DOORS, WINDOWS & GLAZING

NEWLY RENOVATED CAMBRIDGE CHURCH BLESSED WITH WARMTH FROM SECONDARY GLAZING INSTALLATION

Downing Place United Reformed Church is situated in Cambridge. It was formed in June 2018 following the joining of Emmanuel and St Columba’s United Reformed Churches. The redeveloped St Columba’s site has been extensively renovated and main contractor Coulson Building Group contacted Selectaglaze to discuss secondary glazing solutions for the purpose of thermal retention.

56 units were installed; comprising of four Series 45 side hung casements in the Chapel and 52 Series 46 slimline fixed lights installed in the Nave. A large circular primary window in the Nave was perhaps the most complex treatment due to its shape and elevated position. A timber mullioned cartwheel frame was crafted to securely hold the secondary glazing. Seven bespoke Series 46 fixed light segments were made for it and glazed with 6mm toughened glass to give additional rigidity and structural strength.

The church has now been made more thermally efficient with the inclusion of secondary glazing and DPURC should start to see a reduction in heating costs, with less heat escaping and uncomfortable draughts practically eliminated. www.selectaglaze.co.uk

HELPING TO PRESERVE AN INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE

Two former furniture factory buildings in East London have been transformed into high-end apartments with the help of Crittall windows. Long Street in the Hackney conservation area was a key component in Shoreditch’s industrial heritage.

The four-storey structural steel-framed blocks were built in Long Street in 1959 with plenty of natural daylight and generously sized lifts for transporting uncut sheets of plywood to the upper floors. The two blocks now form part of a luxury residential development, Long and Waterson. Architects Fletcher Priest have taken their design cue from the industrial lineage of the area, retaining original external brickwork and window settings and adding two rooftop penthouse levels creating a total of 71 apartments.

Crittall Corporate W20 and MW40 systems were specified, in fixed and opening format together with Crittall cold form tubular doors that meet the RC3 burglary resistance security standard; a choice that preserves both the original appearance and the industrial heritage of the area. www.crittall-windows.co.uk

SAFE BY DESIGN

Helping ensure the safety of pedestrians, TORMAX automatic sliding door systems can be fitted with a full-glass screen behind which the door leaf can recess as the entrance opens. This removes the risk of the sliding door mechanism being interfered with or blocked by anyone, allowing immediate clear opening as people approach the door. To keep the entrance looking smart, the pocket screen features a lockable hinge, allowing it to be quickly opened out for easy cleaning and for any accumulated debris to be removed.

“Without the screen, if someone is, for example, leaning on the side panel as the door opens,” explains Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX UK Ltd, “the sensors on the outer edge of the leaf will pick up the obstruction and cause the door to stop moving and return to the closed position. This is obviously unhelpful for those walking through the doors, as the sensors on the inner edge then respond to the obstruction in the doorway and try to re-open.” In particularly busy locations, such as shopping centres and hospitals, the pocket screen can significantly improve the flow of foot traffic into and out of the building whilst protecting those people on either side of the doors.

Aesthetically it also neatly finishes off the doorway, creating a sleek and minimalist entrance that is safe for all users. TORMAX has always been at the cutting edge of safety when it comes to automatic access and their range of revolving, sliding, swing and folding doors feature sophisticated sensors that can include infra-red, radar and light beams, delivering precise movement control in all directions. www.tormax.co.uk

Traditional Timber Window and Door Specialists

Beautiful timber windows and doors, designed to improve energy efficiency. Tailor made solutions for your project. Supply only, supply and install, secondary glazing and draught proofing.

Aluprof Helps Push The Boundaries Of Passivhaus

by Wojciech Brozyna MD of Aluprof UK

When we talk of Passivhaus we generally think of ‘one-off’ grand designs style projects where costs seem no objection, but this is a dated view as Passivhaus is rapidly becoming a mainstream construction methodology. Recent cost analysis from the Passivhaus Trust suggests that a Passivhaus certified residential scheme is around 8% more expensive than an equivalent competitive tender build; further analysis suggests as Passivhaus claims more middle ground in construction, the extra-over costs can reduce to just 4%.

Passivhaus is not all about cost, it is about a commitment to net-zero carbon emissions. Currently housing stock is accountable for approximately 35% of our total global energy consumption, so insulation is key in order to reduce our reliance on energy and our ability to reduce and phase out fossil heating fuels, such as gas. There are also health benefits and fuel poverty issues which are completely covered by adopting a Passivhaus construction.

Given the background growth of Passivhaus, Aluprof are delighted to announce their involvement in what is claimed to be the world's largest lowcarbon student residential development taking place in Bristol for The University of the West of England (UWE). The new development taking place at the Frenchay Campus covers approximately 65,000m2 and provides 2,250 new student residences. The scheme started on site in 2021 and is set to have the first phase complete for first-year student intake in 2023. Designed by Passivhaus Trust members Stride Treglown Architects and QODA Consulting, the new halls will offer carbon neutral accommodation which falls inline with the University’s ‘2030 strategy’.

The project follows on from what now will be the second largest student accommodation project completed to date, ’The House’ at Cornell Tech in New York. Aluprof UK became involved in the design development of the scheme from RIBA Stage 2 and worked alongside Stride Treglown, QODA Consulting and Turner & Townsend to develop a high performance facade solution which helps the new development to achieve Passivhaus standards. Facade detailing and cost analysis support was provided by Aluprof UK prior to tender release to ensure budgets met stakeholder's expectations.

Aluprof UK also offered tender support to VINCI Construction UK, the main contractor awarded the scheme, in the careful selection of Aluprof experienced subcontractors to deliver a compliant tender. Aluprof UK have been involved in a collaborative process from RIBA Stage 2 onwards and will continue to support the project through to its completion. Denval, located in Cardiff, have been nominated to install the high insulation windows and doors on the project.

Alex Wysom, Operations Director at Denval takes up the story, “Aluprof worked with Stride Treglown Architects to provide a comprehensive specification for their high performance Passivhaus certified MB104 window system from the earliest stage, Denval provided cost plan and technical support to the project management company and subsequently the main contractors who were providing tenders for the scheme. “Since the earliest stages of our involvement with the project, we have worked closely with Aluprof, who have supported Denval with excellent technical information, to enable the most cost effective solutions to be established for this large Passivhaus development".

The Aluprof systems specified for the project consist of MB-104 SI (Passivhaus Certified) windows and doors and the MB-SR50N HI+ (Passivhaus Certified) curtain walling system. The specified finish uses a Super Durable Polyester or Class 2 powder coat in an AkzoNobel Interpon ‘Gold Pearl’ colour, reference YY217E. Aluprof have long been recognised across Europe for providing Passivhaus certified products and Aluprof UK are active members of the Passivhaus Trust in the UK.

The project is to be completed in two phases, first is the redevelopment of Carroll Court on campus where student houses have been demolished to make way for the start on site in November 2021 by main contractor Vinci Construction. Phase one will see the 900-bedroom Stride Treglown designed buildings take shape and will be the first to complete in 2023. Installation of the Aluprof windows and doors on site is anticipated to begin in July 2022. The second phase will see the redevelopment of three existing car parks offering a further 1,350 rooms that will comprise phase two are expected to be available one to two years after the completion of phase one.

Once complete the new buildings will yield a 54% reduction in running costs and carbon emissions compared with a typical building built to current building regulations. Aluprof UK are delighted to be leading and supporting the development of Passivhaus construction across the UK and are already working with specifiers and developers on further schemes to help active the UK’s challenge of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. www.aluprof.co.uk

ACCESSIBILITY AND CONVENIENCE COMBINED

GEZE’s TS 5000 ECline overhead door closer with guide rail combines accessibility and convenience in one innovative all-round closer. GEZE, a leading manufacturer of door and window control systems has called the product the TS 5000 ECline, pronounced EASYLINE, to highlight the ease of opening the closer offers. Providing barrier-free, easy to open doors the TS 5000 ECline is suitable for right and left single action doors with a door leaf width of up to 1250mm.

It also has integrated back check, hydraulic latching action, and the closing speed can be individually adjusted. In addition the closer offers flexibility in installation as it can be installed on the door leaf on the hinge side or on the transom on the opposite hinge side and all functions can be adjusted from the front of the closer. The L version of the closer enables it to be mounted on the push side of the door.

It is part of the GEZE family of closers that have the same styling, perfect for when different closers are needed throughout a building, and it has the same fitting footprint as other GEZE closers allowing it to be fitted in place of other closers without having to re-drill the door. With a closing force of EN 3-5 with variable adjustment the TS 5000 ECline is suitable for fire and smoke protection doors. www.geze.co.uk

SELECTAGLAZE CURVED ON PLAN UNITS CREATE A SPLASH AT KIDDERPORE HALL

Working with Mount Anvil, a swimming pool area in a Grade II Listed home has been restored to its former grandeur, with the assistance of Selectaglaze sealed units and curved on plan secondary glazing. Kidderpore Hall sits looking over North London, in what was referred to as the Childs Hill neighborhood of Hampstead; once a relatively rural area. It has been beautifully reimagined through extensive refurbishment and brought back to a livable state as a single family home.

One of the areas of the house which needed particular attention was a new pool and spa area in the basement. The original single glazed sash windows did little to provide heat retention. Selectaglaze secondary glazing was chosen to assist in upgrading the thermal insulation in this Grade II Listed building. To ensure maximum U-values were gained in this exposed corner of the building, 24mm double sealed secondary glazed units were required with obscure glass to provide privacy. Six window and one door were treated with Series 41 side hung casements, glazed with 4-16-4 gas filled sealed units. However, to match the sightlines of the bay window framing the jacuzzi, curved on plan units were specified. www.selectaglaze.co.uk

Profab Access Adds A Five Star Finish To Cardiff’s Newest Luxury Hotel

Leading riser door and access panel solution supplier, Profab Access, has proven its first-class credentials once again as part of the recent completion of a major specification at Cardiff’s new 5-star Parkgate hotel. Located next to the Welsh Capital’s famous Principality Stadium, the Parkgate hotel has been designed to provide a luxurious experience for rugby fans, in addition to city dwellers visiting the country all year round.

Widely coined as Cardiff’s most lavish new location, the hotel includes 170 guest bedrooms and suites, a signature restaurant and bar, a traditional tea lounge and a rooftop spa overlooking the city skyline. As part of the prestigious build, a unique collaboration between the Welsh Rugby Union, property developer, Rightacres, and The Celtic Collection, the hotel required an extensive riser door specification, with safety, high performance and aesthetic appeal key considerations.

In total, 310 Profab Access VEGA 1500 Fire Rated Riser Doors were specified for installation by Hazelwood Carpentry throughout every part of the building, including communal areas and the hotel’s vast range of luxury guest rooms and suites. The VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors offer the highest standards of fire safety, extensively tested by Efectis in France and Ireland to provide a bidirectionally fire tested product that is available in both single and double door configurations.

This means the riser door sets are fire tested from both sides to 60 minutes, providing the specifiers, contractors and hotel guests residing within the building with confidence the critical fire integrity products offer the highest standard and most up to date evidence for fire safety performance. The range also features a slimline, neat construction, whilst its proven technology ensures permanent, safe access to mechanical and electrical services housed within the riser core.

This provides first class functionality and safety, without compromising the overall interior concept. The steel riser doors also streamlined the installation process, as the quick release pivot hinge and light weight enabled easy handling, allowing Hazelwood Carpentry to complete the job quickly and optimise overall project efficiencies.

In the event of a fire, the VEGA 1500 Series Riser Door sets will maintain the frame and integrity for up to 60 minutes, preventing the spread of fire throughout the property for this period of time. The riser doors are 31dB acoustic rated, smoke sealed and airtight to Part L, whilst also featuring intumescent smoke seals that enable occupants to safely exit the building. By specifying bidirectionally fire tested VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors, the development is actively future proofed as the comprehensive testing certification provides a complete and transparent audit trail of due diligence that evidences the products are not only fit for purpose but meet the duty of care required to ensure legal compliance.

Profab Access’ diverse portfolio of riser doors and access panels are supported by a wide range of BIM Level 2 and CAD files to aid the specification process and streamline the initial design stages. Manufactured at Profab Access’ Atherstone headquarters in accordance with ISO 9001, the 1500 Series Riser Doors can be specified and installed in a range of configurations to meet each project’s measurements and requirements. www.profabaccess.com

Crittall's T60 Windows Meet Oxford Challenge

A theatre seating 200 people, study bedrooms for students, teaching rooms, kitchens and ancillary space have been created in the new threestorey building whose stone-faced elevations have been finished in honey coloured ashlar limestone to complement its heritage setting. The building also features a pitched, slate covered roof.

The T60 windows are set within stone surrounds and finished in an attractive bronze coloured Duralife polyester powder coating. Many are fitted with trickle ventilation. Triple glass is installed in the windows of the theatre auditorium for improved sound attenuation.

T60 features an advanced highdensity polyurethane isolator as a thermal barrier that together with double or triple glazing surpasses the requirements of current regulations. The cold formed steel profiles nevertheless retain Crittall’ s hallmark slender sightlines that ensure maximum light ingress. The Levine Building project also features cold form doors and internal fire screens on ground and first floors. www.crittall-windows.co.uk