Priory Church Village, Pontypridd - Inset Window Protectors

Project: Priory Church Village, Pontypridd

Product: Inset Window Protectors

Challenges: High cost and long lead times for full window replacement, need for enhanced patient safety and security

Solutions: Installation of bespoke inset window protectors within existing window apertures, providing a secure and cost-effective alternative to full window replacement.

Outcome: Significant cost savings, improved security, and timely delivery

Background

Priory Church Village is an adult mental health facility in Pontypridd comprising a single-storey, 15-bed main building and three adjacent one-bedroom units, all undergoing a full refurbishment. The facility required enhanced safety measures to support patients while remaining within tight budget constraints.

Contour was initially contacted by the appointed architects to explore an alternative to full window replacement for the three smaller units. The quote provided by another supplier for both windows and doors (which were supplied for the main building) was significantly over budget and came with long lead times, prompting the team to seek a more cost-effective and timelier window-only solution for the three smaller units. Having previously worked with Contour on radiator guards for other projects, the architects were keen to explore whether Contour’s window protectors could provide a cost-effective solution.

The Challenges 

The window protection element of the refurbishment presented several key challenges that needed to be addressed to ensure patient safety, meet project timelines, and stay within budget:

1. Cost Constraints

The original specification included full window and door replacements, which proved prohibitively expensive and pushed the project over budget. The team needed a more cost-effective solution for the windows in the adjacent units without compromising on safety or functionality.

2. Lead Times

The proposed package from another supplier came with long lead times, putting the overall refurbishment schedule at risk. The client required a solution that could be delivered and installed within a tighter timeframe.

3. Patient Safety Risks

Existing windows raised several concerns, including the risk of escape, potential for glass breakage causing injury, and the possibility of contraband being passed through openings. Any new solution needed to reduce these risks significantly.

4. Visual Impact

As a mental health setting, maintaining a calm and therapeutic environment was essential. Security measures needed to be discreet, with a design that didn’t feel institutional or overly restrictive for residents.

Solution Implemented

Following a detailed site survey, Contour proposed inset window protectors as a secure and cost-effective alternative to full window replacement. The specification was tailored to meet both the safety requirements of the setting and the project’s financial constraints, with the following key features:

• Retention of existing windows saved approximately 60% in costs compared to a full window replacement package, keeping the project on budget.

• Secure compression locks and hidden external fixings offered a clean, non-institutional finish while ensuring tamper resistance.

• Anti-ligature design with smooth surfaces, no sharp edges, and tight butt strap detail reduced potential ligature points and injury risk.

• IP3X punched grilles prevented the passing of contraband through openings.

• Custom vent placements (either to the side or bottom) were tailored to suit the layout and airflow requirements of each room.

• Frosted units for bathrooms ensured resident privacy without compromising safety.

• A large modular protector was manufactured to suit a wider window, demonstrating flexibility in design.

• The installation process included a trial of third-party automatic blinds fitted between the original window and the protector, leading to discussions about a future turnkey solution that would integrate light and ventilation control.

Contour not only supplied but also installed all 19 window protectors, ensuring compliance, quality, and speed. This end-to-end delivery helped maintain the programme timeline and gave the client confidence in the durability and performance of the solution.

“Contour have been a pleasure to work with on this project. The quality of their products and the efficiency of their team have been spot on from start to finish. Everything arrived on time, the installation was smooth, and the finish was excellent. Their approach helped us stay on schedule and deliver exactly what the client needed.”

– Sam Atkins, Carter Thomas Construction Ltd

Conclusion

The successful installation at Priory Church Village demonstrated the flexibility and effectiveness of Contour’s window protection solutions in secure care environments.

With improved safety and significant savings achieved, the project met both clinical and operational goals without compromising design or budget.