WINDOWS
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FITTING WINDOWS WITH
‘CURB-SIDE APPEAL’ In 2020, REHAU’s Rio Flush Fit window system was selected by housebuilder Homes by Carlton for a largescale residential build at Middleton St. George in the north-east of England.
are often sold on first impression so every feature has to look as good as it functions.”
WINDOWS WITH APPEAL
Homes by Carlton (HBC) is an awardwinning housebuilder operating in Yorkshire and the north east of England. Founded 20 years ago, the company made its reputation on building properties to an exceptionally high, market-leading quality.
One of HBC’s recent projects is in Middleton St. George, a 198-home development outside Darlington. The north-east has experienced a construction boom in recent years, with thousands of homes springing up in the area. Keenly aware of this, Walker wanted to distinguish HBC by installing windows not only constructed to a high standard, but also complementary of the development’s overall aesthetic. “I was looking for windows that had curb-side appeal,” says Walker, “with a finish that reflected our ambition to be the region’s best housebuilder.”
The housebuilder has a long-standing relationship with Chatsworth Windows, the north-east’s largest in-house windows manufacturer, which shares HBC’s ambition for quality fittings. As Simon Walker, Managing Director of HBC explains: “Design is typically 20% of a build’s overall cost but we believe that figure underplays its importance to potential buyers. Homes
It was this search that eventually led to REHAU, as Walker approached Chatsworth Windows about products that fit the bill. “There is a trend among developers to buy more cost-effective windows and install them without specialist help,” says Mark Griffiths, Sales and Marketing Manager at Chatsworth Windows, “but Simon was insistent the job was done properly using
a premium service and product.” Griffiths and his team were then asked to survey the development and recommend solutions to enhance the properties, eventually settling on REHAU’s Rio Flush Fit profile. Chatsworth Windows was initially approached by REHAU when interest in flush fit systems was increasing. “There was a demand in the market for this type of profile and REHAU brought examples to our factory,” says Griffiths. “We were impressed with the build quality and decided to invest in the product.” REHAU technicians subsequently visited the fabricator’s North Yorkshire factory, helping calibrate machinery that would manufacture the new range. Within weeks the first examples had reached the showroom, and the different grains and colours available quickly proved popular with customers. “We had already experienced uplifting demand for these windows at our Northallerton showroom,” says Griffiths. “Customers liked the symmetrical, contemporary design and there’s a growing market trend to add value to properties with statement fittings like these. Plus, we had worked with REHAU for years and knew its products were of the calibre Simon sought, so it made sense to recommend the Rio.”
FRAMING SUCCESS Installation at Middleton St. George has been a big undertaking for Chatsworth Windows, with the company deploying three dedicated teams to install six-to-eight frames per day. “We have a team that visit the site regularly to ensure everything is on track,” says Griffiths, “and while the speed of development can be challenging, particularly when conditions are poor, it’s relatively simple as we’re fitting into fresh openings. This results in a cleaner finish compared to replacing old frames.” A dedicated Rio Flush Fit installation team system also helped make development time
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faster. “Getting windows in quickly is key as the second fix on the electrics can only be completed once buildings are completely weatherproof,” says Griffiths. “Fortunately, the profiles are made off-site so this process has been fairly straightforward, allowing HBC to complete homes more efficiently.”
WINDOW INTO THE FUTURE Now nearing completion, construction at Middleton St. George has been successful and the installation of Rio Flush Fit windows has maintained HBC’s high-end vision. “We decided on cream frames, as they improved the façade and suited the brickwork,” says Walker. “These small details can elevate a development from others on the market and single out Homes by Carlton as a housebuilder with attentionto-detail.” However, as Walker stresses, the product has also served a purpose beyond aesthetic appeal. The houses now also achieve a good U-value, in no small part due to REHAU’s windows. “Houses are built to strict standards, particularly in relation to thermal efficiency,” says Walker, “and the windows and profiles have certainly helped us raise the ratings. Not only is this useful for regulations, it has also appeals to more eco-conscious homebuyers.” The housebuilder was impressed with Chatsworth Windows and REHAU’s product, and have committed to using them for two more projects. The includes a 31-house development in Thorpe Thewles with over 500 windows being installed, and a bespoke site of 11 properties each with over 3,000 sq. ft of floorspace. “I wouldn’t hesitate in using the Rio Flush Fit again,” says Walker. “Chatsworth have been an excellent partner and REHAU provided the exact finish we required. I look forward to working with both companies again.” For more information about REHAU’s Rio Flush Fit windows visit: https://www.rehau.com/uk-en/rio-flush-fit
May 2021 | www.glassnews.co.uk
