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Duraflex Features in Luxury New Homes

The complex window designs for Lyoncross, a spectacular new build project near Glasgow, are posing no problem for experienced Duraflex fabricator, Window Vision. The development of 27 luxury properties by J.A.D. Homes Limited features a number of imposing architectural aspects including large bay windows and roof lights, together with turrets and balconies.

Cumbernauld-based Window Vision is fabricating all the PVC-u windows, French and Residential doors for the £170,000 contract – a total of nearly 1000 units - using Duraflex’s 70mm Featured Suite in a Golden Oak finish.

J.A.D. Homes is a long-standing specifier of the Duraflex Diamond Suite for its exclusive developments. ‘We’ve been supplying J.A.D. for over ten years and have built an excellent working relationship with them,’ explains Pat McKluskie, Window Vision’s Sales Manager. ‘Lyoncross is a particularly demanding contract in terms of the unusual shapes and sizes of some of the windows. However, with our fabrication expertise and the versatility of the fully integrated Duraflex system we’ve been able to deliver a high quality PVC-U solution that satisfies both the customer’s design and performance specification.’

A popular choice with housebuilders, the Duraflex Featured Suite offers a fully featured, rather than scotia or ovalo, profile. Its elegant styling replicates the appearance of timber frames for added kerb appeal. And because the detail is within the line of the original bevel, it is very fabricator friendly. In addition to their aesthetic appeal all Duraflex PVC-u systems, whether 65mm or 70mm, Featured or Bevelled, comply with the more stringent U-values required under Part J of Scottish Building Regulations of 1.8W/m2K.

Window Vision has recently introduced Duraflex’s new Rolled in Gasket (RIG), which when combined with the Featured profile offers an exceptionally high performance seal, and because the gasket is concealed within the frame, adds to the system’s aesthetic appeal. Factory fitted as part of the extrusion process RIG also delivers cost savings and productivity improvements for the fabricator, and guarantees excellent static and dynamic performance in correctly manufactured windows.

Operating mainly in the central belt of Scotland, Window Vision Ltd has been a Duraflex fabricator for over 12 years. Its experienced team has gained a reputation for reliability and high quality workmanship. ‘Together with Duraflex we’re able to deliver a first class product on time, every time,’ concludes Pat.

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

Pyroguard gets Fit in Bicester

A bespoke fire glass manufactured by CGI is meeting the safety and aesthetic demands of a new health and beauty centre at Bicester Golf & Country Club in Oxfordshire. CGI Pyroguard Clear 8.2mm glass has been installed in sandblasted glass screens between a public corridor and the centre’s luxurious spa and swimming pool complex.

CGI worked closely with main contractor TradeLinks (London) and Fusion Glass Designs to provide a solution that was effective in terms of fire protection and also attractive. Jo Jhally, Director of TradeLinks (London), comments: ‘The design specification for the screens included decorative sandblasting, but we were concerned that this would compromise the required 30-minute fire rating. CGI was able to manufacture a customised version of its Pyroguard fire glass using a slightly thicker layer of float glass on one side to take account of this.’

CGI manufactured Pyroguard Clear sheets for the screens using a combination of 4mm and 3mm float glass, rather than two 3mm sheets as used in the standard 7.2mm version. As with all Pyroguard glass, the sheets have been sandwiched between a specially formulated resin interlayer, which provides an effective fire stop. The specified quantity of 8.2mm laminated glass was then supplied to Fusion Glass Designs in London for sandblasting.

CGI’s successful Pyroguard range of laminated fire resistant safety glass offer a choice of integrity glasses that have the added benefit of radiation control. It covers clear and wired products with 30- and 60-minute performance ratings. Pyroguard 7.2mm is impact safety certified to BS6206 Class B and EN 12600 Class 2 and has recently had its CERTIFIRE Certificate of Approval extended to approve a glass size of 375mm x 2125mm in fire door vision panels.

In addition to a comprehensive choice of products, CGI’s experienced team is always on hand to offer advice on product specification and fire safety regulations: ‘This was a challenging project and CGI played a key role in finding the best solution and provided exemplary service from concept right through to completion.’

Tel: 020 7960 6060
Web: http://www.cgii.co.uk

Selectaglaze - Ruling the Sound Waves

Surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic, Newquay's magnificent Headland Hotel stands majestically on the cliff top towering over the dramatic Cornish coastline and Fistral Beach, home of the British and World Surfing Championships.

The hotel has been seen in many BBC dramas and films, including Roald Dahl's ‘The Witches’ and Rosemunde Pilcher's ‘The Shellseekers’. This AA and RAC four-star hotel was built in 1900 and was a great favourite of the Royal Family between the wars. During World War II the hotel was taken over as an RAF hospital, serving the many airfields whose aircraft patrolled the Western Approaches seeking out enemy ships and submarines. Local legend has it that the ghosts of nurses who cared for the injured haunt the hotel. The years following WWII saw the hotel left and neglected until, in 1979, it was bought by Carolyn and John Armstrong, who have spent the last 26 years and many millions of pounds lovingly restoring it to the splendour that we see today - affectionately referred to by the couple as their 'Forth Bridge' Project!

Secondary glazing specialist, Selectaglaze Ltd was called upon to help resolve the noise and draught problems emanating from the strong winds coming off the Atlantic. The problem was sufficiently bad that in really stormy conditions, depending on which way the wind was blowing, the hotel could only let rooms on the leeward side of the building. Carolyn Armstrong says: ‘As the waves hit the rocks below the hotel the noise is like liquid thunder and sheets of spray shoot several stories into the air’.

Initially, for trial purposes, Selectaglaze treated a number of ‘superior’ and ‘standard’ bedrooms on the first and second floors. Now all the sea-facing rooms on these floors have been treated with Selectaglaze's Series 20 vertical sliding units with fixed arched heads.

Carolyn says: ‘We're now looking forward to welcoming guests to experience our ‘Stormwatching’ winter weekend breaks, where they will be able to watch in comfort as the great waves that have built up out at sea charge shoreward with the unbroken momentum of 3,000 angry Atlantic miles’.

This is the latest in a long list of hotels that Selectaglaze has helped, including London's famous Trafalgar Hilton, The Langham Hotel adjacent to the BBC, Sofitel's prestigious St. James's Hotel and The Bonnington. Together with well known chains such as Thistle Hotels, Jury's Inn, Travel Lodge, Radisson Hotels, Ramada Jarvis and Holiday Inns.

In addition to acoustic insulation, secondary glazing also provides high levels of thermal insulation, minimises draughts and, where laminated glass is incorporated, can protect furnishings against UV light damage. It can also dramatically improve security. Not controlled by Part L of the Building Regulations, secondary glazing is a useful alternative when refurbishing and is often the only practical solution when dealing with listed facades. Comparatively easy and quick to install, it causes a minimum of disruption to internal décor and day-to-day business operations. Room occupancy rates are seldom affected and this aspect of refurbishment can easily be handled in stages.

Over the last 40 years, Royal Warrant holder, Selectaglaze Ltd has gained a reputation as a leading secondary glazing specialist and, provides informative literature, together with a website (http://www.selectagalze.co.uk) that is recognised by architects and specifiers as an authoritative and in-depth site. Selectaglaze also has a range of secondary windows that have been tested for resistance against blast and physical attack.

Stylish Schools from SAS

Pupils of Dorcan Technical College in Swindon can now learn in style thanks to a little help from Senior Aluminium Systems (SAS).

With fabricator Dorma UK, SAS has installed its high performance SCW curtain walling and lightweight SX 200 window system as part of the refurbishment of the college.

Polyester powder coated white, the SCW curtain wall and SX 200 windows were used to create light throughout the college. SCW is a proven cost effective solution for low to mid-rise applications and with a 50mm wide face dimension, the system offers a range of mullion depths to cater for differing structural conditions.

Thermally broken and double glazed runs of SX 200 windows were also specified as top hung and side hung specifications. SX 200 windows are constructed using mitred and mechanically crimped corners with support chevrons and cleats to ensure accurate alignment.

Independently owned, Senior Aluminium Systems offers a one-stop aluminium and powder coating service for the architectural aluminium glazing market. Providing high performance glazing products with a responsive and personal service, SAS operates from three service centres in Denaby Main, Newport and Livingston.

KAT UK Sets Sail with Butlins

KAT UK, a supplier of patio doors and sash windows, has supplied 143 three-pane patio doors to Blendworth Windows for installation in Butlins’ new hotel – Shoreline Hotel - at Bognor Regis.

The patio doors have been designed to a high specification in order to withstand extremes of weather on the coastal location and manufactured with stainless steel components to resist corrosion.

Butlins first ever Resort hotel, opening in August 2005, has many of the best views on the South Coast, set in landscaped gardens with 160 spacious rooms, modern bistro restaurant and cocktail bar over-looking the coast. Shoreline offers stylish and contemporary accommodation for guests and because it is shaped like a ship, will create an exciting new landmark on the south coast.

Managing director of KAT UK, David Richards said: ‘We’re delighted to have been involved in such a high profile project.’

With the old Butlins chalet-style accommodation replaced in the 1990’s with self-catering and half board apartments, the further addition of the new hotel continues to push Butlins firmly into the 21st century.

The hotel was designed by PWP Architects. Jeremy Sayer from PWP says of the design ‘The Shoreline Hotel celebrates the essence of the sea and the maritime environment that surrounds it.’

Tel: 01625 412558
Email: mailto:sales@katuk.co.uk
Web: http://www.katuk.co.uk

Pilkington Passes University Challenge

Situated in the Gower Peninsula, an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Wallace Building forms part of the University of Wales campus at Swansea.

Housing the University's Geographical and Biological faculties the historic university building has recently undergone major façade renovations, including the incorporation of Pilkington Insulight Therm units from Pilkington Building Products - UK.

Formally known as the Natural Science Building, the premises had started to look dilapidated and required general cosmetic attention. There was also a requirement to improve the overall energy efficiency of the building.

Containing four multi-tiered lecture theatres with a combined student capacity of almost 450, it was crucial that any glazing solution actively enhanced both the overall environment and working conditions within the building. For these reasons architects, Boyes Rees of Newport, specified the use of the Pilkington Insulight Therm units for use in the project.

Pilkington Insulight Therm, Pilkington's own Insulating Glass Unit (IGU), provides effective thermal insulation and can be used wherever there is a need for reduced energy consumption and interior heat control.

Providing ultra-low emissivity levels and containing a specially formulated off-line low emissivity coating, almost 2000m2 of Pilkington Optitherm SN glass used in the units throughout the exterior of the building.

This low emissivity coated glass was used as the inner pane of the Pilkington Insulight Therm unit, thereby increasing the inner glass temperature and reducing internal condensation. With high light transmission and ultra low U-values, the performance of Pilkington Insulight Therm units provides long-term savings on capital and running costs of heating systems.

Further information on the full range of Pilkington products can be obtained via the Pilkington website http://www.pilkington.com by email to mailto:pilkington@respond.com or by calling the Pilkington Helpline on 01744 692000.

Sapa Adds to Leon School's New Look

Sapa Building Systems' fabricator Hazlemere Windows has added to its portfolio of school projects with a mixed new build and refurbishment project at Leon School in Milton Keynes valued in excess of £5m.

Hazlemere replaced the existing fenestration scheme throughout the school with Sapa's casement windows and High Performance Commercial Entrance Door system which provided a cost-effective and robust solution.

Sapa Building Systems is an experienced provider of windows and doors to the local authority sector, in particular the schools market. The demanding specification for Leon School called for high levels of thermal performance combined with safe and simple operation in a system specifically designed to suit the rigours of the school environment. Ease of maintenance was also a priority of the original specification.

The project was the penultimate stage of extensive investment at the school using funding supplied by the Department for Education and Science.

Leon School and Sports College is a mixed 12 to 19 comprehensive with over 600 pupils and the £5m development means that the school now has stunning new facilities for use by both its students and by the local community.

In Keeping with Karnaval Kolor

Compliance with strict planning regulations required the specialist spraying of fascias to a specified colour at this brownfield development next to an historic museum in Greater Manchester.

Specialist manufacturer and applicator of coatings for plastics, Karnaval Group Ltd used a dark blue spray coating on the fascias of the properties at Ashton-under-Lyne to complement the cladding on the nearby Portland Basin Museum.

The Bellway Homes development comprises a total of 131 two and three-bedroom homes and apartments located in a conservation area close to the canal. The final phase is due for completion in the summer.

Working closely with PBM-DQS, Karnaval handled the fascia spraying in the approved RAL colour at its fully equipped spraybooth facilities in Swansea. As with window and door profiles, the UV stabilised colouring system penetrates the plastic surface, bonding to it both physically and chemically, so it cannot be scratched off or damaged in use.

The resulting durable and fully weatherproof finish will not crack, flake or peel and is guaranteed for ten years. Fully cured on leaving the factory, the fascias were delivered back to site to meet the on-going building schedule.

Karnaval’s Managing Director, Adrian Ickowicz explained: ‘The project required a particularly sensitive approach to meet planning regulations. Through our expertise in this field, we were able to supply the colour as specified and together with all parties successfully met the requirements of the build schedule.’

Senior Architectural Technican Damian Howarth of Bellway Homes commented: ‘The main challenge of the project was to retain the character of the area, so we could not use standard products. To satisfy planning requirements, the fascia colour had to match that of the museum’s architectural features and this was achieved to everyone’s satisfaction and with an excellent finish.’

Tony Blake, Sales and Marketing Director of PBM-DQS, said: ‘We have always worked very closely with Bellway on sites across the UK and we were delighted when we were asked to help with this project. We have a very strong working relationship with Karnaval through they work they carry out for our conservatory roof division, so they were a natural choice as our partner.’

With many years of experience and investment in the plastic coating industry and spray applied technology Karnaval Group Ltd supplies the glazing, construction, electronic and automotive industries with an efficient and quality service.
Karnaval Kolor is a high quality and hard wearing single pack colour coating that has been developed for use on many types of plastic surfaces and is used by customers, large and small, throughout the UK and overseas.

For further information contact Brian Saunders on 0800 1979700 or visit the website at http://www.karnavalcoatings.com

Lessons in Safety And Security from Securistyle

Securistyle hardware is being put to the ultimate test by over 450 students living in purpose built Gill Street, Halls of Residence, owned by Nottingham University.

With rooms on the ground floor at street level, as well as rooms on four other floors, the hardware fitted had to be both secure and safe. Each room has at least one large top hung window that has been fitted with the defender hinge, with a restrictive device on the upper floors, and the Virage locking cockspur handle in silver to match the aluminium windows. David Stephen, of Acorn Aluminium Ltd, which installed the windows, commented, ‘As well as safety and security, ease of use and durability were the key factors in the specification. Austenitic stainless steel was the best choice of material for the hardware, as it is the most durable and ideal for applications where use is likely to be frequent. Securistyle also offers one of the largest choices of austenitic hardware, meaning that there was no compromise of function or looks over durability.’

The Securistyle Defender hinge is the worlds best selling friction hinge and is available in both ferritic and austenitic stainless steel, has an asymmetric location system for reliable weather sealing to BS6375 Part 1, and a patented lipped slider for enhanced smooth operation. The Virage handle comes in White, brass, black and silver and is available as offset and in-line espagnolette and cockspur.

Ken Evans, national specifications support manager at Securistyle said, ‘By specifying the complete Securistyle hardware package, specifiers can take advantage of Securistyle’s unique audited warrenty scheme, the Partnership Pledge. The Partnership Pledge gives specifiers peace of mind regarding the fitting of hardware by providing an audit trail from manufacture to fitting, as well as providing the 10-year guarantee.’

For further information about the Partnership Pledge, Securistyle and its product range contact Maria Fatica on 01242 221200 or visit http://www.securistyle.co.uk

Small Shop, Big Reputation

Agate Glass, glaziers of distinction, worked on the latest prestigious Michael Brady Ltd refurbishment at 38 Upper Grosvenor Street in London’s Mayfair. Michael Brady Ltd specialises in refurbishment in London’s West End and has a reputation for building to perfection. Agate replaced over 500 pieces of old fashioned glass.

The project required two to three men and took one year to complete. Old fashioned glass is usually specified in listed buildings and renovation projects where the customer wants the windows restored to their former glory. This can only be achieved by making the glass with traditional processes and a perfect eye for detail.

The real difference is in the way the glass is rolled. Sheet glass and plate glass in particular, was originally produced by pouring molten glass on a flat surface and smoothing it out with a roller prior to polishing.

Paul O’Keeffe, owner of Agate Glass says: ‘We were chosen by Michael Brady Ltd because of our eight year relationship with them and their trust in our delivery of a first rate product which is fundamental to the Michael Brady philosophy.’

Tel: 0208 900 2345
Email: mailto:seamus.cusack@michaelbradyltd.co.uk

Tenants ‘Well Pleased’ with Hallmark Doors in Major Housing Refurbishment Programme

Composite entrance doors manufactured by Hallmark Panels Ltd and fitted by Cheltenham based Regent RS Group have been chosen for a major housing improvement programme in the Droitwich and Worcester areas conducted by Spa Housing Association. Tenants of the properties are said to be very pleased with the new doors, which were chosen due to their increased security and strength against forced entry and superb insulation properties.

Spa Housing Association was formed in 1994 and became part of the Festival Housing Group on 31st March 2002 following its merger with Worcestershire based Partnership Housing Group. Spa Housing Association currently manages more than 2500 properties in Droitwich & the surrounding areas. Since transfer, the Association has invested heavily in modernising its homes & continues to develop new homes for rent and low cost home ownership. Housing Officers manage the homes and the Association also employs a dedicated customer services advisor team and a Tenant Participation Officer.

Replacing first generation windows and doors forms a major part of the Association’s goal to bring its properties in line with the government’s Decent Homes Standard. With this in mind, it has formed a short-term partnership with Regent RS Group, which is supplying and fitting all the doors for the refurbishment of over 60 properties in Fernhill Heath near Worcester and Wychbold near Droitwich Spa. John Krawczyk of Regent RS Group comments:

‘We have been a regular Hallmark customer for a long time now and will happily recommend its products due to the quality with which they are manufactured and the service the company can deliver. Spa Housing Association has been very pleased with the work we have done on site and the doors represent the ideal choice for their properties – they look superb and colourful, they offer excellent weather resistance and they are secure, as well as providing much improved heating and acoustic insulation. We hope to be able to tender for the second phase of the Spa project very soon.’

Established nearly 25 years ago, Hallmark continues to go from strength to strength. Having achieved an overall 25% growth in sales per annum year on year for the past five years, in 2004 the company increased sales of its residential door panels by another 20% and sales of its GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastics) composite doors by 28%. One of the most major investments made by Hallmark was in £100,000 new machinery and tooling to manufacture Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) composite doors due to rapidly increasing demand. While offering such impressive performance, the manufacturing processes now adopted by Hallmark in the manufacture of its GRP doors also allow elegant styling and subtle detailing, thus broadening the markets for the products. These combined benefits have ensured Hallmark’s increasing popularity with local authorities and housing groups, with its GRP doors being specified more and more for public sector projects.

Tel: 01482 703222

Ultra Installer TradeMark Windows and Conservatories Ltd, joined the celebrations to mark the opening of Wokingham Community Hospital's brand new pavilion style conservatory extension. From the initial fundraising to the supply and installation of a bespoke conservatory with a stunning large-span Ultraframe roof, TradeMark was instrumental in the project's success. The company worked diligently to help raise a staggering total of £97,000 for the two year long pavilion appeal and is delighted to have given something so beneficial back to its local community.

TradeMark Windows, which has been a member of Ultraframe's Guild Approved Ultra Installer Scheme since 2004, joined forces with the conservatory market leader to contribute building materials. Together they designed a 6.5 x 6.5m climate controlled conservatory to extend the hospital over a disused courtyard. It has become a major feature of the building providing a light and welcoming respite space away from the wards and an important focal point for those visiting friends and loved ones.

The opening ceremony was attended by the appeal's dedicated patron Uri Gellar, who provided an impromptu performance, bending a spoon that was auctioned off for £45 towards appeal funds.

Uri Gellar commented: 'I am thrilled that the construction of this wonderful addition to Wokingham Community Hospital is now complete. I was more than happy to offer my help. I knew that such a pavilion could bring joy, happiness and peace of mind to the lives of many people who are inflicted by illness.'

Mark Ashwell, Managing Director at TradeMark Windows and Conservatories Ltd, is deservedly proud of his company's vital contribution. He said: 'The Wokingham Hospital appeal was a brilliant example of a community pulling together and it has been an absolute privilege to be part of such a project. At TradeMark we are proud of our reputation for supporting the community and immediately volunteered our skills when we read about the appeal in the local paper. We turned to Ultraframe as it is the most experienced designer and manufacturer in the industry. It delivers top quality conservatory roofing systems and provides a specialist technical and engineering support service. Its advice and willingness to support the cause proved invaluable in helping us deliver and install the large, complex pavilion roof.'

The pavilion extension now overlooks an attractive patio area with outdoor tables and potted plants and includes a bright, comfortable seating area with a state of the art kitchen attached for providing teas, coffees and food.

Mark continued: 'The pavilion is a really attractive addition and provides an oasis of calm and relaxation within the hospital grounds. In fact, with our showroom and offices just around the corner, I'll be tempted to pop in for my lunch!'

TradeMark's headquarters in Wokingham contain its showrooms, trade counter and factory. The innovative showrooms consist of nine conservatory sets featuring a range of high quality Ultraframe roofs and are decorated to represent contrasting living areas complete with their own characteristic aromas and sounds. The displays demonstrate the many non-traditional and practical uses for a conservatory and really engage and capture the public‚s imagination.

Since becoming members of the Ultra Installer Scheme, TradeMark's partnership with Ultraframe has strengthened. Mark Ashwell concluded: 'We welcome the recent affiliation of the BBA to the scheme which makes it the most trusted on the market. As a company, we benefit from the endorsement of a scheme that promotes the highest quality products and standards of installation. We are looking forward to receiving our marketing toolbox to help us maximise our promotional activity to generate further company awareness and sales leads.'

TradeMark's annual turnover has now passed £10 million and is still growing. Hundreds of satisfied customers all point towards a company who pride themselves in providing a high quality product, good value and exceptional customer service.

For more information on TradeMark Windows and Conservatories Ltd call 0800 30 50 30.

Brunswick Centre Judged the Clear Winner of ‘Activ in Architecture’ Competition

The Brunswick Centre in Bloomsbury, London – a unique 1960s concrete structure featuring hundreds of stepped winter gardens – was recently deemed the most worthy candidate for a free upgrade to Pilkington Activ™, the self-cleaning glass, as part of the Activ in Architecture competition. The Centre, which is being refurbished by architects Levitt Bernstein Associates of London, will now benefit from an upgrade to the glazing product, Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass.

A new competition run by Pilkington in association with RIBA Journal, Activ in Architecture was set up to find ‘the most innovative projects for the world's most innovative glass’, and was developed specifically for architects. Entrants were encouraged to use their architectural vision and show how the versatility and practicality of self-cleaning glass could benefit their latest project. Architects were invited to contribute suggestions regardless of size, the only provision being that a maximum of 7500m2 of glazing could be utilised.

The grade-II listed Brunswick Centre was judged the clear winner of the competition due to its extremely unusual design and the complexity of its glazing considerations. Located between Kings Cross and Russell Square, the Centre is one of London’s most recognisable and iconic buildings from the 1960s. Originally conceived by architect Patrick Hodgkinson, the Centre provides low-rise high-density housing, shops, offices/studios, a cinema and car parking within an awesome concrete and glass mega structure comprising 314 individual winter gardens.

The regeneration of the Centre entailed replacement of the glazing on each of these winter gardens, which created a difficult problem for Levitt Bernstein Associates. Peter Sanders, project director, explains:
‘As the Centre is a grade II listed building, there are many design aspects that we have to maintain, including keeping the original glazing design. However, while the ‘official’ cleaning access to the winter garden glazing is via rolling gantries, they don’t work very well. Consequently, cleaning is done via the integral gutters that stick out underneath the gardens. With 314 individual glass structures at heights of up to seven storeys, each with the sloping glass roof of another below it, this method is both dangerous and unproductive; much of the glass cannot be properly cleaned.’

The Centre was therefore considered by the competition judges - including structural engineer and glass specialist Tim MacFarlane, Pilkington chief executive Stuart Chambers and RIBA Journal’s Eleanor Young – as being the most worthy recipient of a Pilkington Activ™ upgrade at no extra cost. The self-cleaning glass will simply work with natural rain and sun to break down organic dirt and keep the glazed areas clean, allowing the original design of the building to be clearly seen and appreciated.

A small domestic London residential project was also chosen as a secondary winner of the competition. Kiran Curtis Architects was asked by planners to create a distinct, different design solution for an infill site in a street of Victorian terraced houses in North London. The company decided upon an insulated glass façade with a moulded leaf pattern. The project will also benefit from a free upgrade to Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass. Other short-listed projects included the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery in Margate (architects: Spence Associates), the Environment Centre for Wales in Bangor (architects: The Fairhurst Design Group) and the Centre Piece Church in Ashford, Kent (architects: The Roy Stone Design Partnership).

The refurbishment of the Brunswick Centre is just one of several measures being taken to preserve the standing of this important building: In order to create a fresh dialogue between the architecture of The Brunswick Centre, the local community and the general public, a group of residents have also recently teamed up with a local artist and curator. A unique art event and exhibition has been commissioned – The Brunswick Project - which plans to work with the specificity of the unusual building and bring it back to life.

http://www.pilkington.com/

Schüco Sails in on Portsmouth’s New Landmark Building

Schüco’s FW50 aluminium curtain walling system has been installed in Spinnaker Tower, the futuristic centrepiece of Portsmouth City Council’s £68 million redevelopment of the historic harbour area.

At the top of the tower, 165 metres above the ground, is a viewing gallery giving magnificent views over the harbour and the surrounding countryside.

Winchester-based specialist contractors, Lakesmere Ltd, won the contract for the design and installation of the bolted glazed framework for the viewing decks, the visitor centre and the enclosures for the scenic lift that travels up the side of the structure.

The FW50 curtain walling system has been used for the framed elements in two of those areas: the viewing decks and the visitor centre. Lakesmere chose the Schüco system because it has a proven track record, is fast to assemble and offers excellent thermal insulation and weather-tightness characteristics – both essential given the exposed position of the installation.

Spinnaker Tower will be open to the public this summer. Main contractor for the project is Mowlem plc and the architects for the structure are Harrington Design. Schüco’s façade systems are also being used extensively in other areas of the harbour redevelopment scheme which includes many commercial buildings and retail outlets.

Glasslam Tames Land Rover

Land Rover maybe the best 4 x 4 x Far, but it cannot beat Polylam™! These amazing pictures show what happens if you drive a Land Rover Discovery at a glass shop front that is made using Glass Clad polycarbonate and laminated with Polylam™.

The land Rover destroyed the steel post in front of the store then drove into the window seven times before the would be thieves were seen on CCTV to give up and run. All this happened in Madrid, Spain where Glasslam has installed Polylam™ in many of the top retail stores in this exclusive district of the city.

For more info on Polylam™ go to http://www.glasslam.com

Spectus Window Systems Used in Orangery

Spectus Window Systems Vertical Sliding Window has been used to spectacular effect in an Orangery that forms part of a new house in Sandbach, Cheshire.

The house is a private commission from local builder Ted Carthy, and the windows feature prominently throughout the house, and even in the garage.

Colin Carthy of Ted Carthy comments ‘the windows were used for two main reasons, firstly, they look great and underline the overall quality and character to the house, which is a really desirable residence. Secondly, they are so easy to live with. We all know PVC-U windows require little in the way of maintenance, but these windows have other features that make them desirable. For example, both of the sashes can be tilted back for cleaning or to provide extra ventilation.

Sliding sashes are also good for meeting Part B egress, depending, of course, on the overall size of the window. The opening sash slides completely out of the way so there is no obstruction.’

While on the subject of Building Regulation it is worth noting that Spectus Vertical Sliding Windows have been ‘hot box’ tested and the results conclusively show that the requirements of Approved Document L can be fully met.

Colin concludes ‘The owners of this house have spent a lot of time getting the design right, and to a very high standard. It was great to be able to offer them a beautifully designed alternative to a standard casement window.’.

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