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A
solution developed by the Corby Windows Group
cures a severe condensation problem in delegate accommodation at a busy
conference centre.
A busy conference centre to the South of London had a particular problem
with condensation in delegates’ ground floor bedrooms. Caused by
lack of adequate ventilation in accommodation that included a shower room,
the degree of condensation was so severe that mould was apparent on revels
and on other areas of the rooms such as plastered and decorated surfaces.
There are no windows to the rooms. Each had only a glazed door opening
to the outside so an innovative solution was needed to provide a satisfactory
level of ventilation with security. Using their development and technical
capabilities, CWG personnel designed an unorthodox door to replace the
decaying wooden examples already fitted. For security, the new inwardly
opening glazed doors have no external handles so they can only be opened
from inside. Unusually, an opening vent is included in the top section
of the door. For safety reasons, the window opens inwards and is a Tilt
and Turn style. This means the top of the vent can be opened slightly
for minimal, or hinged inwards, for full ventilation.
Products fabricated by CWG have replaced most of the windows, entrance
doors and glazed areas to corridors at the conference centre. All, including
the unconventional bedroom doors, were fabricated using the Rehau 70mm
S706 system with Mahogany woodgrain finish externally and white internally.
This finish reflects the traditional aspects of the various buildings
whilst still providing a clean, light internal appearance.
Tel: 01536 409100
Email: mailto:info@cwg-uk.com
Web: http://www.cwg-uk.com
New
Heights for Pilkington in Edinburgh
The
renowned Wilkies Department Store in Edinburgh finally closed its doors
to the public at the beginning of the Millennium. With frontages in both
Shandwick Place shopping area and Rutland Square, one of Edinburgh's more
celebrated Georgian squares, the building was subsequently part demolished
and a brand new office complex erected on the site. Pilkington
Planar frameless glazing system has now played a significant
role in the redevelopment.
Many design considerations had to be taken into account including the
preservation of the existing adjoining frontages of Rutland Square and
the retention of the 1930s Art Deco facade of the original store. Architects,
Patience and Highmore of Edinburgh, specified the Pilkington Planar system
for the atrium of the Rutland Building, as it is now renamed.
The installation comprised of 10mm Pilkington Optifloat green vertical
glazing supported by 19mm Pilkington OptifloatÓ fins. Over 290 sq. m of
Pilkington Planar was required for the 20 metre high atrium.
'On this south side, it was essential to provide light and an outlook
for the relatively deep floor plates,' explains Derek Patience of the
architectural practice. 'This was achieved using the Pilkington Planar
concept for the five storey high glass sided atrium. Through the use of
Pilkington Planar glass, the street walls are continued from the existing
stone frontages into the atrium itself, enabling the entrance area to
become part of the street and the atrium edge to become the interface
element, fulfilling the same functions as the original facade.'
For the roof, Pilkington Planar was again specified, using 12/2/6mm clear
laminated glass for safety, extra strength and durability. 'We wanted
no unsightly mullions or transoms,' continues Derek Patience. 'By using
Pilkington Planar with its smooth, flush surface, we were able to make
the internal architecture a continuation of the historical street on which
the building is located.'
The Pilkington Planar concept provides a flush glass facade in a continuous
form with no obtrusive mullions or transoms. Being a frameless concept,
Pilkington Planar offers an unprecedented visual appeal combined with
safety, strength and durability. The panels are fixed together using four
point stainless steel Pilkington castings together with 902 stainless
steel fittings providing the extra strength and durability required for
such a tall façade.
Patience and Highmore designed the glazing in close co-operation with
Charles Henshaw designers, with Henshaw installing the glazing as well
as the structural steelwork frame. The Grade A listed office building
was completed in 2002 and is now fully occupied. The contemporary design
presents an open atrium and full height glazed frontage that complements
the original architecture and the surrounding environment.
Tel: 01744 692000
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
New
Glass Fixing a Sign of Things to Come
LMC
Group's
new Micropoint fixing has been used to create signage and a glass reception
desk at LG Electronics‚ new headquarters in Slough, for client Slough
Estates.
The Micropoint FZPG fixing, created by German specialist Fischer Fixings,
is
an undercut glass anchor, which fixes glazing panels without the fixings
penetrating through the glass. The fixing features in three large external
signs, and a glass reception desk, all designed, manufactured and installed
by the LMC Group, designer, manufacturer and installer of engineered glass
solutions, and sole UK distributor for the product.
The signs each measure 3m x 1.5m and are constructed from three 10mm toughened,
heat soaked, sand blasted and cantilevered glass sections.
Web: http://www.lmcgroup.co.uk
Kalwall
Diffuses Natural Light
Energy
saving, high insulation and light diffusion are among the reasons why
Limbrick architects have specified Kalwall
cladding for the new Wales National Pool in Swansea. Even on cloudy days,
Kalwall diffuses natural light to create a sparkling interior without
glare, shadows or hotspots.
Unlike glass, Kalwall translucent cladding gives total privacy and eliminates
any need for blinds and curtains. Because it resists solar gain, air conditioning
costs can be reduced without the need for external shading devices. Importantly,
the cladding is highly insulating, with panel U-values as low as 0.56W/m2K,
which means that designers concerned about Part L can provide larger translucent
facades instead of smaller areas of glass. With increased natural daylight,
energy consuming artificial lighting can also be dramatically reduced.
Kalwall is supplied and installed by sole UK distributor Stoakes Systems
Ltd.
Web: http://www.stoakes.co.uk
Titon
Provides Improved Ventilation and Security for Office Workers
A
major window refurbishment scheme for Fife Council’s administration
headquarters has given the building’s occupants improved ventilation
and security, thanks to Titon’s window
fittings and trickle ventilators.
Titon TV90 slot vents were fitted to 350 replacement windows to allow
the council’s office workers to benefit from increased indoor air
quality. The vents incorporate Titon’s Trimvent® opening principle,
which has been used successfully for over thirty years.
The slot vents were specified with a white finish to match the offices’
interior and the external canopies in green to complement the external
window frame, and achieve a cohesive appearance to the building from the
outside.
Titon also supplied a range of window fittings to ensure security and
user safety. Each window was fitted with Titon’s Select Espagnolette
Handle in a chrome finish and matching Sobinco 490 Pivot Hinges in satin
anodised aluminum finish, complete with Perimeter Locking. This was fitted
to give the pivot windows extra security via additional locking points
around the window.
Titon encourages a partnership approach when specifying their products.
Alistair Drummond, Facilities Service, Fife Council, remarks: 'Titon helped
us gain the most cost effective solution and guided us through part of
the specification process. The whole refurbishment scheme has given the
building a more comprehensive look, and we are now able to offer employees
increased levels of indoor air quality.'
Paul Rainbird, Titon’s Partnering Manager, says: 'We always aim to
understand the needs of the public sector, and work to provide the most
cost-effective solution, not in terms of initial cost but for the entire
product life.'
The contractors for the job were Muirfield (Contracts) Ltd, the window
fabricators were Firth Buildings (Scotland) Ltd, and the PVCu system supplier
was Rehau Ltd.
Web: http://www.titon.co.uk
A
photographic studio and image library has had a Tuff-X obscure glazed
stairwell installed at its premises in Liverpool by James
Price PLC.
The installation consists of 10mm clear toughened glass wall panels screen
printed polar white, and bonded leaves of 15mm clear toughened glass for
the stair treads.
After polishing of the edges, the leaves were heat soak tested against
nickel sulphide inclusions that might affect the integrity of the glass
post-installation, and bonded together with a clear PVB interlayer. The
stair treads were finished with sandblasted grooves for extra grip.
All glass processing work was carried out in-house by Tuff-X, which has
recently invested heavily in state-of-the-art CNC and other processing
equipment for toughening, heat-soak testing, drilling, edging, polishing,
sandblasting and screen printing.
Combined with special lighting, the glazed stairwell enhances the building.
Tuff-X, the glass processing division of James Price PLC, operates from
40,000 sq ft premises near Liverpool’s Aintree racecourse.
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.
Tuff-X is 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.
Contact: John McDonough or Rich Southern
Tel: 0151 523 7070
Email: mailto:tuffx@jprice-group.co.uk
Web: http://www.jprice-group.co.uk
Sunlight
and Slate for Inverness Couple
The
living room at this Inverness home has been dramatically increased in
size using Profile 22 windows and
two sets of French doors. Topped with a slate roof to keep out the worst
of the Highland weather, the extension measures 7.5 metres by 5 metres.
The installation was carried out by Inverness-based Cairngorm Windows,
the domestic division of Profile 22 fabricator, Alba Windows to the delight
of the owners, Dennis and Irene Young who praised the high standard of
workmanship.
Cairngorm Windows had installed replacement Profile 22 windows at the
house two years previously and the couple, who run a decorating business,
asked the company back to install the floor-to-ceiling windows and doors.
Comments Irene: ‘Although my brother Ian and his employee David built
the extension, Cairngorm Windows put the finishing touches in by supplying
and installing the double doors and windows.
‘They did a wonderful job from the start of the first project to
this final work and we would highly recommend the company.’
The Profile 22 windows meet the energy efficiency requirements of Scottish
Technical Standard Part J following recent thermal tests confirming that
the company’s 70mm Fully Integrated System can achieve a U value
of 1.8 W/m2 deg K.
Wall-Guarded Hot-Box tests were carried out on a 70mm Bubblex gasket window
using standard Low E glass: ie: non-argon fill, hard coat with standard
aluminium spacer tubes.
Tel: 01952 290910
Renovation
of Double Skin Glass Roof for the 'Stiel & Rothshild' Building in
Brussels
The
'Stiel & Rothshild' building - designed in 1926 by architect Armand
Warny and home to fabric wholesalers Stiel & Rothshild until 1998
- was recently restored by architect Joël Claisse. Glaverbel's
part in this project involved renovating the glazing for the entire building,
including the superb, old-fashioned glass roof.
Double skin glass roof: a first in Belgium!
Located near the Royal Flemish Theatre in Brussels, the Stiel & Rothshild
building - which recently became home to daily newspaper De Morgen - is
renowned for its impressive roof (40 x 20 m) and a skylight covering the
entire central section of the building. The roof is made of Stratobel®
laminated double glazing featuring a solar-control glass, a solution capable
of combining multiple functions: security, protection from overheating
in summer, heat insulation in winter, neutral appearance and low reflection.
The skylight has been replaced by a Stratobel® laminated glazing with
a Crepi patterned glass similar to the original design.
With the installation of these glazings the entire building now features
an active double skin designed to ensure maximum thermal comfort. This
technique makes rational use of the energy that is generated by the sun's
rays as they pass through the roof whilst avoiding a 'greenhouse effect'
inside the building. The heat generated in the patio is absorbed and cooled
using an outflow system installed in peripheral areas, after which it
is returned to the roof where it lowers the ambient air temperature.
Combination of early 20th century architecture and modern comfort
The project designers opted for a solution combining heat and sound insulation
in order to ensure optimum comfort: Thermoplus Energy® low-emissivity
double glazing was used in the windows on the side and rear façades,
ensuring the building receives maximum protection from the cold; and Stratophone®
acoustic glazing was used for the front façade, thereby respecting
the original character of the building by using single glazing but with
the added bonus of noise insulation that the original glass did not provide.
Tel.: + 32 (0)2 674 30 83
Email: mailto:sandra.diaz@glaverbel.com
Web: http://www.myglaverbel.com
Thermestra
Glazing Continues to ‘Baffle’ at The Bridgewater Hall
The
purpose of nine spherical section glass elements suspended from the roof
of The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester may have baffled many audiences,
but in fact the precisely formed sections of structural glazing from MagHansen
have continued to serve a crucial function at every performance.
Completed
back in 1997, the northern home for the Hallé Orchestra remains
one of the most innovative applications of the Thermestra™ system,
as well as testimony to the manufacturer’s expertise in glazing technology.
The venue, designed by RHWL and built by Laing Northwest, in fact utilised
almost 1000 square metres of the Thermestra™ in its more conventional
role as the structural glazing across the front façade and artists’
entrance. Sheets of 12mm thick toughened glass, 1500mm wide and 2700mm
high, are hung from the cantilevered roof as a necklace and braced against
wind pressure by cast metal wishbones fixed to twin horizontal 50mm tube
bracing, making for a slender and elegant feature elevation.
RHWL’s determination to maintain visual as well as musical harmony
also led to the use of Thermestra™ in the novel situation above the
orchestra’s heads as Partner in Charge, Nick Thompson explains. He
says: 'The main auditorium to The Bridgewater Hall is a very high volume
space, which threatened to exacerbate one of the main problems facing
musicians in an orchestra: that is being able to hear one another.
'It is an accepted practice to install acoustic reflectors or shells,
but because we did not want to destroy the volume of the hall visually,
we decided to create them in glass. The fact that Hansen was actually
able to cut the nine reflectors as sections of a sphere, but with square
edges has meant they look right and have been highly successful. The hall
has a wonderful acoustic.'
The eight metre square laminated acoustic baffles are actually installed
with their convex face towards the orchestra so that the notes from one
instrument are dispersed to the other musicians. The frameless sections
of Thermestra™ also serve as a transparent gantry from which much
of the lighting for the orchestra is suspended.
RHWL consulted with ARUP Acoustics on all aspects of The Bridgewater Hall’s
internal design to ensure the auditorium worked as a world class performance
space.
MagHansen’s Thermestra™ system can be installed in any plane
from vertical through to horizontal and frequently finds applications
for roofs to atria. There is also a double glazed version available containing
high performance insulating glass units with the further option of interstitial
blinds.
Bournemouth
Library Wins Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award
Bournemouth
Library, which features large spans of Technal’s
specially adapted MC curtain walling, has won the Prime Minister’s
Better Public Building Award.
Designed by BDP, the new development replaced a library, which was said
to be the second worst in England. The new £10m PFI scheme forms
a key part of the regeneration of the Triangle area of Bournemouth. Since
it opened, the library has seen a threefold increase in visitor numbers,
with more than 3,500 people visiting during its first Saturday of operation.
The design was commended for its ‘openness and informality’.
The glazed north side provides a ‘window to the town, connecting
the people in the building with their local surroundings’. The scheme
is in contrast to the enclosed nature of typical public libraries, by
providing panoramic views and an interior that is full of light.
Technal’s MC curtain walling holds large spans of clear low E glazing,
up to 3.9m by 1.7m in size, which allow daylight to pour into the centre
of the building. Finished in silver, the system is facetted around the
main entrance, creating a curve which gains height and slopes downwards
along the building.
Fabricated and installed by Saint Gobain Solaglas, the curtain wall also
supports striking silver mesh screens for solar shading above the main
entrance, and brise soleil sun shading above the ribbon glazing to the
south elevation. Special caps accentuate the vertical sections to add
further interest to the external envelope.
The award was presented by Lord Falconer, who said, ‘This library
is a triumph of excellent design, enthusiasm and urban renewal. I believe
the library will prove to be a beacon of design excellence – just
like past winners of this prestigious award. All those involved can take
great pride in what they have achieved.’
The Prime Minister’s Award is sponsored by CABE (the Commission for
Architecture and the Built Environment) and the Office of Government Commerce.
It is part of the British Construction Industry Awards.
Web: http://www.technal.co.uk
3D
Praises ‘Fitter-Friendly’ Styal in Hackney Primary School Project
The
‘fitter-friendly’ qualities of Wendland’s
Styal conservatory roof system were a significant advantage in the recent
construction of a conservatory for an East London primary school, according
to fabricator 3D Roof Solutions. The use of the Styal system for the roof
of a bespoke lean-to conservatory built around a corner of Randal Cremer
Primary School in Hackney allowed 3D Roof Systems and fellow contractor
3D Aluminium Plas to save time and costs on site.
Randal Cremer Primary School is a co-educational community Primary school
for children aged 3 – 11 years maintained by the education service
in Hackney. The Learning Trust and school governors felt that nursery
and reception year children would benefit from a classroom extension and
larger play area, and appointed architects to find the best solution.
3D Aluminium Plas were appointed to build the conservatory, with 3D Roof
Solutions manufacturing the roof and specialist steel work carried out
by Bailey Engineering of Paignton, Devon.
The conservatory is a lean-to model with double hips and a 5 metre projection
built around a corner of the school. It spans 12 metres across in one
direction and 6.5 metres across in the other, with Comar aluminium frames
used for the main body. The roof has been extended to form an external
canopy which acts as a covered recreation area for the children outside
the main building. The result of the installation is a light, airy room
in which nursery children can feel equally comfortable learning or playing.
Claire Williams of 3D Roof Solutions – part of the 3D group of companies
– says that Styal is popular with their installers for several important
reasons:
‘Styal is well known as a fitter-friendly system and is capable of
far greater spans than comparative systems, which makes it ideal for commercial
projects such as this one.’
Tel:
08706 009600
Email: mailto:wendland@cdw.co.uk
Web:
http://www.wendland.uk.com
CGI
International’s Fire and Safety Glass Installed at Rampton Hospital
CGI
International’s
Pyroguard clear fire glass has been installed in Rampton Hospital.
Rampton
Hospital is a high secure unit with a developing occupational therapy
service which aims to provide individual treatment and group work for
learning disabilities, mental health, women’s services and personality
disorder service users.
CGII worked alongside Norman & Underwood who were well placed to manage
this sensitive fire glass glazing project. They have skilled tradesmen
who are 'FIRAS' approved, this combined with over 175 years associated
in the industry and the support of CGI International concluded in another
project being well done.
11.4m Pyroguard Clear was used for 60 minute integrity performance in
Steel Frames. Pyroguard was an easy choice for the client as this was
stocked locally and could be cut to the size required quickly in order
to satisfy short lead-times.
CGII manufacturers its fire and safety glasses at its purpose built factory
in Haydock, Merseyside. The factory was built mainly for the exclusive
manufacture of the company’s Pyroguard unwired fire glass product
range. Since then CGII has enjoyed increased productivity and sales and
is continuing to smash growth targets.
CGII provide a complete range of fire products to fulfil a wide variety
of performances and appearances enabling specifiers to obtain all their
requirements for fire and speciality glasses from a single source.
Further information on Pyroguard can be obtained from CGI International
on its web-site at http://www.cgii.co.uk.
Further details on Norman & Underwood’s specialist glazing capabilities
can be obtained by visiting its website at http://www.nandu.co.uk
Plowright
House, Hanham, Bristol is one of a number of recent projects to be completed
by CR Windows of Bristol. CR which
has been a Eurocell fabricator for
five years, is undertaking the work as part of the ongoing refurbishments
for South Gloucester Council’s window replacement programme.
300 Eurocell internally beaded 60mm windows with scotia beads and K Glass
were used for the improvements, which were fitted over a four-week period.
CR’s commitment to the best quality profile, service and after sales
has ensured a great number of successful tenders and has seen the company
appointed as the nominated supplier/installer for the SGC.
‘We give all tenants the same quality, service and considerations
as our domestic installations and receive many letters of praise directly
from the householder as well as the Housing Officer. This has lead to
our Local Housing Officer recommending CR to other authorities.’
Bob Wadham, CR Windows.
CR- 0117 960 4923
Eurocell – 01773 842 100
Pilkington
Planar Supports BAE Systems
Construction
of the new BAE Systems directorate building at Crewe Toll in Edinburgh
has involved the use of the Pilkington Planar
frameless structural glazing system from Pilkington Architectural. The
existing building on the site has been demolished with only one tower
retained and incorporated into the design of the new structure.
The
new building provides 150,000 sq. ft of prime office space, housing the
headquarters for the Sensor Systems Division.
The design by architects, Hurd Rolland Partnership, involved three key
elements all of which incorporated the Pilkington Planar system. The roof,
according to Jerry Almond of Structural Glass System specialist Charles
Henshaw Ltd of Edinburgh, was the most complex.
'Here we used 697 sq m of double glazed Pilkington Planar incorporating
laminated Pilkington K Glass with Nexus castings and 902 type austenitic
stainless steel fittings,' he explains. 'The result is a flush surface,
clear roof which allows the maximum ingress of daylight. We also used
12mm/16mm/6mm Pilkington K Glass clear heat soaked toughened glass combination
for the sides of the roof.'
For the main facade, double glazed Pilkington Planar was again installed,
screen printed components were used in the spandrel area with the whole
system being supported against wind loading by 15mm fins suspended from
the second floor and on 12mm fins standing on the second floor. In the
rebated entrance, which incorporates revolving doors, single glazed laminated
Pilkington Planar was installed, for extra strength, safety and durability.
Finally the glass canopy in front of the entrance completed the installation.
This comprised 12/2/6mm single laminated Pilkington Planar and creates
a stunning aesthetic focal point for both occupants and visitors.
The four storey building was completed last year and the extensive use
of the Pilkington Planar frameless glazing system provides a light and
open environment internally as well as a visually impressive exterior.
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Profile
22 Specially for the School
Fitters
from MPS Windows completed the installation of Profile
22 windows within specific time constraints at this residential
special needs school in Devon.
Exmouth-based MPS Windows, a long-established Profile 22 fabricator, fitted
50 combination and casement windows and four sets of entrance doors in
classrooms and dormitories at Oaklands School in Dawlish.
As the project involved the removal of asbestos, fitters worked alongside
Local Authority staff and security fencing was mandatory around work areas.
Part of the specification was for toughened glass in all the sealed units.
Profile 22 is a highly specified system and a top choice among hundreds
of Local Authority and Social Housing specifiers throughout the UK. It
is designed and tested to meet all relevant British Standards and Building
Regulations.
The configuration of Profile 22’s PVCu frames gives increased strength
and energy efficiency and the company offers specialist advice right from
design to installation.
Tel: 01952 290910
Sheerframe
Bowed VS’ for Seafront Homes in Worthing
Bowed
Sheerframe vertically sliding sash
windows form part of an upmarket housing scheme in a heritage location
on Worthing seafront.
Upmarket housebuilders CDC 2020 – part of the Centrex Corporation
– chose Sheerframe to feature at its Nautilus gated seafront development
of apartments, penthouses and cottages in the West Sussex resort. Replacing
a burnt down section of traditional five storey Georgian homes, the developers
were required to match the styling of the adjacent buildings.
Systems company L.B. Plastics, and Lockerbie based windowmakers BLW teamed
up to create a bowed Sheerframe VS window with deep bottom rail and externally
applied astragals, which perfectly replicated the required style. Initially
Worthing Council had expressed a preference for timber windows, but the
styling of the Sheerframe alternative, coupled with its exceptional weather
performance convinced them that it was the right choice for such an exposed
seafront location.
VS’, some canopied, feature on the first four floors of the stylish
building. Co-extruded Sheerframe casements, in slate grey finish, are
included on the fourth floor.
Says Sheerframe product director, David Strang, ‘There was a time
when people argued that PVC should not be used in buildings within conservation
areas. It is interesting to see that such buildings now feature the high-performance,
sympathetically styled Sheerframe system.’
Tel: 01773 852311
Web: http://www.litchfield-group.co.uk