Windows for life Lasting design
18
Multi-award winning, pioneering, innovative – the PowerGen HQ in Coventry was built 20 years ago with VELFAC windows… we take you back in time and re-visit one of the first VELFAC projects in the UK.
The world’s simplest window 26
Inspired by modernism and the beautiful, simple steel framework of Bauhaus, VELFAC 200 was created, back in 1982, led by design and simplicity.
12
A commitment
to personal relationships
VOL 2 .
SPRING 2013
// A magazine about daylight, fresh air and window design / /
2 | VELFAC | Contents
6 | Fortrose House has never looked better 10 | Sustainable reasons 12 | 1-2-1 with VELFAC Business Managers 16 | Fittings that make a difference 18 | VELFAC is built to last – we take you
Better heating and better looks
e
ne r
back in time
n gi · desig
22 | Smart, contemporary refurbishment in Cambridge
Extensive refurbishment, including new VELFAC windows, has made life so much better for residents at Fortrose House in Glasgow.
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26 | Inspired by Bauhaus, VELFAC claims ·
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k vslim sightlines v ali gi te råd | Book ta ·CPD
30 31 | Famous buildings feature VELFAC
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y · design
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Take a stroll down memory lane
VELFAC REVISITED
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18
Shortly after launching in the UK, VELFAC was specified for one of the decade's most famous projects.
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Relationships matter Meet two VELFAC Business Managers and learn more about their views on service and support.
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26
Window technology
The window is a complex building component, not just four pieces of wood and one piece of glass.
30
VELFAC p. and Wimbledon VELFAC windows are installed in millions of buildings around the globe including famous landmarks.
p.
10
Keep it green
3
VELFAC continuously delivers windows to zero-energy houses, passive houses and active houses.
From ordinary to premium The Cambridge property market is very competitive, but by using the best products, 'ordinary' buildings can be transformed into premium accomodation. Read about Crossways Gardens, a project to be completed later this year.
P.
22
4 | VELFAC | Editorial
Windows for Life Published by VELFAC Ltd The Old Livery, Hildersham, Cambridge, CB21 6DR T: 01223 897100 E: post@VELFAC.co.uk www.velfac.co.uk
Executive Editorial Team Andy Cook Christina Hauberg Rasmussen
Editorial Team Angela Murray Kevan Woolf Anine Drivsholm Br책ten Christina Haugsted Gemmer
Design Editor Daniel Dalsgaard-Jensen, Datagraf Communications
|5
Welcome to the spring 2013 edition of Windows for Life, our magazine for construction professionals, looking at daylight, fresh air and window design.
Added value in refurbishment In this edition we focus on refurbishment,
value VELFAC support represents from
a sector showing significant growth
pre-specification to post-installation.
despite the current economic climate.
We also look back at one of our earliest
Refurbished projects provide an ideal
installations, completed when VELFAC
showcase for environmentally sustainable,
was relatively new to the UK, and which
low energy products, whether the aim is
has since become iconic in terms of energy
to update an existing building or repurpose
efficiency, passive heating and natural
an unused property. As a result, VELFAC
ventilation. Originally the HQ for energy
windows and doors have been used to
company PowerGen, the building – now
dramatically improve thermal efficiency,
owned by E.ON - is still referenced today
update exterior façades, increase interior
as one of the best examples of its kind.
light levels, and add value overall by
Read more about it on page 18.
replacing old and outdated windows with sleek, stylish, modern units.
We hope you enjoy reading this edition of Windows for Life, which also includes
Two case studies show how this is done:
the latest industry developments, product
at Fortrose House, Glasgow, on page 6,
updates, and CPD information. For more
residents in an unprepossessing, 1960s
information on any article, or to book a
block now live in a warm and stylish
CPD course, call us on 01223 897100 or
building, while at Crossways Gardens in
send an email to post@VELFAC.co.uk
Cambridge (see page 22) VELFAC is helping
for more details.
transform sheltered accommodation into high value apartments.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Refurbishment can be challenging, however, when unexpected developments
Andy Cook
(inevitably) happen. Expert technical and
National Sales Director
product support is therefore essential, and on page 12 two members of the VELFAC Sales team explain more about the added
Print Oberthur Technologies Circulation: 5.000 copies Published Bi-annually
Front cover VELFAC Business Manager Kevin Bonnar
Photos Craig Auckland, Timothy Soar, Fokus Foto and VELFAC archives
03.437-03.13 © 2013 VELFAC A/S® VELFAC and VELFAC logo are registered trademarks used under license by VELFAC Group. HELO is a registered trademark belonging to VKR Holding A/S. FSC®-C111486, www.fsc.org
6 |
FORTROSE HOUSE, GLASGOW, SCOTLAND | VELFAC | 7
re
B
A housing block in Glasgow was in serious need of new windows to improve thermal efficiency. But the residents got much more than that. Today, the building looks – and feelsbrand new.
fu N rb ot is ju h s m t en a t
uilt in the 1960s, Fortrose House in
Glasgow is a nine storey housing block comprising 48 maisonettes and five one-bedroom flats, owned by Partick Housing Association. Flat roofed with balconies and external access corridors, the building was in serious need of updating, not least to improve thermal efficiency and satisfy the latest Scottish Housing Quality Standard. ‘As well as a range of internal improvements, our strategy was to fully reclad the building using insulated render, zinc panels and VELFAC glazing,’ explains Gary Pinkerton, project architect at Grant / Murray.
8 | VELFAC | FORTROSE HOUSE, GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
Project Summary Refurbishment, residential property Location: GLASGOW, SCOTLAND Year: 2012 Window System: VELFAC 200 Opening functions: Tophung projecting, reversible, patio doors, fixed light and entrance doors VELFAC Business Manager Steven Parker +44 7780 992659 / spa@VELFAC.CO.uk
‘The original windows had been replaced 15 years ago with standard uPVC units; these had come to the end of their lifespan but had also been badly fitted and so were draughty and no longer watertight. Replacing these windows with VELFAC units made a significant contribution to the increased thermal efficiency we wanted to achieve.’
Impressed with performance VELFAC had already been used by Partick Housing Association in other projects and, impressed with the system’s performance, the client was keen to achieve the same step up in quality at Fortrose House. ‘The clean, minimal VELFAC frame design ideally complemented the overcladding we planned to use,’ explains Gary, ‘while the slim frame lets more light into each flat, further reducing energy bills while also maximising views for residents. The Association also knew that VELFAC glazing is very low maintenance and so future budgets for cleaning and scaffolding can be reduced; in addition,’ he adds, ‘although Partick Homes manages the building, there are 11 owners / occupiers within the block, who agreed to have VELFAC windows installed within their properties as part of the common upgrade.’
|9
‘The clean, minimal VELFAC frame design ideally complemented the overcladding we planned to use.’ Gary Pinkerton, project architect at Grant / Murray
Window replacement in 24 hours The refurbishment project took a year to complete – and included new kitchens, wiring and a central heating system – but had to be done with the residents in situ, which meant windows had to be removed and installed on the same day. ‘Luckily we could use two empty flats to trial the planned works, which enabled us to iron out most problems in advance,’ comments Gary. However, although window installation was theoretically simple - as all the flats are identical - installation was not as straightforward as originally thought. ‘The new façade emphasises the vertical and horizontal lines which characterise the old building, but achieving the levels required was challenging as the building had sagged over the years and so regular adjustments to cladding details had to be made to ensure the lines were maintained.’ Not just a refurbishment The end result is a real improvement and the client is delighted with both the look of the build and with the level of thermal efficiency achieved. ‘Anecdotally, residents are already commenting on how warm the flats are, with no more draughts or damp,’ says Gary, ‘while the windows and cladding make it look like a new building – not just a refurbishment.’
ni
ng
10 | VELFAC | AROUND VELFAC
iv
– Sustainability at
Ecobuild At the time of writing, VELFAC will be exhibiting at Ecobuild, the world’s largest sustainability event for the
5-7 march 2013
building industry. A total of 1,500 companies exhibit at the event, which takes place in London from 5 - 7 March. Aimed at professionals in the construction industry, architects, engineers and contractors
will be visiting the show to get the latest updates on future trends in sustainable building and to gain inspiration from the event conference, and from the many seminars taking place.
4
great
sustainable reasons… …to consider VELFAC It’s really quite simple: for VELFAC, sustainability is about how to produce windows that positively contribute to a building’s energy balance, and how to keep energy consumption as low as possible during window production and decommissioning. VELFAC sustainability programme
1. Sustainable Forestry
We produce our windows using wood from FSC® certified forests.
2. Denmark’s first certified sustainable building VELFAC test programme:
T h e so
und
of sile
We are vision partner and window supplier for Denmark’s first carbon-neutral building, Green Lighthouse at the University of Copenhagen. Green Lighthouse is certified according to the American LEED standard.
3. We have windows that match the passive house standard nc
e
VELFAC continuously delivers windows to zero-energy houses, passive houses and active houses. It’s about producing windows that contribute more energy to a building than they loose.
4. Life Cycle Analysis 42 dB. This is the level of noise reduction you can achieve with VELFAC 200 Helo windows. The VELFAC 200 Helo system, the latest, energy-optimized generation of the original VELFAC 200 design, has recently undergone a sound test which demonstrates that a triple glazed window can reduce noise by up to 42 dB.
VELFAC has conducted a Life Cycle Analysis of our VELFAC 200 window system, with documentation to show the environmental impact of production, use, disposal and recycling of VELFAC 200 windows. Download the analysis here: www.velfac.co.uk/Projects/Sustainable_Design
| 11
VELFAC and VELUX windows Did you know that VELUX windows and VELFAC are sister companies dedicated to providing solutions for both façades and roofs? Both companies are subsidiaries of VKR Holding, a worldwide group of companies that supply materials which bring daylight, fresh air and a better environment into people’s everyday lives. The roof solutions from VELUX windows and the VELFAC façade windows come in a whole array of shapes, sizes and styles.
We have something
special
Have you seen the bi-parting sliding door in the original VELFAC 200 design? Slim profiles, a free, unobstructed opening of 2.6 meters and competitive energy performance ... these are just some of the many advantages offered by the bi-parting sliding door which is available in wood / aluminium or composite frames.
O IND
OR CLIMATE
Take our Advice
ac o
D E SI G N
Should it be double or triple glazing? Sideor tophung? As specialists when it comes to windows we focus on optimising price, functionality and quality. In particular, we believe that windows are a dynamic element that interacts with the other components in the façade.
N
Gy ER N E
LIG H
T
cs ti us
VELFAC 360° CONSULTANCY
IN S
TA LLA TION
CI SPE
IO AT C I F
Contact us as at the earliest planning stage and let us give you the best possible input. Please call us on 01223 897100.
12 | VELFAC | SALES TEAM PROFILE
A commitment to
personal relationships KEVIN BONNAR Joined VELFAC: 26 April 2004 Region covered: South East England
| 13
Every VELFAC window comes with comprehensive service and support. Two members of the VELFAC Sales Team – Rob Ingle and Kevin Bonnar – explain what’s on offer to architects and contractors, and how to make the most of the expertise VELFAC can supply.
W W
hat does the VELFAC Sales Team do at the
information not openly available. Having someone with in
start of a project?
depth VELFAC knowledge assist in the early planning stage
RI: ‘Ahead of formal specification,
can ensure a design remains cost effective and efficient.’
the Sales Team has already initiated detailed discussions with architects and clients in order to identify project
How does this level of support compare with the
needs, from environmental criteria to interface solutions
competition?
and performance characteristics, and of course budget
RI: ‘In the current economic climate many window
considerations. These discussions can take up to 12 months
suppliers have reduced their sales function and focused
and allow us to act as a bridge between architect and
on centralised, telephone based support. We continue to
contractor when the project is out for tender, especially
invest in our Sales Team as it is an integral part of our
providing the value for money analyses necessary to show
product offering, and so we continue to operate a network
that cheaper alternatives will prove more costly in the
of regional Business Managers who work with clients from
longer term.’
specification to post-installation. Although we are price
KB: ‘During this stage, clients can also exploit our
sensitive we are not price driven, unlike many others in
experience of similar projects, and draw on our extensive
this industry, and our confirmed investment in service and
library of literature and samples, including technical
support bears this out.’
‘We can meet the architect or contractor on site, assess the scope of works required, generate the tender, and launch our own detailed survey and design process all in under four weeks.’ VELFAC Business Manager Kevin Bonnar
14 | VELFAC | SALES TEAM PROFILE
VELFAC BUSINESS MANAGERS, REGIONS AND CONTACT DETAILS Scotland & North England. Business Manager – Steven Parker. Email: spa@VELFAC.co.uk. T: 07780 992659 Central England & Midlands. Business Manager – Rob Ingle. Email: ri@VELFAC.co.uk. T: 07768 856525 Wales & South West England. Business Manager – Lee De Grey. Email: ldg@VELFAC.co.uk. T: 07769 652446 East Anglia & South East London. Business Manager – Ollie Chisman. Email: oci@VELFAC.co.uk. T: 07768 856520 South England & South West London. Business Manager – Kevin Bonnar. Email: kbo@VELFAC.co.uk. T: 07747014543 Surrey & Central London. Business Manager – Georginna Summers. Email: gs@VELFAC.co.uk. T: 07881 913294 Central, North & West London. Business Manager – David Gladwin. Email: dg@VELFAC.co.uk. T: 07785 702124
KB: ‘Sales and support is core to our business model; it
How will the VELFAC service evolve in future?
adds value to our product and enables all major decisions
KB: ‘We currently spend more time with clients than 10
to be made at the right time and with the right information
years ago, but this may change as technology evolves and
to hand, saving clients time and money and helping deliver
as energy regulations become more stringent. For example,
great looking projects.’
specifiers now have instant access to technical drawings and support, no longer having to wait days or even weeks for
Does the refurbishment sector require different support
a response to a specific query and so I can see our already
strategies?
comprehensive website playing an even greater role in
KB: ‘Refurbishment projects are usually much shorter,
future. No matter what changes in the future however,
so we can meet the architect or contractor on site, assess
people will still sell to people - we want to maintain the
the scope of works required, generate the tender, and (if
personal investment of time with our clients to ensure we
it proves acceptable) launch our own detailed survey and
continue to build the market’s trust in us.’
design process all in under four weeks. This last stage
RI: ‘A commitment to personal relationships will
generates considerable savings for refurbishment clients
certainly remain, enhanced by new technology (such as
who usually do not need to generate their own detailed
the iPad) which enables us to give our clients much more
architectural drawings as we take responsibility for window
information every time we meet. In the future, we hope
sizing, design and manufacture.’
that clients will know much more about VELFAC products
RI: ‘Refurbishment projects can also prove more
and services, such as our aesthetic as well as technical
complicated than originally thought if ‘unknowns’ are
capability. Such service adds even greater value to the
discovered as building works begin. Our expertise is
VELFAC brand.’
invaluable in these circumstances, and we draw on past experience to help our clients to resolve issues as they arise.’
| 15
‘Many window suppliers have reduced their sales function and focused on centralised, telephone based support. We continue to invest in our Sales Team as it is an integral part of our product offering from specification to post-installation.’ VELFAC Business Manager Rob Ingle
Rob Ingle Joined VELFAC: 1 March 1995 Region covered: Northern England
16 | VELFAC | around VELFAC
3
new ways to open a window
The number of VELFAC 200 Helo opening functions continues to increase. Now we offer
all VELFAC window systems have espagnolette
a bottom hung window for smoke ventilation,
handles with three locking points
a top hung window for rescue openings
VELFAC 200 and VELFAC 200 Helo systems
in very small windows, and the bi-parting sliding door. The more opening functions, the more options. The windows must match the building – not vice versa!
place the glazing bead on the inside, making each window virtually impossible to open by force VELFAC windows are certified by Secured by Design, the flagship initiative to ‘design out crime’ from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
VELFAC fittings
stand out
VELFAC fittings are all developed at the VELFAC Innovation Center and so are 100% compatible with all VELFAC window units. The three quality parameters of VELFAC fittings are: durability, security and strength.
| 17
Don’t forget
Specifying VELFAC
VELFAC will be exhibiting
has never been easier
at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show in
•
Birmingham, from 21 – 24 March. Don’t forget to
It couldn’t be more convenient. Visit the VELFAC website to download 3D
recommend a visit to our
BIM objects and import them directly into your drawing software, or
stand to any of your private
visit the portal where 3D BIM objects from a number of different industries
clients who are considering
are available: http://bimobject.com
new windows.
… with an impressive colour range! The VELFAC standard colour range is expanding all the time in the new VELFAC 200 Helo system. With its slim profiles and exceptional energy performance, VELFAC 200 Helo is now available as standard in eight VELFAC HELO colours and four VELFAC Granite colours. If you want a colour that is not part of the standard palette, please contact us on 01223 897100 or
VELFAC 200 Helo® We give you the rainbow…
email post@VELFAC.co.uk.
18 | VELFAC | PROJECTS IN PERSPECTIVE
Open plan office areas feature distinctive coffered ceilings, and taper towards glazed faรงades deliberately designed to maximise natural daylight.
| 19
In 1994, shortly after launching in the UK, VELFAC was specified for one of the decade’s most famous projects – we take a look back
re-visited
POWERGEN HQ
M
ulti-award winning, pioneering, innovative – the PowerGen HQ in Coventry has been described as one of the most influential office buildings of
the 1990s, not only revolutionising workplace design but also showcasing natural ventilation as a part of low energy construction. Now HQ for energy company E.On, the purpose-built structure comprises two parallel office wings separated by an atrium, a solid concrete core, and concrete floor plates. Open plan office areas feature distinctive coffered ceilings, and taper towards glazed façades deliberately designed
20 | VELFAC | PROJECTS IN PERSPECTIVE
‘VELFAC and its product range performed particularly well – we were impressed …’ Project Manager Tim Pugh
to maximise natural daylight. The concrete core works in
façade design. As architect Brendan O’Neill explained, just
tandem with automatic windows to help control the internal
after the installation: ‘The frame section remains uniform
environment and modify peak temperatures.
whether the sash is an opening or fixed light … a constant section was critical as the façade had to appear flush and
Expertise in microclimate control ‘We were specified because we were one of only a few window manufacturers with expertise in the use of windows for microclimate control,’ says current VELFAC Sales Director Andy Cook; ‘The client and contractor wanted a company which knew what it was doing when installing windows as part of a naturally ventilated system.’ Crucial uniform sightlines PowerGen also approved of the clean, composite VELFAC frame as uniform sightlines were crucial to the external
uniform. In addition, VELFAC was the only company that offered a built-in window mechanism, again reducing the bulk in the frame design.’
Award winning building Since completion, the project has won many accolades, including a RIBA architecture award, British Council for Offices award, the British Institute of Facilities Management Award, and UK lighting and construction awards. VELFAC also received much praise from architect, contractor and client; as project manager Tim Pugh said at the end of
| 21
The PowerGen HQ in Coventry has been described as one of the most influential office buildings of the 1990s.
‘PowerGen was one of the first major naturally ventilatedbuildings. It set the standard for future similar projects and also established our reputation in this specialist area.' National Sales Director Andy Cook, VELFAC
Project summary the project: ‘VELFAC and its product range performed particularly well – we were impressed ... we all feel a great deal of satisfaction with the end result.’
PowerGen set future standard ‘PowerGen was one of the first major naturally ventilated buildings,’ adds Cook. ‘It set the standard for future similar projects and also established our reputation in this specialist area. The same qualities that won us the contract then – exceptional energy efficiency, stylish and uniform frame design, and expert support – continue to make VELFAC a leader in the field, as architects still need this combination of high performance glazing and real industry knowledge to ensure complex installations are successful.’
N ew build, commercial property L ocation: Coventry Y ear: 1994 W indow System: VELFAC 200 with concealed electric motor for automatic air circulation I nformation: VELFAC National Sales Director Andy Cook 7979 745842 / ajc@VELFAC.co.uk
22 | VELFAC | CROSSWAYS GARDENS, CAMBRIDGE
VELFAC business manager Ollie Chisman, in the foreground, studies the plans for Crossways Gardens with project manager and developer Paul Harney.
From ordinary to premium
When Crossways Gardens in Cambridge came onto the market, project manager and property developer Paul Harney realised its refurbishment potential, and is now converting the 1970s sheltered accommodation block into high quality apartments.
| 23
‘W
e want to create a
are now being transformed into a mix
As a result, we’ve decided to specify
‘new’ residential
of over 50 studio flats, two-bedroom
VELFAC full height windows for the
building designed for
apartments, and a three-bedroom
living area, including French doors and
young professionals
‘penthouse’. And as quality is so
Juliet balconies, and to use VELFAC
living in Cambridge,’ explains Harney.
important, VELFAC has been specified
glazing in the kitchens.’
‘To achieve this we have re-designed
throughout, as Harney explains: ‘Every
the interior and improved thermal
apartment has an exterior wall to the
efficiency, while dramatically
living area and kitchen which was
increasing potential value by using
constructed from uPVC glazed units
high quality materials and finishes.’
and panels. These are dated in design and starting to buckle - they could
Full height windows supply light The forty one-bedroom apartments
be re-used but would compromise external and internal finish quality.
Quality windows The larger window area, and slim VELFAC frames, bring extra light into each apartment and also feature internal pine framing always popular in residential developments. Excellent thermal performance ensures minimal
Revisio Ref.
24 | VELFAC | CROSSWAYS GARDENS, CAMBRIDGE
Pr
The drawing shows how Crossways Gardens will look when the conversion is completed later this year.
Note:
Solar control glass to be used i
heat loss, despite the generous use
was not built square and that every
of glass, with solar gain controlled
apartment was different. The VELFAC
by blinds and - on south-facing
team worked hard to determine
aspects – specialist glass coatings.
the type of window openings, and
VELFAC also features in stairwells and
pre-preparation required, to achieve
entrances, with the dark grey external
the uniform finish we want. I was
aluminium framing creating a stylish
very impressed by this level of service
yet low-maintenance exterior ideal for
which is not something offered by
shared accommodation. ‘We did look at
every window company.’
cheaper alternatives,’ admits Harney, ‘but none could deliver the level of quality and performance we wanted in a building where windows are such a major feature.’
Pre-sales support Harney was also impressed with the level of pre-sales support VELFAC provided, and the effort made to ensure the technical specification was correct. ‘We have to deliver a smart, contemporary, uniform exterior in order to transform the building but, as in many refurbishment projects, initial works showed that the structure
Premium accommodation The new apartments should be ready for sale by summer 2013, less than a year since work began. ‘The Cambridge property market is very competitive, with many apartments being built,’ says Harney. ‘However, products such as VELFAC can turn an ‘ordinary’ development into premium accommodation, while the skill and expertise of the VELFAC team ensures that even a challenging refurbishment project keeps to schedule and to budget, further maximising initial investment.’
Proposed Refurbishm Crossways Ga Cam Forty one-bedroom apartments are being transformed into a mix of over 50 studio flats, two-bedroom apartments, and a three-bedroom ‘penthouse’.
Typical W
scale 1: dwg. no.
| 25
‘Products such as VELFAC can turn an ‘ordinary’ development into premium accommodation, while the skill and expertise of the VELFAC team ensures that even a challenging refurbishment project keeps to schedule and to budget, further maximising initial investment.’ Project manager and property developer Paul Harney
26 | VELFAC | Window Technology
The original slim frame window
| 27
’State
of the art window technology’. The latest energy
Over the last 40 years, the window has evolved from a relatively simple structure consisting of four pieces of wood and a piece of glass to an advanced building component.
efficient window from VELFAC features a specially designed composite material which combines extremely efficient insulation with extraordinary strength, despite totally eliminating the use of thermally conductive metals such as aluminium from the frame. The challenge to date has been to maintain the characteristic slim VELFAC profile while maintaining excellent insulation, as slim frames have always been synonymous with aluminium. In previous generations of the VELFAC 200 system it was not possible to avoid using aluminium in the sash, but in our latest design VELFAC engineers have exchanged aluminium for a new 'HELO' material formed from fine glass threads injected with Polyamide glue. This has allowed the creation of a composite
‘S
nce the mid-1980s, the window has been through a major industrial development, with insulation, light inflow and design markedly improved,’ says VELFAC Engineer Eirik Bjoern : ‘Back in the 1980s we mainly focused on the design of the frame and sash, and up until 2005 it was primarily the closing mechanisms and fittings that were continuously improved. ‘The big change in window evolution happened following the Kyoto Protocol in 2002 and the subsequent EU Energy Efficiency Directive. One goal of the Directive is that by 2020, only zero-energy buildings will be constructed. Currently, each EU country is taking a different approach and working at a different pace in order to achieve the Directive’s requirements, but this has clearly influenced window design.’
window with an internal wood frame, and a low-maintenance non-metal external sash – significantly improving the thermal properties of the whole window.
More light, better design and greater insulation In the 1980s, VELFAC reduced it's window frame from 115mm to 55mm. This meant not only a visual improvement with a slimmer profile and a larger inflow of light, but it also meant a better energy balance, as Bjoern explains:
28 | VELFAC | WINDOW TECHNOLOGY
simple
Keep it
In 2010, the latest generation of VELFAC 200 was launched, featuring a sash comprising the highly insulating, specially developed HELO composite material. ‘When many different materials are used together in a window, it can pose a major challenge because each material will have different thermal properties and will therefore respond differently to cold or heat – with one expanding more than others when the sun shines, or contracting more when it snows,’ says Development Manager Tommy Kammersgaard from the VELFAC Innovation Center. ‘As this can cause imbalances in the frame structure simplicity is key, and something specifiers should consider in more detail when evaluating window options.’
‘By increasing the glass area, and with a narrower frame and sash, we significantly increased the inflow of light. Moreover, glass has better insulating capabilities than the sash and the frame, regardless of whether the window is double or triple glazed, and since 2005 we have doubled the level of insulation of the window as a whole – frame, sash and glass.’
Composite is the route ahead Today, standard VELFAC frame and sash development has reached the point where it is difficult to make insulation values noticeably better.
However, the new VELFAC 200 Helo© window system uses glass-reinforced polyurethane. Satisfying VELFAC’s demanding specification for high quality surface finish, excellent insulation and structural rigidity, this makes HELO the composite window material of the future, says Bjoern.
Energy savings elsewhere ‘With composite materials, the insulation value of the sash and frame are approaching those of the glass,’ adds Bjoern, ‘but we will probably see the continuing development of the sash and frame in order to improve insulation even further, perhaps by adjusting their shape, although this
| 29 The VELFAC 200 window system is inspired by the simple steel framework of Bauhaus.
VELFAC 200
– the world’s simplest window. Inspired by modernism and the beautiful, simple steel framework of Bauhaus, VELFAC 200 was created, back in 1982, led by design and simplicity, but also as the ideal modern window. Many competitors have tried to imitate the VELFAC 200 design but it remains unique, as Tommy Kammersgaard from the VELFAC Innovation Center explains: ‘Since VELFAC 200 was launched, we have managed to preserve a frame thickness of only 54 mm, despite various structural changes. The second generation VELFAC 200 system featured standard lock handles – the espagnolette handle was not yet developed – and a pure aluminium external frame. Since then, VELFAC 200 has been continually updated and a polyamide thermal break was integrated into the sash in 2009 to disrupt the thermally conductive properties of aluminium.’
will provide relatively little additional insulation compared
has diverted attention away from improvements in aspects
to the heat savings that can now be gained elsewhere in a
such as indoor climate, security, ventilation and shading.
building.’
So in future, window development should also be about
A more significant contribution to reduced energy consumption and associated heat loss is the adoption of ‘active house’ principles, for example the use of self-adjusting windows to regulate solar gain and insulation capacity depending on environmental conditions.
comfort, argues Soren Aggerholm, Research Director of the
Comfort and energy Overall, great progress has been made in the energy efficiency of windows, but for many manufacturers this
Danish Building Research Institute:
‘Comfort and energy balance should have a higher priority. It’s not just a matter of maximising light but also controlling solar gain, especially when it’s not wanted. Therefore, window developers must improve solar shading and ventilation in summer, and also in spring and autumn in new houses. In these new buildings, mechanical ventilation in winter will probably become more common, especially by 2020 when the EU energy requirements come into force.’.
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VELFAC and Wimbledon Millions of VELFAC windows are installed in buildings around the globe including some famous landmarks. Here are a few examples from the UK: Did you know, for example, that there are VELFAC windows in the entrance foyer of the Royal Albert Hall - London’s famous concert hall? Or that there are VELFAC windows in the commentary box at Wimbledon Centre Court, where Caroline Wozniaki
VELFAC Design Office lends a helping hand
and all the other tennis celebrities play?
VELFAC provides more than just windows – we
And here are just a few more , you might have heard of;
a project is a success. Specifying windows can
Liverpool FC Academy Glasgow Rangers Training Ground J K Rowling's Edinburgh home The British Embassy in Moscow
Upload a set of drawings and get a quote Go to our website and upload up to five files describing your window tender (we can handle all common document formats). In return we will send you a quote within 24 hours. Upload drawings and get a quote: www.velfac.co.uk/Homes/GetAQuote
can deliver all the advice you need to make sure be a complex task, if the right balance of energy efficiency, technical performance and aesthetic impact is to be achieved – why not let us help you? It’s all part of the value the VELFAC brand represents.
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Up to date Book the VELFAC CPD presentation on energy balance and efficient window design. The content briefly comprises: The basis of U-value calculations for windows Heat flow paths in window design Measures to improve window U-values Window and glass technologies Optimising window frame designs and glazing configurations Comparisons of performance Regulatory requirements Solar heat gains through glass Efficient building design and window optimisation Basic solar shading mechanisms Installation and air permeability Booking Please contact us on 01223 897100 to book a presentation for your team Target Group Architects, engineers, and building professionals Duration Approximately 45 minutes
In-house or at the VELFAC office in
The VELFAC espagnolette handle
Cambridge
is manufactured from a non-conductive
Location
Practical details VELFAC will provide all relevant equipment and refreshments
composite material which makes it comfortable to touch and easy to operate regardless of external weather conditions, unlike all-metal handles.
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Why compromise?
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When you can have cutting edge window technology and great design …
With slim, uniform sightlines for both opening and fixed lights, and attractive internal wood frames, VELFAC 200 offers the design quality expected of a premium window, and delivers exceptional energy performance. Low energy windows which also look good – read more about the VELFAC 200 window system at www.VELFAC.co.uk
VELFAC 200
VELFAC 200 Helo
The original slim
The original slim frame
frame window design
VELFAC LTD / T: 01223 897100 / E: post@VELFAC.co.uk / www.VELFAC.co.uk
design with improved thermal properties