Projects & Contracts June 2005

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Clearshield Keeps Sensorium Sparkling

A glass ‘sensorium’ at a North London property reflects the combined expertise of Glass UK and Ritec’s glass surface protection technology. Glass UK supplied all the toughened laminated glass for the bespoke extension as part of a single source solution with its associate company, Metal UK.

As an additional service, all the glass has been treated with Ritec’s ClearShield Glass Protect, which offers greater surface protection for all types of glass from the damage caused by weathering and contamination. It also ensures the glass looks newer for longer and is always easier to clean without the need for harsh chemicals – a major benefit for potentially high maintenance conservatories and fully glazed extensions.

The glass structure forms part of the complete renovation of the three-storey house in Muswell Hill. The complex design involved the manufacture of large, curved double-glazed units by Glass UK. General Manager, Neil Sharda comments: ‘Given the size and unusual shape of the units, this was certainly one of our more challenging projects, but one that we were more than capable of handling - and our rapid turnaround service meant we were able to complete well within the time schedule.’

Glass UK is a Registered ClearShield Applicator and offers Ritec’s surface protectant as part of its comprehensive Aftercare Service. ClearShield Glass Protect, as applied to the sensorium, is not a film or a coating and is Ritec’s latest glass surface finish based on the company’s proven polymer technology. Now enhanced with a new and more active catalyst, it ensures higher resistance to corrosion and staining.

Experts in specialist laminated glass and oversized double glazed units, Glass UK manufactured the units for the sensorium using 10mm toughened laminated glass. Low-E glazing was specified on the inside to maintain a comfortable interior environment. Metal UK designed and supplied the exposed stainless steel structural system, together with the slim Sheerglaze sliding door frames. Neil continues: ‘We pride ourselves on providing a total solution, and that includes ensuring the glass we supply looks pristine and stays that way for longer. That’s why we offer Ritec’s ClearShield glass protection system, because raw glass needs to be protected like any other material, in the same way that wood needs to be treated, varnished or painted. For us, it’s all part of the service.’

ClearShield upgrades ordinary glass into ‘non-stick’, Low-M (Low Maintenance) Glass®. It is part of a system that provides a full range of solutions and even heavily stained glass can be restored as new in a cost-effective manner. Apart from ClearShield Glass Protect, Ritec has developed other specialist versions for different applications, including ClearShield Sandblast Protect and ClearShield Shower Protect. Ritec also offers free training, marketing assistance and technical advice, and is readily available to provide solutions or solve any application problems that may occur. ClearShield’s versatility means it can be applied in the factory or onsite using either manual or fully automatic spraying equipment.

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


Fire Glass Makes the Cut

Specially patterned fire resistant glass from CGI International has been specified for new composite doors in the corridors at a retirement housing complex in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. The contract was awarded to CGI customer, Lindman Doorsets, based in Bristol, and involved the replacement of 24 fire doors at Hanover Court using 7mm unwired Pyroguard Stippolyte.

Lindman was impressed not only by the quality and price of the Pyroguard product but also in CGI’s ability to provide the glass pre-cut to the exact sizes required for the doors. As a market leader in the unwired fire glass sector, the CGI service also includes full technical support, advice on specification and fast reliable delivery.

The Pyroguard range is exclusively manufactured by CGI using a laminating process to produce a variety of glass types, performances and appearances. Together with other products in the CGI range, this enables specifiers to obtain all their requirements for fire and speciality glass from a single source. Pyroguard is normally used as clear, unwired fire glass but is also available as a Satin, Master or Stippolyte finish as chosen for the project at Dewsbury.

Hanover Court is run by Hanover Housing Association, and consists of 24 flats designed in six blocks of four with two on the ground floor and two on the first floor, each accommodating one or two people.

The installer for the refurbishment project was Carne Structural Repair Co. Carne’s Contracts Manager, Andy Stockton, says that the work was carried out in the communal part of the buildings, and involved the replacement of doors, frames and side panels to achieve the required fire rating in the corridors.

CGI has tested 7mm Pyroguard for use in fire doors to well beyond 30 minutes, and as a result its CERTIFIRE Certificate of Approval has been extended to approve a glass size of 375mm x 2125mm. The 30-minute fire rating is to BS 476: part 22, with an assembly that also satisfies Document M section 2.13.c – which covers vision panels in doors.

CGI has a new purpose-built factory at Haydock, Merseyside, and the company won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade, 2004.

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


Beaufort Goes Back to School

Beaufort’s aluminium system has taken Temple Windows to the top of the class in Camden. Harlow-based Temple has recently fabricated and installed Beaufort aluminium windows and doors for a new teaching block at Camden School for Girls in North West London.

Temple Windows was awarded the £60,000 contract by Mulalley & Company, a specialist supplier of construction services to the public and commercial sectors.
Beaufort worked closely with Temple’s team to deliver a ‘best value’ solution, as Ray Dennis, Proprietor of Temple Windows, explains, ‘Beaufort provided excellent back-up in terms of technical specification and design and helped to ensure the job went smoothly from start to finish.’

The new 1600 sq m extension at Camden School for Girls provides workshops, classrooms and a modern assembly hall. The building has been designed to an exacting specification and includes the latest air conditioning and under-floor heating systems. Beaufort aluminium profiles satisfied the project’s high aesthetic and performance standards, combining a slimline appearance with durability and thermal efficiency.

A mix of top hung casement & tilt and turn windows in a brilliant white finish were specified from Beaufort’s 70mm deep direct fix range. Temple fabricated and installed a total of 78 windows and screens plus 10 low threshold doors using the same system. All Beaufort profiles have a polyester powder coating applied to BS 6496, for a tough, low maintenance finish that is guaranteed pollution-resistant and requires only occasional cleaning.

The windows in the new school extension are externally glazed and feature a slimline transom, plus shootbolt locking for optimum security. In addition, a combination of toughened laminated glazing and some solar control anti-glare glass ensures full compliance with current building regulations plus a comfortable working environment for pupils and staff.

Ray continues, ‘Having worked on many previous contracts for Mulalley we’ve established a good track record, and together with Beaufort products proved that we can deliver a top quality solution at a competitive price.’

Temple Windows has been working with the Beaufort aluminium system for over four years and finds its natural strength and elegant styling ideal for public sector projects, such as schools and hospitals, both new build and refurbishment. The company also carries out contracts for many local and national building contractors, and reports a growing interest in aluminium systems within the luxury new homes market.

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


Everest Commercial gives Edgebaston Block a Face Lift 

Warwick Crest in Edgebaston, home of the famous cricket ground, is a large tower block of residential flats that was drastically in need of a makeover. Many of the apartments still had the tired, worn-out, timber window frames and fittings that were installed in the building when it was built in the 1950s. Everest Commercial Division was asked to submit a quote to the management company for replacement windows and doors to the external envelope of the building and the balcony areas.


For over twelve months Everest Commercial Division worked closely with the customer to discuss the intricate details of the project, ensuring the design of the windows met their needs and employing the services of a structural engineer. The product specified is therefore not only fit for purpose but also ensures that it is sympathetic to the appearance of the building.

In early January, a total of eight installation teams set to work replacing the internal glazing on the balconies of 18 of the flats with a complement of PVCu casement, tilt before turn, fully reversible windows and doors. Due to reinforcement corrosion in the building major concrete repairs had been carried out during the 1990s, so it was important to ensure the Everest installation did not effect any part of this work.

The final external stage of the project awaits planning permission due to the building being located in a conservation area. A further 30 potential flats will get the Everest treatment.

Dave Impey is the site manager for Everest: ‘We're careful not to create unnecessary disturbances for the tenants in the block while we're progressing. My team has met all the programme deadlines and we're on schedule to finish the job in good time.’


Total Transformation for Two Towers

PVC-U windows and doors manufactured by Liverpool-based Total Glass have played a major part in the transformation of two formerly run-down city council tower blocks into stylish apartments and penthouses.

Total Glass supplied and fitted 1,200 white tilt and turn windows at the 15-storey buildings in Conway Street, Everton. Patio doors were installed in the top floor penthouses of the 1960s-built blocks which enjoy extensive views across the city and beyond.

Tilt and turn windows were specified for ease of cleaning, while the Profile 22 70mm system provides superior thermal efficency and aesthetics to meet the high specifications of the overall 18-month refurbishment project.

Managing Director of Total Glass, Frank Deary comments: ‘We are pleased to be associated with main contractors CDL Ltd on this project, and through our involvement, to have contributed to the important regeneration of this area. Careful management and attention to detail throughout ensured its successful completion on schedule and within budget.’

Desperate to offload the eyesore structures, Liverpool Council, it is widely rumoured, sold the former Landmark Towers for just pennies per flat. Developers LPC Living stepped in with £6 million investment to create 132 apartments and 14 luxury penthouses in the scheme called View 146.

Aimed at young professionals seeking stylish city living at affordable prices, all the studio, one and two-bedroom apartments sold within 24 hours, with the single floor and duplex penthouses proving equally attractive to buyers. Secure parking, landscaped grounds, on-site concierge services and a gymnasium complete the successful View 146 refurbishment.

Tel: 0151 549 2339
Web: http://www.totalglass.com


Duraflex Completes Conversion

An exclusive development that combines new build homes and a converted steel mill has been given added kerb appeal with PVC doors and windows from the Duraflex Diamond Suite. Longstanding fabricator Norvik has recently completed the manufacture and installation of over 500 doors and windows for Foxhills near Barnsley.

Foxhills consists of 48 modern houses and flats alongside 27 apartments in the refurbished mill. Local planners insisted that doors and windows specified for all properties were in keeping with the unique architectural styling of the old mill.

With its comprehensive range of fenestration designs and detailing, Duraflex was able to satisfy the project’s aesthetic demands, and comply with the stringent performance standards required by Part L in England and Wales. Indeed, the System already exceeds the higher Scottish U value of 1.8W/m2K and also carries all the necessary BSI and BBA accreditations, providing complete peace of mind both for specifiers and end-users.

All windows for Foxhills have been fabricated by Norvik using Duraflex 65mm profile with scotia bead and a brilliant white finish was specified for the new build properties to complement the stone facades.

An exterior woodgrain finish with white inside was selected for the majority of windows in the old mill, which includes a number of arched feature windows, some of which are up to 5 metres high. Stylish gold ‘Austrian’ bars have been fitted to all windows to complete the traditional look. Matching residential and patio doors from the Duralfex range have also been supplied by Norvik as part of the £160,000 agreement with main contractor Campbell Homes of Sheffield.

Steve Day, Norvik’s Managing Director comments, ‘Thanks to the usual high quality products and service from Duraflex, plus the expertise of our dedicated team, the project progressed without problems and the finished properties have proved very saleable.’

Established in 1988, Norvik has built a successful trade and new build customer base. The company has been working with Duraflex from day one and offers a full range of windows, doors and conservatories using bevelled and featured
profiles from the Duraflex Diamond Suite.

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


A Modern Day Solution

A stunning period property has been bought up to date with the installation of thirty-five vertical sliding sash windows. The windows were manufactured by VS fabricator, Sash Windows UK based in Low Moor, Bradford.

The modern-day VS windows were chosen as they provided a genuine ‘accurate imitation’ of the original Victorian timber sash windows that had come to the end of their serviceable life for the private property in Pool near Harrogate. In areas of particular architectural interest, ‘like for like’ products are often stipulated in order to preserve the character and original elegance of the building.

The Vertical Sliders from Sash Windows provide all the performance to be expected of a modern window design while effectively replicating the popular Victorian sliding sashes. The windows are operated in the traditional fashion (although the individual sections can also be rotated for ease of cleaning) and include the right aesthetic detailing.

Sash Windows’ customer, Leeds-based Colin Caine Ltd, was instrumental in securing the contract and undertook the whole installation process while liasing directly with the current occupants of the property throughout the purchasing process. This involved liasing with planners to ensure the replica windows met with the exact specification.

The total refurbishment project involved replacing thirty-five vertical sliders, eight casement windows and two combination French doors.

Commenting on the installation, managing director Colin Caine said; ‘The property looks stunning and we are delighted with the quality of manufacture received from Sash Windows. Refurbishments projects of this nature are becoming more common and the aesthetic beauty of the vertical sliders allows us to win such prestigious jobs.’

To find our more about the VS products from Sash Windows UK visit http://www.sashuk.co.uk


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