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Door hardware from specialist Siegenia-Aubi Ltd, has provided a solution for a homeowner in Nottingham looking to make more of his riverside view.

When confronted with the challenge of opening up the living space in a riverside apartment to let in full view of the River Trent, Eurocell fabricator A1 Windows knew that Siegenia-Aubi’s FS-Portal system would be suitable for the job. The folding sliding doors maximise natural light and ventilation and provide access through the full opening.

A1 Windows, the trade fabricator of FS Portal in the UK, installed the system by removing a full height wall and doors, which restricted the view from a seated position, and replacing it with a full-length folding, sliding door.

FS-Portal fittings allow complete door opening, with special holders to secure the folding sashes when the door is open. There is also a tilt and turn sash option which offers both ventilation and security.

A minimal threshold height is available on request for increased access safety. Sliding action is also improved through four-wheeled bogies with high precision bearings, allowing sashes to be moved easily, silently and securely.

Comments Melvyn Walker of Nottingham-based A1 Windows, ‘The new door makes the most of the living space, looks good and performs well. The system is a great alternative to patio and French doors as it can be opened to the full breadth of the room to let in more of the outside. The owner can now sit back and relax in his front room whilst soaking up a full view of the riverside.’

Siegenia-Aubi is a specialist in the development of high performance window and door hardware and ventilation solutions for the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

Tel: 024 7662 2000
Email: mailto:si-uk@siegenia.com
Web: http://www.siegenia.de

System 10 PVCu windows and doors are primarily known for their use in social housing applications. However, they have been selected for one of this decade’s highest profile private UK housing developments.

Staiths South Bank development in Gateshead is a ground-breaking scheme which has hit the headlines partly because of the high profile designers Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway who have teamed up with the developers, George Wimpey and architects, Ian Derby Partnership. The Hemingways were the co founders of the Red or Dead fashion label.

A variety of System 10 58mm casement windows and French doors have already been installed in the first phase of the site for a mixture of three storey town houses. System 10 fully reversible windows are going into 6-8 storey apartment blocks. And System 10 curtain walling has been selected for an internet café on site.

An interesting aspect of the project involves the development of bespoke System 10 foil colours. Grey and cream foils were selected for the exterior of the properties with white for interiors.

The £70 million brownfield development beside the Tyne will, when completed, offer 700 new homes on a 40 acre site.

The first phase of the development, currently under construction, will consists of 74 townhouses and 87 apartments. The project involves over 150 people working on site.

The development embodies the Government led Home Zone philosophy and has also just won an environment award in recognition of its outstanding performance in environmental management. Recycling points within 30 metres of every home, designated pet corners, communal gardens with facilities designed for the pedestrian as opposed to the car are just a few of the initiatives included within the development.

The curtain walling that is to be used for the building of an internet café at Staiths South Bank is one of several System 10 curtain walling projects for which coloured foils have recently been specified. Indeed, there seems to be a move towards the use of coloured foils for curtain walling on many commercial projects, with PVCu taking market share in an area that has traditionally been dominated by aluminium.

Pilkington Pools its Resources

A range of Pilkington glass products have been used to improve the aesthetic appeal of the new £10.7m Welsh National Pool, recently completed in Swansea. The products include Pilkington Insulight units with built-in Luxaclair‚ blinds.

Home to the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association and other bodies, the new centre meets the standards of the world swimming governing body, the Federation Internationale De Natation, FINA.

For the south elevation, Pilkington Building Products-UK supplied 70 Pilkington Insulight double glazed insulating units. These comprised of an 8mm Pilkington Optifloat Clear T Plus toughened and heat soaked glass for the outer pane and 8.8mm Pilkington Optilam K laminated glass for the inner pane. In the cavity, Luxaclair micro-venetian blinds were specified to provide control of the light ingress into the building.

These blinds are operated using the sophisticated Concerto operating mechanism, which commands whole groups of blinds to adopt the same positioning. This enables the elevation as a whole to provide optimum light control, sunshading when needed and thermal insulation. The Luxaclair blinds, protected by the Pilkington glazing, retain their ‘as new’ appearance for many years.

The pool was built as an extension to the existing University Sports Centre and consists of a 50m pool which can be divided into two 25m pools via a submersible boom and moveable floor. Offices and a sports specific science lab were also constructed at the centre.

The national competition and training swimming centre has been built to a design by leisure and sports specialist, Stephen Limbrick Associates and overlooks Swansea Bay.

Says Andrew Lawley of fenestration contractors, Parry Bowen Ltd: 'The glass wall allows in natural daylight which is easily controlled by the Luxaclair blinds. It adds to the attraction of the building as well as providing functionality.'

The construction team included project manager and QS, Faithful & Gould, structural engineer, Atkins and contractor, Shepherd.

Pilkington Building Products - UK manufactures a wide range of float, coated, rolled, laminated and toughened glass products as well as its own range of high performance insulating glass units. Glass is distributed to direct to customers, either as stock or as bespoke processed products to meet their needs either direct from St Helens or through our network of 23 branches countrywide. The company is highly focused on quality and service, continually improving to deliver the benefits of Pilkington’s technical ability and innovation to the end user.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

Ambassador for German Façade Skills in Japan

Josef Gartner GmbH is producing a façade for the German Embassy in Tokyo. Some parts of this façade will be explosion-proof and bulletproof. Japanese experts sampled a façade element containing a very robust sunscreen at Gartner’s headquarters in the Bavarian town of Gundelfingen. The façade, which covers an area of 2,000 m2, will be installed in Tokyo from the end of September 2004 onwards.

'This façade will be another prime example of German façade skills in Japan. In 2003, we cladded the building of the Prada fashion house in Tokyo and we are currently installing the façade on the Chanel Ginza Building', said Klaus Lother, Managing Director of Gartner.

The company, which has a worldwide workforce of around 1,000 employees, is one of the leading façade manufacturers and has been represented on the Japanese market by a subsidiary since 2001.

The façade of the new German Embassy in Tokyo was sampled in Gundelfingen (Bavaria) by Japanese experts. Josef Gartner GmbH is producing the explosion-proof façade, which covers an area of 2,000 m2, in Gundelfingen. The façade will be shipped to Tokyo and installed there from the end of September 2004 onwards.

Two employees from the general contractor, the Tokyo-based Taisei Corporation, an architect from Nikken Sekkei Ltd., Tokyo, and three employees from Oiles, a manufacturer of sunscreens, travelled to Gartner’s headquarters in Gundelfingen from Japan. Together with three representatives of Mahler Günster Fuchs, the Stuttgart-based general planner, they appraised the sample façade which was mounted on a mobile stand. An explosion-proof glass wall will be installed on the north side of the new chancellery building in the Embassy. Both the element façade and the stick system satisfy high demands in relation to protection against earthquakes and explosions. In addition to external corners made of glass, another special feature are the sunscreens from Oiles. These sunscreens were fitted to the façade in Gundelfingen. The external sunblinds need not be retracted even when a strong wind is blowing. The façade was produced in Gundelfingen at a cost of €2.9 million. It will shortly be shipped to Tokyo where it will be installed between September 2004 and December 2005.

Japan is turning into a key market for Gartner. The German façade construction specialist, which recently cladded the world’s highest skyscraper in Taipei, established the subsidiary Gartner Japan K.K in 2001. In 2002, Gartner constructed a double-skin façade for Sekisui House, Kudan-Minami, Tokyo. In 2003, Gartner cladded the building of the Prada fashion house in the Minami-Aoyama district of Tokyo. The company is currently starting the installation work for an aluminium element façade (4,100 m2) on the Chanel Ginza Building in Tokyo.

Web: http://www.josef-gartner.de

A Tidy Job Well Done

Twenty-four, two story flats at Tidy’s Lane in Epping have been given a new lease of life thanks to Essex based, Direct Cladding.

Following a direct request by the Resident’s Committee to re-clad the ageing properties, Direct Cladding was the chosen supplier to manufacture and install new PVCu cladding and supporting frames to the building.

The contract worth in excess of £20,000 utilised Deceuninck’s Deeplas range of cladding solutions.

The PVCu cladding and frames were specified by the committee due to their high performance benefits and improved aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the low maintenance benefits of the PVCu cladding were a contributing factor.

Direct Cladding’s 3-man fitting team, officially trained in the installation of PVCu cladding, took just six weeks to complete the project and liaised closely with the residents for minimum disruption.

Billy Chaplin, Director of Direct Cladding explains, ‘I believe the product itself, our competitiveness of tender and the fact that all our fitters are officially trained members of PERC (Purveyors of Excellence in Roofline and Cladding) were the contributing factors to securing this contract. We are very confident that this will lead to more work.’

The PERC scheme is the official registered installer scheme for Deeplas.

Contact: Martin Vowden
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: mailto:martin.vowden@deceuninck.com
Web: http://www.deceuninck.com

Decent Homes Hinge on Securistyle Hardware

Austenitic hinges by window hardware manufacturer Securistyle have been specified by Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing on 15,000 properties as part of a three year, £24 million refurbishment programme.

Responsible for 28,000 homes in Kirklees, West Yorkshire, the arms length organisation is investing in its housing stock as part of the Decent Homes Standard, after taking over all the landlord services for Kirklees Metropolitan Council in April 2002.

Mick Kimmings of Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing said: ‘We have specified Securistyle hinges in the past and feel that they are very easy to maintain. We have never had any problems with the product and our installers are also very happy to use Securistyle. This means we can specify just one company’s products and be confident that they will perform well in the long term and help us to deliver a good service to our residents.’

Two thousand properties have been refurbished to date incorporating a range of Securistyle hinges including the Defender friction hinge, the Defender restrictor and Defender egress.

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

A1 Window Systems Bi- Fold Door Success

Since launching the Bi- Folding door earlier in the year, Eurocell fabricator A1 Windows of Nottingham says that the company has been inundated with requests for the product. Supplying both trade and retail, the doors provide a modern look to any property as this latest installation shows.

The owners of the house at the exclusive Turners Quay development were looking for something different to maximise their proximity to the River Trent in Nottingham, the Bi-Folding doors provided an ideal solution. The four-leaf design allows easy access to the decking as well as views of the frequent rowing regattas when they are fully opened.

‘The doors are now an important extension to our product range, we have allocated a dedicated line specifically to their manufacture. They make a superb improvement to any new build home or renovation project particularly the growth in the ‘apartment sector’ of the housing market.’ said Melvyn Walker, A1 Window Systems.

The doors are available with up-to seven leaves and are fabricated using Eurocell’s 70mm profile and Segienia hardware (locking and gearing). The doors can also be hung both from the top or bottom track. For further information contact A1 Windows BI-Fold division on 0115 9141 999.

Top Windows Y’All!

Newstead Trade Frames says its products are such good quality that even the residents of Texas USA want them. Now retired, window, door and conservatory installer Mr Cunningham, was the first point of call when his daughter bought a house in Texas that needed some renovation. The job included the export of windows, doors and even a Georgian style conservatory.

‘The double glazed white PVCu windows replaced the existing single glazed aluminium windows,’ explains Mr Cunningham. ‘The eaves on the houses in Texas overhang the buildings, shading the windows from the sun. I planned, designed and exported the products with the help of Newstead and all the effort was worthwhile. It makes a refreshing change to export products from the UK to the USA instead of the other way round!’

Tel: 01782 641 642

HansenGlass Offers Purchasers Privacy and Panoramic Views at Imperial Wharf

Two different products from the range of HansenGlass have been supplied to a specialist sub-contractor working on a prestigious new residential development on the Thames. The occupants of the apartments are provided with stunning views across the capital and are also ensured privacy from their neighbours.

The glass processor has produced hundreds of its FortPlus™ safety glass panels for use on the new homes at Imperial Wharf: a landmark regeneration project by St George, focused on former waterfront industrial land in Fulham.

The high specification, clear and Ceraphic™ screen-printed panels are being installed by Hubbard Architectural Metalwork Limited from Norwich for the creation of bespoke balustrading as well as privacy separation screens between apartments.

While the metre high clear FortPlus™ panels for the balcony fronts are formed from 12mm thick toughened glass, the apartment balcony privacy screens were produced from 10mm thick FortPlus™ toughened with a Ceraphic™ screen-printed etch effect. For additional safety all glass supplied was heat soak tested.

The Contracts Manager supervising the project for Hubbard Architectural Metalwork is Mr Tony Poulter. Commenting on the success of the contract he says: ‘As the architectural metalworkers, we are providing a bespoke balustrade solution which incorporates the clear and obscure glass supplied to us by HansenGlass. This was a commercial decision based on price and quality as well as our past experience of working with HansenGlass. We are very pleased with the level of service we have received on this contract.’

Aside from providing the residents with valuable and attractive outside living space, the balconies present a striking aspect to the designs of Broadway Malyan the architectural practice responsible for the different apartment blocks which make up Imperial Wharf.

For the B1 and B2 towers Hubbard Architectural Metalwork produced balustrading entirely in stainless steel. The system being installed now on A1 - A4 towers features stainless steel handrails supported on mild steel balusters, while the FortPlus™ panels from HansenGlass provide a unifying visual theme across the different elevations.

Tel: 0151 545 3000
Email: mailto:sales@hansenglass.co.uk

Glaverbel Gets the Point

'The Point' is a new nine storey building in London's current construction hot-spot - Paddington Basin. Designed by Terry Farrell & Partners, for Chesfield plc the distinctive curved-on-plan 'double' façade utilised the expertise of Swiss curtain-wall company - Felix UK Limited.

But the building is not merely striking. The specification of Glaverbel's Stopray glazing ensures maximum comfort and minimum air con and heating expenses for its occupants. Stopray is a family of glass, which share a remarkable technology and performance. One surface of the sealed unit is coated with a very fine layer of precious metal. This does two things - reduces solar gain significantly and reflects heat from the inside giving exceptional thermal performance. Stopray becomes a 'sun-screen' and a 'thermal mirror' - reflecting expensive heat (in winter) or cooled air (in summer) back into the building.

However, many of Europe's leading specifiers are just as interested in the way that Stopray does its job. There are well over 30 different colours and tints in the Stopray palette - giving real choice and scope for experimentation. In the UK the Stopray 'neutrals' are becoming more popular. This range looks like ordinary glazing with little of the mirrored-effect of some solar control glass. The 'neutrals' have outstanding light transmission properties, too. This gives occupants the natural light that we all prefer.

The Point features 7,000 sq.m of two Stopray 'neutrals'. Stopray Elite which allows 67% of available light into the building and Stopray Safir that stops all but 32% of the solar energy transmission. Both have a a U-value as low as 1.1 W/(m2.K).

Glaverbel with its 15 float plants and around 200 production units throughout Europe is the European branch of AGC Flat Glass, covering all the flat glass activities of Asahi Glass, the world's largest glassmaking group.

The Glaverbel Group (incl. Automotive) employs about 17,000 people and its sales amounted to 1.9 billion EUR in 2002. Part of the Glaverbel Group, Glaverbel UK is a key supplier to independent glass stockists and processors throughout Britain and Ireland.

Web: http://myglaverbel.com

Belgrave Creates ‘Ideal Home’ for Linda Barker

Belgrave Windows and Conservatories has installed a conservatory on the back of a show home which was interior designed by Linda Barker at the Ideal Home Show in Earls Court.

‘Space Air Solutions Climate Controlled Home’, situated in the Showhouse Village is a house designed to include a climate-controlled, allergy free environment. Conditioned and purified air circulates throughout all of the rooms in the house, aiding those with allergies and easing away the stresses and strains of everyday living.

Belgrave, founded in 1994, installed a K2 lean-to conservatory for the house measuring 3m x 4m and fitted with Celsius performance glass. The properties of Celsius mean that it is able to reflect 72% of solar energy, more than three times the amount reflected by standard glass. It is also subtly tinted blue to decrease unwanted glare by up to 55% compared to glass, while still admitting sufficient light for the conservatory to be enjoyed on duller days.

The conservatory was designed to be in keeping with the Mediterranean theme of the home, while the Celsius glass helped to reduce the temperature within the house, keeping the climate controlled at all times. The company also installed an air conditioner and air purifier to aid with climate control.

Phoenix Door Panels, a K2 key dealer that has been established since 2001, supplied the K2 conservatory to Belgrave.

Jason Wood, Managing Director of Belgrave comments: ‘We were very excited to design this installation for such a unique home, where the temperature had to be so tightly controlled. We knew that Celsius would be the perfect choice for maintaining a constant atmosphere, as it is able to reflect solar energy, but also retain heat, keeping the home cool in the summer and warm in winter.’

Paul Carter, Sales Manager of K2 comments: ‘K2 would like to congratulate Belgrave on its innovative and stylish design for this conservatory. K2’s products are suitable for use in a variety of installations, and we are delighted that we were able to be involved in this unusual bespoke installation.’

Tel: 01204 554554
Email: mailto:enquiries@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com

Pets 'Check In' with Profile 22

Cats and dogs 'checking in' at this upmarket 'pet hotel' in the North West can enjoy five-star luxury thanks to their specially-constructed kennels and outdoor runs using the Profile 22 system.

The self-styled 'cat and dog apartments' at Denton, close to Manchester Airport, boast better facilities than many homes...including TVs, webcams and piped music. While their owners are away, both species can avail themselves of grooming facilities, the use of full-service veterinary centre if necessary, and even a special doggy Jacuzzi.

A specialist division of Huddersfield-based Slaithwaite Developments Ltd, a Profile 22 trade fabricator, won the contract to supply more than 3,000 glazed frames to the developer, a multi-national petfood manufacturer, after completing a successful pilot project in the North East.

A profile and panel framework forms the 'apartments' measuring around two by two metres - bigger for dogs - which all have their own patio and exercise areas. As the site has 24-hour security, all the doors have simple catch arrangements and open outwards.

SDL brought in fitting teams specially trained to erect the 60mm chamfered suite frames for the scheme. SDL Director, Martin Lawton, explains: ‘We have been responsible for proving the design of the cat and dog apartments. The amount of planning that went into the project beforehand ensured a smooth installation. Preparation was key in the success of the project.’

Profile 22's technical team, including advice from their specification engineer, put forward proposals on the optimum use of the system in the construction. The team took several factors into account, including building the screens up from the floor with a gentle slope to facilitate cleaning and outward opening doors for easy access.

‘It was a completely new, yet challenging departure for us, but one which we hope will lead to further contracts in the future,’ adds Martin. ‘We've even started getting inquiries from other kennels for similar projects.’

The building was officially opened by TV vet Trude from Vets in Practice.

Contact: Keith White
Tel: 01952 290910

Newstead Trade Frames wins £1.4m Macclesfield Contract

Newstead Trade Frames has won a £1.4m contract to replace 6,000 windows for Macclesfield Council. The contract is part of a large scale council house improvement programme.

‘The project is happening in two phases,’ explains John Davies, Commercial Manager of Newstead. ‘The first phase consists of 305 homes and the second 278. Many are directly underneath the flightpath for Manchester airport so we also needed to be able to supply special acoustic glass units to reduce the noise levels. We’re particularly pleased we’ve won this contract because local authorities require such high quality on these types of upgrades which suits us perfectly.’

Tel: 01782 641 642

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