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New
Volkswagen 'Lounge Look' Given the Satin Finish with Pilkington Glass
A
number of specialist Volkswagen retailers within the UK have been selected
to represent the company's venture into new market sectors with a sophisticated
new showroom design that makes extensive use of Pilkington
Optifloat™ Satin glass. Styled as modern customer 'lounges', the
new showrooms use glass to create an open, sophisticated environment for
prospective customers.
The new showroom design forms a significant part of Volkswagen's current
brand strategy, developed to promote two new models launched this year
the Phaeton, a luxury saloon model, and the Touareg, a full size off-road
vehicle. The design template for each showroom incorporates the formation
of a commissioning room and a dedicated display area, and it was particularly
important to Volkswagen that the commissioning rooms convey the essential
qualities of the two new launch vehicles.
Alan Chapman, a senior designer at Volkswagen UK, explains:
'The Phaeton is built in a new 'transparent' factory in Dresden that uses
glass facades to give a clear view of the interior and production areas.
We wanted to extend this concept to the showroom environment.'
Norfolk based companies TWP, specialist showroom fit-out contractors,
and Contract Glass, a leading glass processor, worked together following
designs by Volkswagen designers in Germany to find design solutions for
an environment that had to be both modern and luxurious yet subtle. The
two companies chose Pilkington Optifloat™ Satin glass for its ability
to provide privacy whilst also letting in almost as much natural light
as clear glass. Its smooth appearance and natural feel also lends itself
well to the comfortable, modern surroundings of the new showroom design.
1Omm Pilkington Optifloat™ Satin is used both as an entrance screen
to each commissioning room and as a functional and attractive backdrop
within the room as a backlit glass screen. The resulting effect is a contemporary
customer lounge environment in which the customer can discuss the particular
requirements of his chosen vehicle on screen with the maximum comfort.
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Duraflex
Delivers Best Value for Council Contract
Duraflex
PVCu doors and windows have provided a ‘best value’ solution
for a refurbishment project by Halton Borough Council Housing Services.
Over 160 windows plus entrance doors from the Duraflex Diamond Suite have
recently been installed at Hale and Wincroft, a site of a three-storey
block of flats in Widnes, Cheshire.
The council properties have undergone a complete transformation as part
of Halton’s Housing Investment Programme, including a new roof, cladding
and replacement windows. With original timber frames in a poor state of
repair, PVCu windows were specified as a high performance, low maintenance
solution. Duraflex was able to meet the demanding performance specification
set by the Council, with fabrication of all units awarded to Highseal
Windows of Scunthorpe. All suppliers worked closely with consultants,
Cassidy and Ashton, who acted as project managers from initial surveys
through to completion on site.
The Housing Services team also encouraged tenants to get involved in developing
the plans as part of the Council’s Tenant Participation scheme. Tenant
groups have become increasingly influential in social housing refurbishment
programmes, and maintaining good tenant/ supplier relations throughout
was another essential aspect of the contract.
As part of the tendering process, Duraflex’s Commercial Sales team
submitted an initial proposal covering the style and specification of
doors and windows following consultation with Halton’s Housing Services
department and a site visit. Comprehensive drawings were then supplied
for consideration, together with plans to satisfy design and maintenance
issues. Highseal Windows also played a key role by ensuring the quality
standards set out in the specification were maintained throughout the
manufacturing process and the project’s precise design requirements
were met.
A combination of PVCu tilt and turn and casement windows from Duraflex
70mm Featured profiles in a brilliant white finish were selected for the
project. In addition to visual appeal, thermal efficiency was also a critical
factor in the choice of system. Duraflex profiles carry all the necessary
BSI and BBA accreditations including full compliance with Part L, and
in fact already surpass the more stringent Scottish level of 1.8W/m2K,
which many expect to be introduced into England in the near future.
The Duraflex 70mm Suite has become a popular choice with many social housing
specifiers. Being closer to the size of the traditional timber outer frame
it’s usually replacing it fits the aperture more accurately, allowing
any remaining paint, plaster and putty lines to be covered over. The choice
of a Featured profile also demonstrates the growing importance of aesthetic
considerations in the specification process. The profile’s classic
styling replicates the appearance of traditional timber frames, making
it a suitable replacement option for windows at Hale and Wincroft and
providing added ‘kerb appeal.’
With work on this project now completed, residents have been able to return
to their normal lives. ‘The tenants involved in this refurbishment
project were a very active group and their views played an important part
in the process. They are delighted with the results, and the improvements
have made Hale and Wincroft such a popular place to live that there’s
now a waiting list. All in all this has been a highly successful programme,
so much so that we plan to use the same contracting team for the refurbishment
of another phase,’ comments Simon Edge, Divisional Manager of Halton
Borough Council Housing Services. In fact, Highseal Windows has just been
awarded an additional contract by the Council to supply PVCu doors and
windows from the Duraflex Diamond Suite for an identical apartment block
in the borough.
Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
Johnstone
and Paisley Residents Benefit from a Hallmark Choice
Reinforced
PVCu entrance doors manufactured by Glasgow based fabricator Thermashield
lnsulation Ltd and incorporating Hallmark
panels have been specified for a major housing improvement programme in
Johnstone & Paisley conducted by Linstone Housing Association. Tenants
of the properties are said to be very pleased with the new installation,
not least because they were, rather unusually, given a choice of four
different, attractive Hallmark designs to suit their home.
Linstone Housing Association is a registered social landlord that owns
properties in the Renfrewshire area of Scotland. In accordance with the
Housing (Scotland) Act of 2001, Linstone aims to give tenants as much
choice as possible as part of its housing improvement and upgrade plan.
After the contract went out to tender, Linstone chose Thermashield lnsulation
- a brand well-known in the Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire areas - because
the company was able to offer a choice of design and security-conscious
doors that were also cost-effective.
Over 230 properties in the Johnstone and Paisley districts benefited from
the
new doors, with tenants choosing from white Hallmark Aston, Hagley, Bicton
and Carlton designs, either with or without glass panels. All the doors
were MDF reinforced to fulfil a high security specification.
Tel: 01482 781111
Email: mailto:hallmark-panels.demon.co.uk
Web: http://www.hallmark-panels.com
Residents
get Activ™ in Sheltered Housing
A
sheltered housing development in Normanby, Cleveland, is using the new,
Pilkington Activ™ self cleaning
glass in a renovation programme to replace all of the existing old timber
windows in the blocks.
The
timber frames have deteriorated over the years, and clients, Coast and
Country Housing, required a modern replacement solution that would take
into consideration the needs of the elderly residents. Local glass fabricator,
Polar Windows suggested using Pilkington Activ™ dual action self-cleaning
glass as an alternative to the proposed standard tilt and turn option.
‘The Bankfield development consists of three blocks of maisonettes,
each one three storeys high,’ explains Steven Rushforth of Polar
Windows. ‘It was unrealistic to expect the elderly residents or the
window cleaners to clean so many windows on a regular basis so when Pilkington
Activ™ was suggested as a solution, it was eagerly accepted as the
ideal solution.’
Because of the speed and efficiency of the installation of the factory-finished
units, temporary rehousing of the tenants was not necessary.
Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass has a specially formulated
dual action coating, which breaks down organic dirt particles when exposed
to daylight. These particles are then washed away by rainwater. The glass
is defined as hydrophilic which means that the rainwater runs evenly off
the surface of the glass rather than forming droplets. The coating is
activated by UV radiation, and contains no harmful chemicals thereby offering
important environmental benefits.
For this refurbishment, Pilkington’s Middlesbrough branch supplied
Pilkington Insulight Activ™ with an inner pane of toughened, energy
efficient Pilkington K Glass™ and an outer pane of clear toughened
Pilkington Activ™.
Pilkington Processing and Merchanting UK has a network of 21 branches
covering the whole country, merchanting bulk glass and a wide range of
processed bespoke products. The company is focused on quality service
and continually improving and delivering the benefits of Pilkington’s
technical ability and innovation to the end user.
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Eurocell
Building Plastics
delivery and service were key issues when EuroFit Rooflines Ltd chose
the company's roofline on a refurbishment project in York. The local depot
on the Clifton Moor Industrial Estate, one of 53 nationally, supplied
the full range of roofline products as well as ancillary items to complete
the work. EuroFit Ltd modified the products by scalloping the Euroboards
in order for them to match the rest of the development.
Eurofit Rooflines Ltd
Tel: 01904 799 069
A
SolarGard film came to the rescue
of Felix Engineering when its local council cut down a line of shady trees,
exposing the boatbuilder's premises to the worst effects of the sun. The
film has been installed to windows along the length of the factory and
also to some south-facing office windows. The film cuts down glare and
heat gain to make the workplace more comfortable for employees and also
promotes safety by keeping the sun off chemicals. Its reflective finish
also restores some of the privacy previously afforded by the trees.
Felix
Engineering builds 42 and 46ft sea-going Princess boats at its premises
alongside the A38 in Devon. General Manager Dave Cotter says: 'When the
council cut down the trees separating the factory from the road, the sunlight
came flooding in, causing all sorts of problems. The factory became an
unpleasantly hot place to work and we were also concerned about the effect
of the sun on the chemicals. Glare was annoying employees and interfering
with production. The SolarGard film has sorted it all out very effectively.'
Specialist Bekaert dealer ADS Window Films of Plymouth recommended a number
of films from the SolarGard range, finally installing SolarGard Silver
20. This film reduces glare by 82% and reduces heat gain by 75% but maintains
high levels of natural daylight and has a silver reflective finish.
Bekaert Specialty Films manufactures specialty window films using state
of the art manufacturing techniques and top quality materials. Bekaert
manufactures solar control, safety and decorative films with a range of
performance specifications and finishes to suit all situations. Films
are installed to existing windows by a nationwide network of specialist
dealers who can advise on the most appropriate films in each case.
Web: http://www.solargarduk.com
Brett
Martin Helps French Spoof Spies
When
Pinewood Studios' special effects department was faced with creating 'transporter'
tubes for the set of a French spoof spy film, it turned to Vulcascot and
Brett Martin for help in achieving
the result efficiently and cost-effectively.
The
Franco-British co-production, 'Double Zero', a French spoof on the Bond
films, themselves famous for their effects, is currently being shot at
the Buckinghamshire studios, and is due for release late next year. The
tubes were needed for one of the sets for the film which takes place in
a secret control room under a floating island. They created the impression
of people being moved from one floor to another of a submarine.
As the set will only be needed for a couple of weeks, the studio's special
effects department needed to devise a way to create the 18m high x 2m
diameter tubes as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. In addition,
the material needed to curve easily, not crack when being fixed, and comply
with Health & Safety Regulations.
The solution was the use of 15 sheets of 4mm thick Marlon FS clear polycarbonate
flat sheet, manufactured by Brett Martin.
Distributor Vulcascot worked closely with both the studio and Brett Martin
to deliver the material in special 6m lengths to minimise the number of
joints required.
Commented Bob Hollow, special effects supervisor on the film, 'We needed
the largest sheet we could get, in a material that wouldn't crack or deform
under the heat of the studio and set lights, and which was cost-effective.
Marlon FS gave us everything we needed, and Brett Martin produced it in
6m lengths specially for us.'
Brett Martin produces Marlon in a variety of sheet thicknesses, lengths
and tints, in flat, structured and corrugated formats. Class 1 fire-rated,
Marlon FS can easily be cold-bent and processed on site using standard
workshop equipment. Marlon is part of the range of semi-finished plastics
manufactured by Brett Martin, including Marcryl acrylic and Foamalux foam
PVC sheet. All are available through Brett Martin's national network of
specialist distributors.
Tel: 028 9084 9999
Email: mailto:mail@brettmartin.com
Web: http://www.brettmartin.com
Oakwood
Construction Services Install Masterframe in new Build Luxury Development
John
Belcher, partner in Oakwood Construction Services
Ltd, has specialised in the construction of luxury new build
homes for more than 20 years. His experience in the field makes him an
authority on the right way to do things in his sector of the industry.
In 2001, with ambitions to expand his operations to even larger projects,
he joined forces with Andy Conroy to create Oakwood.
The merger between the two enabled larger scale projects to be tackled,
such as the current site in Hockley, near Southend, a new build gated-development
containing 5 luxury properties situated on their own private road. Two
of the buildings are 3,500 square foot, five-bedroom establishments; the
remaining three are 5,000 square ft and hold 6 bedrooms. Three of the
properties have been completed, landscaped and have potential buyers interested
in them.
Oakwood have used Masterframe for many projects but were reluctant to
purchase direct as they wanted an experienced fitting company to co-ordinate
all the windows and doors on a project. However, due to the poor service
they had received previously from other suppliers, Oakwood approached
Masterframe direct to train up their fitters. Now they control their own
fitting and avoid the delays created by others.
'Masterframe is a superb supplier.' Says Belcher. 'The company always
keeps to the agreed times and the product speaks for itself.'
The Hockley developments contain some beautiful sun-burst effect Georgian
arched frame windows and other Georgian bar effect frames amongst others.
Oakwood have also requested that the glass installed in the frames is
delta sand blasted that Masterframe has sourced from Uniglaze in Norfolk.
All products are compliant with the Part L Building regulations.
Tel: 01376 510410
Email: mailto:sales@masterframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk
The
Pilkington Planar™ frameless
glazing system has been specified for the construction of Pulrose Power
Station on the Isle of Man. Designed by architects, Savage & Chadwick,
the glazed tension structure forms a high performance skin for the Manx
Electricity Authority's gas turbine power station.
The
design of the structure had to appear transparent and visually lightweight
but able to withstand high wind loads, due to its location by the Irish
Sea. Also, the design had to minimise the effects of solar gain, solar
reflectance and deal with any condensation that may occur over such a
large glazed area. 'We primarily desired a large, clear, unframed wall
of glass,' said architect, Mark Savage. 'The Pilkington Planar™ system
fitted the design requirements in terms of performance and visual appeal.'
Pilkington Planar™ provided the solution and 3,000 sq. m of the system
has been installed to form a glass wall to enclose the turbine hall on
the east and south sides.
The building comprises a column free hall, measuring 48m long by 36m wide
and 27m high, with a three storey service and control block located along
the northern flank wall. The Pilkington Planar™ glazing complements
aluminium composite cladding panels which are installed to the north and
west elevations.
Charles Henshaw and Sons were responsible for detailing the glass fixings
and interfaces between the glazing and other parts of the building as
well as undertaking the glazing installation.
The point fixed frameless Pilkington Planar™ glass facade comprises
a vertical inner glazed skin and an inclined outer skin of 15mm Pilkington
Optifloat™ T plus glass, with panels sizes measuring 3.5m wide and
1.7m high to a span of up to 25m. The structure is separated and supported
by a tensioned rod rigging system, which was favoured over conventional
steel mullions and transoms as the high vertical spans would have required
large steel sections, resulting in the loss of lightness and transparency.
The glazing was fixed using 902 austenitic stainless steel bolt assemblies
and Pilkington Planar™ Nexus castings with electro polished finish,
bolted back to the trusses and compression tubes. On the inner glazed
wall, the spider castings interface the connection between the tension
structure and the horizontal CHS props by incorporating a single bolt
connection for both elements. To prevent excessive solar heating and condensation
the air space between the two skins was ventilated.
The power station is due for completion this month and when finished,
will stand on the Isle of Man's Pulrose site demonstrating the flexibility
and visual appeal of structural glazing as a creative design material.
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Eurocell
and Mainstream Complete Installation
Eurocell
Building Plastics
customer, Mainstream Windows of 1020 Yardley Wood Rd Birmingham, has recently
completed an interesting installation of a Pinnacle 500 Modular Roofing
System. The Ajit Darbar Sikh Temple in Foleshill, Coventry has chosen
the roof to complement other modifications recently made to the property,
also by Mainstream.
The roof fitted measured 17.5m by a 5m projection and incorporates the
full range of Eurocell Building Plastics components. 'We are pleased to
have fitted the Eurocell Roofing System, one of its key attributes is
how easily it fits together as well as the way it looks.' Bob Dhillon,
Mainstream Windows, Sales Director.
Tel: 02476 637229
Email: mailto:marketing@eurocell.co.uk
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
Lots
of ‘Trespa…sing’ in Profile 22 Installation
Bright
blue Trespa panels and Profile 22
windows are transforming the appearance, and weathertightness of Teign
School in Kingsteignton South Devon.
MPS Windows, based in Exmouth, has just completed its fifth phase in three
years as part of a rolling programme of refurbishment at the school. The
latest phase involved the replacement of 80 windows, comprising old steel,
aluminium and timber sash windows.
Installers worked through the summer holidays to meet deadlines. Profile
22 is a highly specified system and a popular choice among many Local
Authority and Social Housing specifiers throughout the UK. It is designed
and tested to meet all relevant British Standards and Building Regulations.
The configuration of Profile 22’s PVCu frames gives increased strength
and energy efficiency and the company offers specialist advice right from
design to installation.
Tel: 01952 290910
Web: http://www.profile22.co.uk
Specialist glazing contractor Optima Architectural Glass has installed a pitched 300m2 'spider-bolted' double glazed roof at EMI's new five-storey Group headquarters in Kensington, London. Designed by architect Morey Smith, Optima constructed a mobile glazing gantry to lift more than 40 double-glazed panels, each weighing approximately 430kgs, safely in to position above the former headquarters of Penguin Books.
A wheeled glazing gantry system, constructed
by Optima Architectural Glass, positions one of more than 40 double-glazed
panels, each weighing approximately 430kgs, safely in to position to form
part of the 300 sqm 'spider-bolted' roof at EMI's new five-story Group
headquarters in Kensington, London.
Restricted
site access at EMI presented a difficult working environment. Mobile cranes
were used to lift material to roof height but moving the glass panels
required a safer method due to the building's proximity to Kensington
High Street tube station.
A wheeled gantry system was constructed to allow the glass units to be
unpackaged and positioned safely without the need for manual handling.
The gantry was assembled on top of rafter beams and was designed to traverse
the pitched roof, allowing each consecutive bay to be glazed safely. The
double glazed units, manufactured by Solaglas, were then suspended from
17 steel rafters above the ground floor café area, providing a
frameless upwards view
to the sky above.
Designed to minimise heat loss while controlling solar gain in accordance
with new building regulations, the double glazed roof was constructed
using a 12mm toughened, heat-soaked outer layer, 12mm air cavity and 21.8mm
toughened laminate inner pane.
The overall design also maximises natural lighting throughout the office
areas reducing the need for artificial light, consequently keeping energy
consumption down in line with EMI's own environmental objectives.
Andy Tooley, project manager for main contractor, Interior commented:
'Logistical difficulties were quickly solved during this challenging job
thanks to Optima's early involvement and innovative approach and construction
skills.'
Additional works
An unusual and technically challenging aspect of the project was the construction
of a 20m-high curved, spider-bolted façade, revealing a double-height
reception space facing High Street Kensington. Optima's five-ply polyvinyl
butyral (PVB) 500mm deep, structural glass fins maintain an unobtrusive
structural support for the 'all glass' elevation. The frameless glass
façade maximises light penetration, emphasising the building's
interior features. Point, or bolt-fixed glass panels, further enhance
the design aesthetics. The clear and lightweight curved panels, formed
from 22.2mm toughened, laminated structural glass sustain the required
design loads.
A number of additional works were also completed by Optima. A striking
decorative glass feature in the café area uses Optima 217 partitioning
and features macro graphic images of grass, produced by Artsource, printed
onto the glass.
Surrounding the exposed lift shaft is a 6m-high laminated glass screen,
which is supported by the lift's steel work to provide a safe and transparent
barrier between the scenic lift and adjacent floors.
A specialist glass manipulator or 'Emu' was used to install three bays
of toughened double-glazed units, with each glass panel weighing approximately
450kgs. Next to the bays Optima has constructed a glass revolving door
with a glass-cantilevered canopy supported by stainless steel arms.
Finally, a fifth-floor terrace uses a thermally-broken aluminium framing
system to form fixed panes and sliding doors.
Company background
Optima Architectural Glass, part of the HLS Construction Group, is a specialist
glazing contractor based in High Wycombe with more than ten years experience
in the design, management and installation of glass. It provides an extensive
range of services and products for all architectural glass applications.
Design team
Architect/Designers Morey Smith
Structural engineers SKM
Web: http://www.optimasystems.com
Masterframe
Windows Become Part of Grade 2 Listed Building in Wales
The
historic Institute Building in Caernarfon was built in 1884 and has provided
the location over time for the Town Hall, the Caernarfon library and is
now the residence of the Caernarfon Town Clerk and the seat for meetings
of the town council. This impressive structure holds valuable historical
significance in the area as well as many stunning original paintings.
The building’s original wooden window frames are an integral part
of its traditional appeal, but they did not provide the best results in
terms of efficient draught and noise exclusion for the building. What
was really required were the benefits of modern PVCu window frames so
the Town Clerk, Vernon Pierce, contacted local Caernarfon installer, Snowdonia
Windows.
Dafydd Edwards from Snowdonia explains: 'The Institute Building needed
refurbishment and we worked together with the architects in ensuring that
the work done to upgrade the windows was in keeping with and sympathetic
to the original appearance of the building.'
With the designs complete, Dafydd got in touch with sash window experts
Masterframe, who duly supplied the right product for the job. Snowdonia’s
team then installed the Masterframe box sash windows in such a way that
the external look of the building was unchanged and the occupants could
benefit from the modern attributes of the pvc sash windows.
Vernon Pierce, Caernarfon Town Clerk, is highly complimentary of the result
of the installation. 'Completed some 18 months ago, the windows are 6-8ft
tall and there are about 20 of them in total, all in public rooms of the
building which are used regularly for meeting groups, conferences and
such like. Not only have the heating bills been greatly reduced, people
have been very complimentary of the fact that the speakers do not have
to shout over the noise of the traffic and the bus stop outside.'
Clearly the acceptance of pvc into historic buildings will always be a
sensitive issue, however the decision has been vindicated within the last
12 months as the Institute building has achieved a Grade 2 listing following
a recommendation from CADU, the Welsh Historical Monuments body. There
was real concern for the unique building and maintaining its original
façade, Vernon continues: 'The finish is excellent. The Masterframe
products were designed to look just like the originals and everybody says
that they blend in naturally. You can’t tell the difference in appearance
and with the very competitive quote Snowdonia gave for the job, we are
extremely happy'.
Tel: 01376 510410
Email: mailto:sales@masterframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk