Projects & Contracts @ THE GL@ZINE

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Pyroguard laminated fire glass from CGI International has been specified for a prestigious project to upgrade all fire doors in schools across the Isle of Man. Local CGI installer, Regal Aluminium, has been awarded the contract by the Island's Department of Education, to replace existing 30-minute fire glass with Pyroguard 11.4mm Wired fire glass, which has a 60-minute fire integrity rating plus the benefit of a high level of impact safety. All glass is being supplied by CGI in convenient cut-to-size panels.

The upgrade programme is required in schools where 30-minute fire glass has been combined with 60-minute fire rated door frames. To ensure optimum protection, the frame, seals and the glass must all be able to resist the spread of flames and radiant heat for the same length of time. To date Regal's experienced installation team has replaced hundreds of panes with Pyroguard Wired in schools on the Island, including St Ninians school/Ballakermeen school, Castle Rushen High School and Ramsey Grammar.

CGI's Pyroguard was specified for the project after representatives from the Isle of Man's Education Department and Fire Safety Officers attended a seminar at which CGI presented its CPD rated 'An Overview of Fire Rated Glasses'. Regal Aluminium's Director, Paul Baker, comments: ‘They were particularly impressed with the Pyroguard range, because as well as being a high performance fire glass, it's also laminated, and so offers high impact resistance too.’

This wired version of Pyroguard is the original laminated fire and safety glass produced by CGI's unique manufacturing process. The product's fire performance depends on a specially formulated fire resistant resin, which is UV stable, together with an inserted steel wire mesh. In addition to a 60-minute fire rating, Pyroguard 11.4mm glass has the added benefit of radiation control, provided by the resin interlayer. As well as being fire resistance tested to BS 476: part 22, the glass is also impact safety certified to BS6206 Class B.

In addition to the 11.4mm Wired fire glass specified for the Isle of Man schools project, Pyroguard is available in a clear versions: 7.2mm thick for 30 minutes and 11.4mm for 60 minutes. The range also now includes a choice of Satin, Master or Stippolyte finish. Pyroguard is widely available from CGI's nationwide stockist network.

Based in Braddan, IOM, Regal Aluminium has been a CGI stockist and installer since 1989 and is also an expert in the field of leaded glass and all safety glasses, including Pyroguard. Established 24 years ago as a supplier of doors and windows to the domestic market, the company has since diversified into the commercial construction sector and is an approved supplier to the Isle of Man government. Paul concludes: ‘We've been working with CGI for many years and in addition to their high performing products, they've always provided excellent support, including advice on specification and a reliable delivery service.’

Tel: 020 7078 6660
Web: http://www.cgii.co.uk

Fitness Club Sports Metal Technology Facade

Europe's biggest racquets, health and fitness club, Next Generation, Hatfield, sports a stunning curtain wall façade by Metal Technology. Fabricator Anaco Systems worked for Birse Build in its design and build contract to create a modern leisure facility from a listed building. Previously the flight control centre of an old airbase, the new club houses a large pool and tennis courts.

Approximately 50m wide and 15m high, Metal Technology used its high performance System 17 to create the main double glazed entrance elevation. This gives the building a modern, minimal appearance exernally and internally while offering the best possible weather protection. Metal Technology’s System 4-20 ribbon windows were incorporated into the other metal-clad elevations

A proven technology, System 17 profiles are specifically designed to give limitless flexibility to architects. Designed on a stick system, a wide range of caps ensures that the external projections suit the charcacter and restrictions of the building. Thermal performance exceeds the most stringent European Standards. The system has been tested and met the performance criteria requirements of BS 6375 Pt 1 and BS 4873. A full dynamic test as laid down by the CWCT has also been successfully carried out. Metal Technology design service includes U value reports for building control.

Metal Technology, a member of the CWCT and CAB, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Tel: 028 94 487777
Email: info@metaltechnology.com
Web: http://www.metaltechnology.com

New windows from Duraflex are helping to improve council homes in Bolton as part of a multi-million pound regeneration scheme. Existing timber windows are being replaced with low maintenance, energy efficient PVC-U fenestration from the Duraflex Diamond Suite in a phased refurbishment programme. To date, Bury-based Supreme Windows and Conservatories Ltd has fabricated and installed new windows in over 1500 properties. The company won the ongoing contract with a 'Best Value' package in terms of both quality and price.

Bolton at Home, the organisation responsible for delivering the Council's Housing Strategy, is set to spend £250 million on home improvements by 2008 in order to meet the Government's Decent Homes standard. With 20,000 council properties in total, the work will be completed in several phases by a number of preferred contractors.

In addition to offering increased security and giving their homes a smart new look, fitting more thermally efficient windows will also help reduce tenants' fuel bills. The Diamond Suite complies with the stringent performance standards required by Part L in England and Wales. The company says that the System already exceeds the higher Scottish U value of 1.8W/m2K and also carries all the necessary BSI and BBA accreditations, providing peace of mind both for specifiers and end-users.

The Duraflex 70mm Featured Suite has been specified for the terraced homes that have been modernised in this latest phase. The profile design and brilliant white finish was chosen to complement the property style. The Suite also incorporates Duraflex's Rolled in Gasket (RIG), which offers a high performance seal that is concealed within the frame for enhanced aesthetic appeal. Being factory fitted during the extrusion process, RIG also delivers productivity benefits during fabrication and makes glazing quicker and easier on site.

Established in 1990, Supreme switched to the Duraflex Diamond Suite about two years ago. In addition to local authority contracts the company operates across a broad range of markets and also manufactures for the trade. ‘We find that the fully integrated Duraflex product range gives us the flexibility we need to satisfy many different applications, whether it's a domestic conservatory or a commercial refurbishment project,’ says Supreme's Technical Director, Gary Walker.

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

School Glass Protected Against Sticky Fingers

Sandblasted glass at a new Lancashire junior school which incorporates designs from the children's paintings will keep its pristine look through the use of Ritec's ClearShield Sandblast Protect - a specialist version of the company's ClearShield System. It has been developed for protecting sandblasted glass or glass with abrasively-etched decoration, and is based on the Ritec's proven polymer technology enhanced with a new and more active catalyst for even higher resistance to corrosion and staining.

Daedalian Glass was responsible for the project at Cherryfold Community School in Burnley, which featured a frameless screen and door of 10mm toughened float glass - seven panels each measuring 1 metre x 2.2 metres.

The local authority was keen to have something that was very special and personal to the people of Burnley, and a sandblasted design was chosen with coloured fused glass features bonded to the surface. The architect wanted to depict the history of manufacturing in Burnley, which was once world-famous for its weaving, and the local area including Pendle, which is known for a notorious case involving witches in the 17th century. They both appear in the design.

Daedalian Glass has gained a reputation for creating stunning glass features for installations throughout the UK and overseas. The company has a well-equipped studio offering a wide range of glassworking techniques, including fusing, glass bending, etching and sandblasting.

ClearShield features a proven polymer formulation that bonds chemically to glass, leaving a transparent, non-stick surface. Daedalian applies ClearShield Sandblast Protect to all its sandblasted glass to provide protection against marking and make it easier to maintain. This converts it to Low-M (Low Maintenance) Glass® - on average cutting cleaning frequency by half - and it retains its visual appeal for much longer.

Christopher Walmsley, Daedalian's Marketing Manager, says, ‘A high proportion of our work incorporates sandblasted glass and as a user of Ritec's ClearShield technology we can offer our clients a finished product that will retain its good looks. A further advantage of ClearShield Sandblast Protect is that it changes the tone of the sandblasting to that of satin acid etching, which is much more attractive. Unprotected sandblasted glass soon becomes finger-marked and is very difficult to clean. ClearShield Sandblast Protect eliminates this problem.’

Christopher says that he was pleased with the Ritec back up service. ‘It was excellent - easy to order and dispatched the same day. Any problems or spare parts for the applicator would be sorted by the next day.’

Daedalian was established in 1986, and has practical experience of designing, manufacturing and installing decorative glass throughout the UK and Europe. Managing Director Davia Walmsley says, ‘We have comprehensive glass working machinery and kilns resulting in almost all the manufacturing processes being in-house. This facility gives us good control of both quality and timescales.’

And when using ClearShield Sandblast Protect combined with Ritec's recommended after-care programme, sandblasted glass can look and perform like new for years to come.

Tel: 020 8344 8210
Web: http://www.ritec.co.uk

Roseview Installs Rehau Heritage Vertical Sliders in Conservation Area

PVC-U vertically sliding windows fabricated using Rehau's S719 Heritage system have been installed in recently refurbished accommodation buildings at Dean Close School in Cheltenham.

The school is located within the Georgian town's conservation area where the Rehau vertical slider system is one of very few PVC-U profiles approved for use.

120 windows were fabricated and installed by specialist fabricator Roseview Windows to replicate original timber windows which had badly deteriorated and were being replaced.

They feature high quality chrome hardware throughout and restrictors to prevent them being opened too wide by pupils boarding in the accommodation blocks.

The windows were specified by the architects working on behalf of the school who liaised closely with Rehau to ensure the specification satisfied not only the requirements of the school in terms of low maintenance and energy efficiency but also the requirements of the conservation officer.

They incorporate authentic looking details such as a 75mm deep bottom rail, a 35.5mm interlock, a 50¼ chamfer on the sashes and traditional sash horns.

Rehau will be announcing details of a new Rehau Heritage vertical slider shortly and Roseview will be one of the first companies to begin fabrication.

Tel: 01989 762600

Royal Alexandra Hospital Brighton Moves a Step Closer to Completion

Extensive work to clad one of the country's most state of the art children's hospitals has now reached its second phase.

Suffolk based English Architectural Glazing has employed a number of techniques and materials in cladding the entire envelop of the new, high tech Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton.

The first phase, which is now complete, involved installing 87 pre-cast concrete panels which were manufactured off site. Each panel weighed in the region of 11 tonnes with some being specially cast in a curved shape to give the building its unique boat-like shape.

Now the first phase is complete, EAG has started work to install the unitised glazing and a number of other cladding elements.

EAG's Pre Construction Director, Edward Whipp, said: 'This has been a particularly challenging job as the hospital needed all its access routes left clear at all times which meant it was much more convenient to use pre-cast panels which could be lifted into place.

The work is progressing well and using pre-cast materials means the building can be closed-in quickly providing a watertight façade that allows internal works to begin.'

The new hospital is being constructed to replace the outdated Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children and once complete in January 2007, will provide 100 beds as well as operating theatres, diagnostic treatment facilities, an intensive care unit and a cancer day care centre.

New homes in Nailsea near Bristol have been given a traditional look with fully featured windows from the Duraflex Diamond Suite. Bristol Trade Frames designed and installed the PVC-U windows to provide kerb appeal plus compliance with the latest building regulations.

The exclusive development by SBM Construction comprises 12 apartments and 6 two-bedroom houses. The architect-designed homes have an attractive country cottage appearance which has been enhanced by the choice of window frames.

Duraflex's 65mm Featured Suite provided a good solution for this prestigious project, explains James Mizen, Director of Bristol Trade Frames: ‘The profile's classic styling closely resembles timber frames and Duraflex offers a range of optional extras to complete the period effect.’

Bristol Trade Frames designed the white casement windows with external astragal bars to add an authentic feel. To satisfy Part B fire regulations floating mullions were incorporated into first floor windows to enable easy egress from in the event of a fire. This solution ensured compliance without the need to offset mullions, which would have compromised the overall window design.

A popular choice with housebuilders, Duraflex's Featured Suite combines elegant detailing with all the benefits of modern PVC-U windows such as security, thermal efficiency and low maintenance. The System is Part L compliant and also carries all the necessary BSI, BBA and PAS 23/34 accreditations.

All windows for the Nailsea project were manufactured by Griffin Windows based in Mid Glamorgan. Griffin uses Duraflex's new Rolled in Gasket (RIG), which when combined with the Featured profile offers a high performance seal, and because the gasket is concealed within the frame, adds to the system's aesthetic appeal. The fact that it is factory fitted as part of the extrusion process also delivers cost savings and productivity improvements for the fabricator, and guarantees excellent static and dynamic performance in correctly manufactured windows.

Established in 1999, Bristol Trade Frames and Conservatories is one of Bristol's leading suppliers of glazing products to the trade. Its comprehensive package includes window and conservatory design, technical support and installation. The experienced team has built working partnerships with many of the key manufacturers within the industry in order to deliver a complete package of quality products backed by reliable service.

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

Leeds ALMOS Get Tough On Corrosion in £50M Project

Austenitic hardware manufactured in the UK by Securistyle Ltd is being used by fabricators across the board in a £50m window replacement scheme by Leeds ALMOS.

Involving four of the six Leeds ALMOS, Leeds Property Management Services is coordinating the scheme that will last between three and five years and involve six different window fabricators. The project has seen over 42,000 windows installed so far this financial year. The majority of the windows will be fitted with either Securistyle Defender Restricted or Defender Egress hinges, as well as Defender Cavity Fit Restrictors where required. A number of the fabricators will also be using the Securistyle Virage handle.

Best Value, safety and security were the driving forces determining the hardware chosen for the project. Tony Allen, project manager, Leeds Property Management Services, commented: 'Resistance to corrosion was an important factor in the hardware specification to ensure that in years to come maintenance costs would be kept low. However, it was also imperative that issues of safety and security were taken into account, and the latest legislation met.'

(L-R) Tony Allen, project manager, Leeds Property Management Services, Vivienne Taylor, Securistyle Specifications Manager and a resident.

The project sees the council ALMOS specifying fully austenitic hardware for the first time, in a move to improve the whole life performance of replacement windows. Hardware made from austenitic 304 stainless steel is significantly more resistant to corrosion than ferritic stainless steel and is especially suitable for use in exposed locations.

Vivienne Taylor, Securistyle specifications manager, said, 'In addition to providing quality hardware that meets the needs of the housing providers and the residents, we are a key link in the supply chain. As Securistyle hardware is manufactured in the UK we are able to carefully monitor and control the production and delivery to support the six fabricators involved.'

The Defender Restricted hinge and the Defender Cavity Fit Restrictor provide the ultimate in window safety provision, and have been tested to achieve BS 6375 Part 2. The Defender Egress hinge allows casement windows to open to a full 90° for emergency exit complying with BS5588 Part 1: 1990 and Part B of the Building Regulations. The Defender Egress also has a release lever with automatic reset to allow ease of cleaning from inside the building. All Securistyle products come with a 10 year guarantee.

Securistyle offers a free CPD-certified seminar covering all aspects of safety, security, emergency egress, corrosion resistance and Best Value in relation to window hardware specification. Further details are available from Securistyle on 01242 221200 or visit http://www.securistyle.co.uk.

Quantal Approved Installer CTG used its local knowledge to design and build a stunning conservatory in St Ives. The homeowners can enjoy the beauty of the Cornish countryside safe in the knowledge that their conservatory can withstand the worst of the Atlantic coast's weather conditions.

Ian Deacon, General Manager of CTG, explains: 'Because we are based in this area we know about the extremes in climate that our customers are exposed to, so when the homeowners approached us to build them a conservatory that they could use all year round we knew we would have to design a high performance structure with a 'most severe weather rating'.'

The integral strength and aluminium top caps of the Quantal roof gives it an enormous advantage over similar plastic capped roofs, which are susceptible to problems caused by storm damage. And the tough polyester powder coating on all visible surfaces is extremely durable and easy to keep clean.

'In addition they of course wanted their conservatory to look stylish and enhance their home, so are delighted with the finished product that features a superior high gloss finish and distinctive aesthetics, as well as the very latest high quality security hardware and solar control glass,' concludes Ian.

Telephone Quantal on 01626 832355 or visit http://www.quantal.co.uk for more information on all the products and services available to members of the Approved Fabricator or Retail Networks.

Glasgow-based Thermashield Insulation has completed the final phase of Linstone Housing Association’s window refurbishment programme, with the fabrication and installation of more than 750 Sheerframe windows, plus doors at certain properties.

The £340,000 project involved more than 100 properties in Linwood, near Paisley, and saw Thermashield replace deteriorating timber frames with Sheerframe 7000 system PVC windows. This work was completed as part of Linstone Housing Association’s commitment to providing all their tenants with fully double-glazed and centrally heated homes by 2006, in line with the Scottish Quality Homes Standard.

Thermashield was appointed to carry out the refurbishment programme following the success of its earlier contracts in 2004 when more than 150 Linstone properties were transformed. According to Gary Dalziel, Director of Corporate Services at Linstone Housing Association, key to awarding this final phase contract to Thermashield was ensuring the right standard of product and service was delivered to its tenants:

'Having worked with Thermashield in previous window replacement contracts we were confident that our tenants and the Association would receive a high quality service. Our window replacement programme reinforces our commitment to maintaining tenants’ homes to a high standard and ensuring that they have warm, draught-free and comfortable properties.'

Established in 1983, Thermashield Insulation is one of Scotland’s leading window contractors in the social housing sector. Operating out of its 21,000 square foot factory in Stepps on the outskirts of Glasgow, Thermashield currently produces more than 300 Sheerframe windows and doors every week.

Tel: 01773 852311
Web: http://www.sheerframe.co.uk