Windows

ASWS UNDERTAKES ARTFUL STEEL WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT ROYAL ACADEMY

A recent contract, undertaken by London-based ASWS, has required the steel window repair specialist to exhibit a degree of artfulness in ensuring a large composite replica window, fabricated as part of alterations to a prominent Grade II listed building, not only matched the original, but could also operate in a manner to facilitate safe cleaning.

Continuing an established association with the leading firm of London architects, Barr Gazetas, ASWS undertook the work at the Royal Academy of Arts’ new Pace Gallery on behalf of John Sisk & Son; also a past client. The large composite bay consisting of a pair of semi-headed frames with a separating fixed infil frames, measuring 2136 wide by 2430mm high overall, dated from the late 19th century and were too badly corroded to repair. ASWS removed them with minimal damage to the stone reveals; and saved the ironmongery for reuse. The company’s highly skilled craftsmen utilised W20 profiles to fabricate the new frames, with odd-leg sections and JB mullions selected to help maintain an authentic appearance. The team also created new steel cills to raise the level of the window slightly and utilised Parliament hinges to enable the opening lights to clear the ornate stone columns, positioned just outside of the main building line. Kris Bennell, Contracts Director for ASWS, comments, “Despite this being just one composite bay, there was an extensive design process – including our preparation of detailed drawings and even making a timber mock-up of the frames – in order for permission to be gained. “The original windows had not been made from standard steel sections so matching them was challenging. In addition, the presence of the two very decorative columns outside made it difficult when it came to cleaning; we had to ensure we used the correct hinges to create sufficient space for window cleaners to reach out - safely.” “The replacement windows were single glazed with 6mm laminated glass, avoiding the slightly distorted reflections characteristic of double glazing, and the frames were polyester powder coated in the factory, before being resprayed internally after fitting to achieve the dual colour required inside and out. It has been a very successful, if protracted, process which has cemented our working relationships with both Sisk and Barr Gazetas.”

ASWS installed a mastic seal right around the new frames before handing the job back to the main contractor to complete the plastering and any masonry work required. The installation was completed ahead of the Pace Gallery’s final fit-out while, following the official opening, the space has been used for several significant exhibitions of contemporary art. The Royal Academy of Arts recently won a RIBA London Award. For further information on Associated Steel Window Services, please visit www.asws.co.uk or call 020 8665 5335.

GRANADA COMPLETES UK-WIDE PRODUCT LAUNCH SCHEDULE

Industry-leading manufacturer, Granada Secondary Glazing, has officially concluded an extensive series of launch events to unveil its state-of-the-art new product range.

The events took place in Birmingham, London, Leeds, Bristol and Edinburgh respectively between November 2021 and February 2022, providing Granada’s trade and commercial partners from across the UK the opportunity to get hands-on with its super-sleek new product range for the very first time. The centrepiece of each event was a series of window rigs which were constructed in each of the five cities to give those in attendance an exclusive look at the aesthetics and performance of the new system in a real-world setting. Sales and technical information spanning the entire range was also made available to visitors, with the Granada sales team delivering a presentation at each event that outlined the key improvements from old range to new. Zoe Grafton, Trade Sales Manager at Granada Secondary Glazing, said she was delighted with the reception to the events: “It’s been fantastic to be able to get so many of our valued customers and partners together over the past few months to demonstrate the new product range. “A huge amount of work went on behind the scenes to ensure we’ve been able to create the most high-spec secondary glazing solution on today’s market. The feedback from those in attendance has been incredibly encouraging, and their reception has mirrored the reception we’ve seen in terms of quotations and orders in recent months. We’re now entering phase two of our new product launch and look forward to more exciting announcements soon.”

Rob Cottam, Commercial Sales Manager at Granada Secondary Glazing, concluded: “We had well over 100 visitors join us across the five events, which speaks to the scale and appeal of our new product range. From a commercial perspective, it was a great opportunity to gather architects and specifiers to delve deeper into how the new range can enhance a whole host of project types. “We’re already begun to work on an events schedule for the coming financial year and look forward to meeting more of our commercial partners over the coming months.” For more information about Granada Secondary Glazing, please call 01909 499899, visit www.gsecg.com or email info@granadaglazing.com.

CENTRAL WINDOW SYSTEMS HELPS TO TRANSFORM ICONIC VICTORIAN BUILDING

Full solution fabricator Central Window Systems has partnered with commercial and domestic installer company Sutton Designs to help transform a Grade II listed building in Solihull into a fullservice care home facility.

Planning permission to turn Tudor Grange House into a care home was granted in 2018, but fresh proposals have since been tabled for a more expansive care home made up of 44 residential units and 30 assisted living units. Working closely with Sutton Designs, Central have manufactured over 200 windows for the project. Owner of Sutton Designs, Jon Gregory, comments: “We’ve worked with Central Window Systems on several commercial projects. They understand the importance of meeting tight lead times, which helps ensure that the installation runs as smoothly as possible. In addition, their vast product range means we have a one-stop-shop for our installations. Tudor Grange is a very impressive development, and we were delighted to partner with Central and be a part of its construction.” Tudor Grange House was built in 1887 for Alfred Lovekin, a Birmingham silversmith, and was bought by Sir Alfred Bird – of Birds Custard fame – at the start of the 20th century. It is understood to have operated as a Red Cross auxiliary hospital during and after the Second World War, before being acquired by Warwickshire County Council. It was used as a school for children with special needs until the mid-1970s, at which point it became part of Solihull Technical College. Central Window Systems Director of Sales Martyn Elwell comments: “We were delighted to work with Sutton Designs in the redevelopment of Tudor Grange and to contribute to the complete transformation of this historic building. We have a strong working relationship with Sutton Designs and we look forward to working with them on many development projects in the near future.” Working from its 52,000 square foot manufacturing facility, Central Window Systems provides an outstanding range of aluminium, PVCu windows and doors, as well as extensive curtain wall and roof light systems. For more information, call 0121 500 0505, or visit www.centralwindowsystems.co.uk.