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Pilkington Number 1 for Building 'Building 1000'

A large quantity of Pilkington Optitherm™ glass from Pilkington Building Products – UK, has been used to stunning effect at the Royals Business Park, which has recently been completed at the Royal Albert Dock, London. Representing the first major office building in the Docklands outside Canary Wharf in ten years, the Business Park is the capital’s largest to date.

Named 'Building 1000', the striking design encompasses two huge glass-walled wings and has been designed by award-winning architects, Aukett.

The wings are linked by a spectacular five-storey winter garden and overlook the Royal Albert Dock and the conveniently close London City Airport. Providing some 22,017m2 of office space, the project is the first stage of a £500m overhaul of the entire area that will eventually see the 50-acre site provide 148,640 square metres of offices and 9,290 square metres of ancillary retail and leisure accommodation.

Constructed by façade engineering specialists Pluswall, the stunning glass wings and external glass envelope utilise over 10,000m2 of Pilkington Insulight units incorporating toughened Pilkington Optitherm™ T. In addition to this, 1,500m2 of single toughened Pilkington Optifloat™ T is used throughout the building to create the unusual structure.

Pilkington Optitherm™ is a low emissivity coated glazing product that has been specifically developed for advanced insulation performance. The special coating, by reducing the level of heat loss through the glass, allows for a substantial reduction in energy consumption and promotes more efficient energy management.

As the first building in an ambitious and prestigious development plan for the area, the project, which also includes an undercroft car park, external landscaping and dock edge works, has already become the latest landmark in London’s Docklands, with the unique glass envelope operating as the focal point of the structure.

Bill Peek, Sales Director at Pluswall, commented: 'Pilkington Optitherm™ was specified because it met the exacting requirements set out by the architect. A glass wall system was required that would offer excellent standards of quality and meet the specific thermal efficiency targets, whilst also adding to the overall aesthetic quality of the structure.'

For more information on low emissivity glass or specifically Pilkington Optitherm™ please call the Pilkington Technical Helpline on 01744 692000.

Pupils and staff at a comprehensive school in Keighley are feeling the benefit of replacement windows fabricated from the Duraflex Featured Suite by Bolton-based Pearl Window Systems. Installation of 30 PVC-U window units at Oakbank School was completed in just four days by Fairweather Windows, Doors and Conservatories, with minimum disruption to school activities.

The new part-glazed windows with insulated panels in the lower half form a continual run of ribbon walling along the full length of classrooms in Oakbank’s Technical Laboratory Department. A combination of fixed and opening windows were specified from the Duraflex range to replace old metal frames and provide a low maintenance solution with excellent thermal insulation. Duraflex’s 70mm 5-chamber profile achieves a low U-value in line with the latest building regulations in England and Wales. Indeed, both the 65mm and 70mm systems already comply with the more stringent Scottish performance level of 1.8W/m2K, which is likely to be introduced in other parts of the country in the near future.

In addition to performance, the overall appearance of the new windows was also an important consideration for the School, as Paul Greig of Fairweather in Bradford explains, ‘The 70mm Featured profile in a brilliant white finish was chosen as it matches the existing fenestration.’ With its seamless sightlines, Duraflex’s elegant fully Featured Suite offers an attractive refurbishment option and is an equally popular choice for new build projects. It has also been designed to be fabricator-friendly as well as quick and easy to install.

Pearl Window Systems has recently incorporated the Duraflex Rolled-in gasket (RIG) into its product range. When combined with the Featured profile this factory-fitted gasket offers an exceptionally high-performance seal. And because the gasket is concealed within the frame it further enhances the system’s visual appeal.

‘The Duraflex Featured Suite passed the school’s aesthetic and performance demands with top marks, And with good service and support from our fabrication partner Pearl we were also able to complete the job in record time,’ concludes Paul Greig.

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

Patio doors from Beaufort’s aluminium range are meeting the aesthetic and performance demands of two prestigious inner city projects.

A modern block of apartments and luxury penthouse in Birmingham includes 80 Beaufort patio door sets as part of an exacting new build specification. The development by Cala Homes overlooks the National Indoor Arena and is being built as part of the Birmingham Regeneration Scheme. The two-panel sliding patios have been fabricated from Beaufort’s 92mm Direct Fix System by Superglazed of North London, one of Beaufort’s Approved Fabricators.

The patios lead onto juliette-style balconies and have been supplied in a matt white finish for the apartments and an attractive blue/grey for the penthouse. Beaufort’s stock and special colours 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 the development’s urban location.

When Beaufort aluminium patio doors were selected as part of the refurbishment of Anglia House, a 17-storey London tower block, Beaufort supplied specially reinforced profile to withstand the potentially high wind pressure loading on the upper floors. And to ensure complete peace of mind for the specification team and tenants, Beaufort undertook stringent testing of the profile, which passed a 50% increase to current BS wind loading requirements.

Avenue Windows of East London was awarded the £295,000 contract to replace all the existing timber-framed doors at Anglia House with durable new aluminium patio and residential doors from the Beaufort range.

The 48 patio doors were fabricated using Beaufort’s 92mm Direct Fix System in a 2-panel sliding configuration. Multi-point locking is fitted as standard, together with an anti-slam device to prevent damage to the lock prior to closing the door. The sliding panels glide with ease courtesy of a stainless steel track on stainless steel tandem rollers incorporated within the cill.

The refurbishment also involved the installation of 16 new residential doors from Beaufort’s 70mm Direct Fix System, which is a low maintenance option that requires no sub-frame. All the new aluminium doors for Anglia House have been supplied in a gleaming white powder paint finish that is guaranteed to retain its good looks for years to come.

Tel: 01633 29 40 40
Web: http://www.beaufortsecure.co.uk

Kleentec Bridge Window Safety System Goes From Strength to Strength

The installation of the system on the Stena Seafarer in A & Ps’ yard at Birkenhead recently was the 80th vessel to be equipped since the launch of the Kleentec Bridge Window Safety System at the Seatrade Exhibition in September 2003.

By a strange co-incidence the very first vessel to be equipped was also a Stena vessel the Adventurer, also in A & P Birkenhead. However this system is so simple it can be done by the ships own crew at any time when the vessel is operational.

The Kleentec Bridge Window Safety System makes window wipers redundant, and gives the captain 100% visibility through all the Bridge windows no matter how bad the weather.

The range of vessels supplied is vast. The range includes lifeboats, tugs, patrol boats, car carriers, seacats, superyatchs, ferries large & small, cruise ships, sightseeing launches etc.

As well as the UK Kleentec marine now has a network of Approved Suppliers in Quebec, Vancouver, New York, San Francisco, Auckland, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Cape Town, Genoa, and Norway.

Web: http://www.kleentecmarine.com

Marvault RL Brightens new Education Centre

A 19.7 metre long Marvault RL double skin clear polycarbonate barrel vault rooflight has been installed to provide natural daylight along the central corridor of Sundorne Youth Centre’s new Education Centre in Shrewsbury. Specified by Building Design Group, Shropshire County Council’s in-house architectural facility, the polycarbonate rooflight was manufactured and fixed by Brett Martin Daylight Systems on behalf of the main contractor, Frank Galliers Ltd.

The Marvault RL rooflight at Sundorne is mounted on a raised upstand at the crown of the gently curved Ash & Lacy stucco embossed aluminium standing seam barrel vault roof. Comprising 19 interconnected bays and spanning a width of 1.7 metres, the rooflight’s clear double skin polycarbonate glazing provides a light transmission of 81%. The specially rolled glazing bars are mill finish aluminium and the rooflight has manual control, pole-operated louvre vents with fly screens running along both sides of its full length.

Marvault RL modules can easily be linked to achieve any length and angled to create the desired curve - so as well as being used as rooflights on flat roofs providing natural daylight to internal rooms and corridors, they are ideal for creating dry covered external walkways between buildings. With a typical span capacity of up to 5 metres, Marvault RL rooflights can also be used to create large area canopies for building entrances, cycle parking and external play areas.

This attractive and versatile architectural glazing system has excellent weather resistance, durability and reliability. While clear solid, double skin polycarbonate material was used at Sundorne, Marvault RL can also be installed as a single skin system or glazed with multi-wall polycarbonate. Tinted options including diffused, opal, bronze or other solar protection colours are also available.

When installed on flat roofs, individual bays of the Marvault RL system can be ventilated by specifying either louvre vents or manually / electrically operated hinge openings to one side or to both sides in gull wing style. All Marvault RL rooflights have a fully water-managed drainage system and well-engineered extruded aluminium glazing bars that can be supplied either in mill finish or polyester powder coated to any RAL colour.

Tel: 028 9084 9999
Email: mailto:mail@brettmartin.com
Web: http://www.brettmartin.com

Titon helps Center Parcs get a Better Handle on Security

Center Parcs, Sherwood Forest, has chosen to install over 6,000 Titon handles in its guest apartments and villas, in an initiative to improve security for the village's accommodation. Although the village does not have a large security problem, the new Titon handles, recommended by the local police and supplied through joinery experts DC Judd, help to provide greater peace of mind for the centre's proprietors, and its 1.3 million plus visitors each year.

The Titon handles, which were chosen for their secure, user-friendly ergonomics, have been fitted to the village's timber tilt and turn windows. Both handles and windows are painted green to complement the natural materials and rural style of the village, which is itself designed to blend with its relaxed country setting.

The first holiday village to be opened by Center Parcs in the UK, Sherwood Forest has more than 800 villas and apartments to accommodate its many guests and corporate delegates through the year. At any one time the village can accommodate more than 4,000 guests.

Titon says that it is an acclaimed authority on ventilation and window fittings, with a recently launched ranged of mechanical ventilation solutions. Its products are endorsed and regularly selected by architects, Local Authorities and Housing Associations across the UK.

Titon also manufactures and supplies a comprehensive and purpose designed range of window handles, hinges, pivots, sash locks, espagnolettes and shootbolts for all types of window profile.

Tel: 01206 713800
Web: http://www.titon.co.uk

Lunches get Lighter at Listed Hotel

Guests at the Herriot Hotel in Skipton, North Yorkshire, can now enjoy their tea and coffee in the hotel’s beautiful new conservatory extension created by Ultraframe.

The Grade 2 listed hotel underwent a dramatic makeover which included the addition of a function suite and 10 new bedrooms. The new rooms were built on the site of a dismantled stable outbuilding using the original stable stones. The project’s architect consulted the experts at the Ultraframe Portals Division to design and manufacture an elegant conservatory roof for an extension that would join the original hotel building to the new rooms, whilst complementing the style of the Victorian property.

Michelle Graham-Roe, Proprietor of the Herriot Hotel, said: 'We had to adhere to strict regulations in our extension plans for the hotel because it is a listed building. This meant extra effort was required from everyone involved with the project but it has been well worth it. Our architect set Ultraframe quite a challenge and their Portals Team responded in a manner that showed their experience and technical ability. The conservatory complements the surrounding buildings perfectly and has become a real feature of the hotel.'

Nick Booth, Portals Sales Manager at Ultraframe, said: 'The conservatory roof at the Herriot Hotel may look quite simple, but in fact it was the opposite. There were many factors we had to take into account when designing and manufacturing the roof which provided additional challenges for the team. Firstly, the 10m by 7m roof had to blend with the original property and stick to the strict guidelines that ensured it enhanced the listed building. We had to design a double-ended gable roof to fit between the two existing walls, but this was made more complicated because the walls were not parallel to each other. We also had to incorporate a lift shaft in the design for a lift to take guests up to the new rooms.

'The fact the conservatory had a dual function, as an extension and as a link between the old and new hotel buildings, made the design brief much more demanding and complex. We were aware that detailed planning and precision were paramount to making the roof a success and we worked closely with the project’s architect throughout the design stages.'

The Ultraframe Portals Team recommended Cheadle Glass from Stockport for an efficient and professional installation. Their skilled fitting team completed the two part installation in less than seven days.

Phil Alley, Projects Manager at Cheadle Glass, said: 'Because the conservatory extension was part of a larger building project we were very aware that if we missed our deadlines it would delay remaining work on the hotel. Fortunately, Ultraframe portal frames consist of hollow sections of structural grade aluminium and are specially designed to be extremely lightweight for a quick and easy installation. We have installed a number of Ultraframe roofing systems in the past and have complete confidence in the sound engineering principles and thorough design behind their roofs. It was no surprise to us that the conservatory roof at the hotel fitted together perfectly. Utraframe had got it spot on again!'

Managing Director at Cheadle Glass, Keith Flowers, commented: 'The Herriot Hotel installation was extremely successful and adds yet another prestigious contract to our extensive portfolio.'

Michelle Graham-Roe concluded: 'The conservatory is a great asset to the hotel. We have disguised the lift shaft built into one of the walls as a chimney chute and even have a built-in log fire. It provides the hotel with a relaxing, versatile lounge which overlooks our attractive courtyard. Our guests often take their teas and coffees there after dining in the adjoining restaurant. They also use it to enjoy our bar snacks, conduct small business meetings and even to host aperitifs for wedding receptions and parties. The Ultraframe portals team has helped create an elegant room that also looks really impressive when lit up at night.'

Cheadle Glass is one of the North West’s premier suppliers and installers of UPVc frames and portals, as well as being a major manufacturer of glass products for a wide range of applications. The family owned business has been established nearly 40 years and is able to manufacture, supply and install across a wide range of both retail and commercial applications. For more information on Cheadle Glass call 0161 480 6644 or visit http://www.sigmaglass.com.

The Ultraframe Portals Division specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of portal framed conservatory roofs and large bespoke roofs that require additional structural support. The team, comprising sales, estimator, structural engineer, designers and installation consultant, is available for advice at all stages of a project and can assist with the design and prepare budget quotations and indicative layouts. If required they will visit a site to discuss proposals and carry out detailed site surveys, followed up with detailed working drawings, full structural calculations and fixed price quotations.

For further information on the Ultraframe Portals Division please contact Portals Sales Manager, Nick Booth, on 07740 070658, fax your enquiry to 01200 452397 or email mailto:portals@ultraframe.co.uk

Major New Butlins Development says ‘Hi De Hi’ to Pilkington Activ™ Glass

A new hotel development currently being built at Butlins’ popular Bognor Regis holiday resort will feature around 1500 square metres of Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass, representing one of the biggest UK projects to include the glass to date. The striking Butlins ‘Shoreline’ Hotel - designed by PWP Architects of Havant, Hampshire – is being built in the shape of a cruise ship, complete with contemporary cabins and outside decks.

The new £10 Million Shoreline Hotel is expected to bring a wealth of new holidaymakers to the Bognor Regis resort, with bookings currently being taken for June 2005 onwards. Set in beautifully landscaped gardens and located directly on the seafront, the hotel will have 160 rooms stretched over 4 floors, with three grades of bedroom to choose from. It will also feature a lounge bar, restaurants and sun terraces.

Henry Jones, part of the Kier Group, the main building contractor for the project, appointed Horndean based Blendworth Windows Ltd to the task of supplying and fitting all the windows for the new hotel, having recently worked successfully with the company on a luxury new-built extension to the Warner Holidays Sinah Warren Hotel on Hayling Island. Having viewed the detailed design plans for the hotel, Bob Cummins, Managing Director of Blendworth Windows, suggested Pilkington Activ™ as the ideal solution for the glazed areas of the building:
'Over half the building is glazed to produce the atmosphere of light and space that the designers wanted to achieve. Having seen what Pilkington Activ™ can do, and how much less ongoing maintenance it means for the end customer, we offered the product to the main contractor as a huge additional benefit, and they agreed with us that it was perfect for the hotel.’

Due to the high level of glazing used in the design of the hotel, it was important to both the architect and main contractor to achieve excellent thermal efficiency for the windows and doors, with a U-value of 1.1 the ultimate target. Horndean Glass & Glazing was chosen by Blendworth Windows to supply Pilkington Insulight double glazed units. To achieve both the desired level of thermal efficiency and excellent sound insulation, the units are laminated and coated with Pilkington Optitherm SN on the inner pane and then filled with argon gas. Pilkington Activ™ is used on the outer pane of each unit to provide self-cleaning properties. The patio doors, which are also fitted with Pilkington Activ™ glass, are being provided by KAT UK.

Bob Cummins of Blendworth Windows comments:
‘The hotel is progressing rapidly now, with the first floor now completed and signed off and the rest due to be completed by late Spring. It is going to be a stunning building with a fantastic aspect – it literally looks like the hotel is sailing right out to sea. We are very pleased with how well the project is coming together and both Henry Jones and PWP Architects agree that Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass is an inspired choice for the building. Right next to the sea, the hotel will enjoy the exact weather conditions needed to help the glass work to its full effect.’

Developed in the UK by Pilkington and launched following extensive field and laboratory testing, Pilkington Activ™ literally keeps itself clean by harnessing the two natural elements of ultra violet light and rain. The technology uses UV light to break down organic dirt deposits on the glass, then uses the rain to wash the dirt away.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

Woodstreet Builders Partners Listers

Woodstreet Builders of Eccleshall in Staffordshire is gaining an enviable reputation for quality and service in the highly competitive commercial market.

Established in 1996 by John and Andrew Hart, Woodstreet now has over 70 trained staff covering a wide range of projects from planning and structural design to facilities management.

Part of the company's success is being fully committed to professionalism and high standards. In fact this was the driving force behind it choosing Lister Trade Frames of Stoke on Trent as partners for all the company's windows, doors, building plastics and conservatory needs.

'We carry out projects for some very demanding clients such as Balfour Beatty, St Gobain and local authorities like Stafford Borough Council, so we need the backing of a professional supplier who will deliver products on time in full when we need them.' Says Andy Hart, Woodstreet‚s Co-Owner, 'Listers is our chosen partner because it gives us exactly what we require in this business: Confidence'.

The latest project, just completed for one of Stoke on Trent Councils Primary Schools, involved a series of multi-storied structurally shaped frames glazed with Georgian effect inserts. Not the easiest of installations, but through careful management and cooperation the project was completed ahead of time to the full satisfaction of the clients.

Like Listers, Woodstreet puts a lot of effort into training and supporting its workforce ensuring that the company enters its staff into schemes such as NVQ, CITB, ETMS and CSCS accreditations. This keeps the company's standards high and it helps to focus all its staff on the importance of quality workmanship.

Ron Maskery, Listers Commercial Sales Manager says that 'Partnering customers like Woodstreet builders, who are committed to driving their business forward and investing in the future is a real pleasure but also a big responsibility. Why? Because as real partners, we rely very much on each other for the success of our businesses.'

Tel: 01782 205605
Email: mailto:sales@listertf.co.uk

Main Entrance Swing Doors to Renovated Empress State Building are Manufactured and Installed by Structura UK

Aluminium-framed, glass, entrance pass doors to the 31-storey Empress State Building in Earls Court, London, have been manufactured and installed by Structura UK Ltd as part of a completed £85 million renovation of the 1959-built tower block owned by Land Securities.

Acting as a sub-contractor to Portal Ltd, architectural glazing systems specialist, Structura UK supplied two pairs of double, toughened glass, main entrance swing doors - one set operating manually, the other using floor-mounted swing drive units- installed either side of two glass revolving doors, all set within a Planar, bolted, glazed screen measuring approximately 50m wide x 9m high.

In two, separate, low-level buildings on the site, Structura UK provided - within curtain walling - swing doors, operated by floor springs, and a single swing door operated by an overhead closer for the Entrance building, and sliding and manual doors for the Piazza building.

Structura UK co-ordinated the installation of the automatic doors with Bovis Lend Lease, main contractor. The architect was Wilkinson Eyre Architects.

Tel: 020 8397 4361
Email: mailto:mail@structura.co.uk
Web: http://www.structura-uk.com

Metal Technology Gives Warmth to Flogas HQ

Flogas UK, one of the largest LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) suppliers in the UK has used Metal Technology high performance glazing systems on its new HQ in Leicester. Together with contractor Raynsway Properties and fabricator Anderson Architectural, Booker Flynn Architects created a ‘V’ shape building, which is set in landscaped grounds, with a feature two storey, facetted, glazed entrance.

The complex curved structure, with a sloping roof, has a ‘stepped design’ and utilises Metal Technology’s System 17 curtain walling. The use of grey powder-coated aerofoil mullions creates slim aesthetic sightlines which maximise the anti-sun glazing.

The project, which is in excess of £300k, also includes 100 Metal Technology System 4-20, Document L compliant, windows. These form continuous glazed ‘ribbons’ for each floor providing light and ventilation for staff.

Metal Technology’s systems are engineered to offer architects, developers and fabricators a complete glazing solution.

Contact: Calvin Wilson
Tel: 028 94 487777
Email: mailto:info@metaltechnology.com
Web: http://www.metaltechnology.com

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