
the product for one of its multi-storey properties, having previously
‘road-tested’ Pilkington Activ™ in multi- storey properties
on the nearby Bankfields Estate. Says Jim Brook:
‘We already knew from the Bankfields project that Pilkington Activ™
is the real deal – it does exactly what it says on the tin. I doubt
it will be the last time we specify the product as it answers so many
of our concerns.’
Ian Spokes, National Product Manager for Pilkington Activ™, can see
a definite trend towards increased use of the product in this area:
‘We said when we initially launched the product that it would change
everything, and this is proving to be particularly true within the social
housing sector.
Increased regulation with regard to safe work at height has meant even
higher maintenance costs for landlords who use window cleaners. Self-cleaning
glass that really delivers results like Pilkington Activ™ does represents
the future for high rise windows. No high cleaning access is required,
which makes it the safest and most low maintenance solution around, not
to mention the most environmentally sound as less water, detergents and
chemicals are required. For care homes and sheltered accommodation, the
product is particularly appropriate, providing ease of maintenance for
stretched staff and pride in a clean environment for residents.’
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Beaufort
Plays a Key Role in Regeneration
High
performance aluminium doors and windows from Beaufort
Secure Design have played a key role in the refurbishment of
Crossway Court in Lewisham to decent homes standard. Avenue Windows of
East London was awarded the £233,000 contract by the Local Authority’s
Capital Programme Team as part of a comprehensive range of repairs and
improvements to 42 flats in the multi-storey block.
Tilt
before turn windows from Beaufort ‘s 70mm Deep Direct Fix system
were specified for the regeneration project to replace the original steel
framed fenestration. This popular window style combines the benefits of
easy cleaning with good ventilation. All windows are internally glazed
to offer tenants increased protection against potential break-ins.
The refurbishment also included new residential doors fabricated from
the same Beaufort System, which offers a low maintenance option and requires
no sub-frame. Each door leaf is constructed using aluminium tension blocks
and Allen bolts for added strength and rigidity. The replacement doors
also feature a low threshold to facilitate disabled access in accordance
with Part M of the Building Regulations. In addition, all products in
Beaufort’s range comply fully with the thermal efficiency demands
of Document L in both domestic and non-domestic applications.
All
the new Beaufort aluminium doors and windows for Crossway Court have been
supplied in a gleaming white powder paint finish. Both this finish and
other special colour finishes are produced to comply with BS 6496: 1984
and are highly resistant to the pollution and grime that can discolour
many other types of frames – a major benefit given Crossway Court’s
urban location. In addition it is possible to extend the guarantee period
to 25 years subject.
Avenue Windows specialises in social housing refurbishment throughout
London and has noted a steady rise in demand for aluminium, as Director,
Gary Smith, explains, ‘Aluminium is generally the system of choice
for public sector contracts, like Crossway Court, because it’s a
recyclable material, highly durable and requires minimal maintenance.
We’ve been working with Beaufort for about three years now and believe
they offer a top quality product backed by reliable service.
Their turnaround time and delivery on the Crossway Court contract were
excellent, as usual, which was particularly important as the flats remained
occupied while we worked, so we had to complete as quickly as possible
and couldn’t afford any delays in the supply chain.’
Tel: 01633 29 40 40
Web: http://www.beaufortsecure.co.uk
New
Homes take a New View Solution
PVC-U
doors and windows from the Duraflex
Diamond Suite are satisfying the high performance, low maintenance specification
of a new Fairclough Homes development on the site of a disused Cattle
Market in Lancashire. New build specialist, New View Window Systems, is
currently installing over 1000 windows plus Patio and French doors in
properties at Brook Street in Preston.
The
development of 136 new homes consists of a mix of detached and town houses
together with a number of apartments. Following consultation with New
View Fairclough Homes specified traditional opening casements in a brilliant
white finish from Duraflex’s 70mm Featured range of profiles. Fabrication
is being undertaken by Norvik, a long-standing Duraflex customer and New
View’s exclusive supply partner.
Part of Centex, one of the world’s most successful building companies,
Fairclough Homes is committed to building modern, energy efficient homes.
The internal and external specification of each property is always of
the highest standard and achieving low maintenance and running costs for
prospective purchasers is a top priority. A popular choice with housebuilders
across the UK, the Duraflex Diamond Suite is designed to meet increasingly
stringent thermal efficiency requirements and ensures full compliance
with Part L. Indeed, independent tests show that the System already exceeds
the higher Scottish level of 1.8W/m2K which may be extended to cover the
entire UK in the near future. It also carries all the necessary BSI and
BBA accreditations, providing complete peace of mind both for specifiers
and end-users.
In the two years since it was established, Wigan-based New View Window
Systems has built mutually beneficial working partnerships with many of
the UK’s national and regional housebuilders. ‘Consistent product
quality and reliable delivery are absolutely critical in the demanding
new build sector and that’s what we get every time from both Duraflex
and Norvik. Their fantastic support from day one has certainly played
a key role in our success,’ says New View’s Managing Director,
Kevin Seddon.
Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
An
excellent product and a reliable, experienced contractor were required
for the refurbishment of sheltered housing in Maesycwm, Ystradgynlais.
The existing windows needed to be replaced. That task fell to Solar Windows
which fabricated and fitted new PVC-U windows made from Spectus
Window Systems' Elite70 profile.
The flats are located in the village of Ystradgynlais. Five blocks of
flats house 54 elderly residents. Solar fitted Light Oak foiled PVC-U
windows to retain the original character of the buildings.
In total 309 windows were replaced, which substantially improved the appearance
of the buildings, and brought security, thermal insulation and sound insulation
in line with current Building Regulations.
Solar's extensive experience in social housing refurbishment ensured survey
and fitting work caused the minimum disruption and distress.
Solar Windows Ltd was the principle contractor on the project, which was
completed for Powys County Council. The contract value was £238,188.00.
Tel: 01625 666119
Sika
Limited,
specialist in polyurethane bonding and sealant systems, has completed
the refurbishment of a landmark building in Liverpool. Formally known
as The John Moores Building at 100 Old Hall Street, the building is an
office tower block. The 1960’s tower block was an unattractive but
well known Liverpool landmark in need of modernisation and refurbishment.
Sika’s role in the project was to provide two of its range of bonding
and sealing products for the external refurbishment. SikaTack System ,a
permanent secret fixing system, was applied to secure new external powder
coated metal trays directly to existing façade panels. This provided
permanent elastic structural bonding with no unsightly fixings.
Additionally Sikaflex- PRO 2HP, the high performance polyurethane façade
sealants was applied for infill and sealing of joints. Icosit Systems
were used on the facade 'fins' and various other facade and soffit cladding
surfaces.
New owners of the building are Brunwood Estates, who appointed the Sika
team because of their experience on other high profile buildings and because
of the history and pedigree of the Sika product range.
Masterdor
Helps Old Building Spring into Life
When
luxury housebuilder Primrose Holdings was looking for a door-set for a
development of 10 mews-type homes in Chorley, Lancashire, it wanted traditional
looking doors in a material versatile enough to allow a range of styles.
It chose Masterdor.
Created
from a 150 year old spa, originally built for guests to stay in while
'taking' the local spring water, the luxury homes are traditional looking
from the outside and contemporary on the inside. A variety of made to
measure high performance timber bladed Masterdor door-sets were installed,
including wide and imposing front doors, and stable and fully gazed doors
at the rear of the properties.
Each door was designed in accordance with the developer's vision of maintaining
the gothic style. Masterdors are suitable for traditional conversions
because they are made to individual specifications, and are available
in a wide range of colours, panel and glazing options. In addition, a
choice of hardware style and position, means that a Masterdor can be created
to suit even the most sensitive of developments.
John Ambrose, contracts manager at Primrose Hoidings, said, 'The versatility
of the Masterdor door-set allowed our vision to be achieved. It was important
to us that the homebuyers were given a sense of arrival, something a standard
sized timber or PVC door could not achieve. We were also looking for a
way to carry that sense of grandeur throughout and chose to install stable
doors and fully glazed Masterdors to some of the properties at the rear.
The Masterdors maintain the traditional character of the building from
the outside, without compromising on security or performance.'
The property was also fitted with Sheerframe vertically sliding sash and
mock sash windows, which add to the contemporary living and gothic style.
Manse Masterdor Ltd provides a large range of Secured by Design door-sets,
including the Masterdor double door. Masterdors exceeded PAS23/24 BSi
tests, meet the requirements of Part M of the building regulations, and
firecheck versions have also been successfully tested to 85476 Part 22.
Anglian
Answers the Call to Provide Solar Solution for Northern Rock
A
state of the art building in the North East of England designed to be
totally energy self-sufficient and currently used as call centre for Northern
Rock Building Society has been fitted with special Anglian
Solar Security film.
The aptly named Solar House was designed by Sunderland University and
incorporates thousands of solar energy absorbing tiles on the exterior
of its sealed units, which comprise the impressive façade of the
structure.
Each tile acts as a solar panel, absorbing solar energy and converting
it to electricity.
While the special glazing system is extremely energy efficient, there
were initially some associated problems for the building’s inhabitants
due to a significant build-up of absorbed solar heat and high levels of
visible glare.
Anglian approved installer Filmshield UK Ltd was appointed to find a solution
and consulted closely with Anglian’s technical department and the
building’s architects before deciding on the best solution to the
problem.
Around 2400m2 of Anglian Solar Security film was fitted by Filmshield
to address the issue, with the installation team largely having to work
with specialised access equipment in order to reach all areas of the unusual
building.
Tel: 01603 420574