"fire security for doors windows"

This stunning Grade II* Surrey property was built in 1932 by renowned architects Connell, Ward and Lucas and is a rare example of the Modernist Movement in architecture.Described at the time as ‘more like an invention by Picasso than a house’ the building was revolutionary for its time and divided opinion. Built using reinforced concrete with a flat roof it is designed to prioritise light and space.The windows are key to the original concept which is based on the movement of the sun – in the morning the breakfast room gets the early sun and the living room benefits from the light in the late afternoon.Windows from the Clement EB20 range were manufactured and polyester powder coated in a matt Pastel Blue. The Clement EB20  double and single doors include Clement’s multi-point locking door system which can achieve PAS4:2016 in accordance with approved Document Q. 

Gerico France designs, manufactures and installs bulk solid storage and handling equipment. It offers bucket elevators, conveyors, pipes, silos, warehouses, milling machines, feed producing equipment, heat treatment devices, and accessories.Project/doors: 21 Speedor Storm High Speed DoorsThe challenge Gerico France delivered a turn-key flour mill project in Mombasa, Kenya for a Grain milling company at their state of the art milling plant. They required a solution to stop dust going out of the building instead of being aspirated by the installed system when emptying grain trucks into the wheat grain intake pit.The solutionHart installed three Speedor Storm doors from 4m wide x 5m high to 7m high. The Speedor Storm is the next generation of large external door which has improved wind resistance on both sides of the door and is suitable for larger openings, greater than 6m. This door does not require separate wind bars as the curtain contains wind bracing every 1m and is held securely into the guide channels with rollers at either side. The success Hart Doors sent an experienced engineer to Mombasa to supervise and assist in the installation and commissioning of the doors along with the training of staff to install future orders. 18 more Speedor Storms were ordered for a specialised dry bulk discharge and handling terminal for grain imports, located in Shimanzi, Mombasa.

Optima casement window emerges as the prime choice in the industry. Our system offers market-leading structural strength and security for long-term performance. Find out more on about our recent projects below.

Nuplace are a quality lettings company, owned by Telford & Wrekin Council. It secured planning permission to build 39 new homes on a site in Telford. The window specification was for a White chamfered profile that could achieve an overall U value of 1.4 W/m2K. SBD accreditation was a requirement AND PAS24. The site’s location near a busy road meant acoustic glazing was required on some elevations. Trickle vents were required on some windows, including those with acoustic glazing requirements, which meant non-standard acoustic trickle vents were required.

Jewers Doors have recently completed the supply and installation of nine sets of large Osprey sliding-folding doors to secure three new Civil Defence stations in Dubai located at Nad Al Sheba, Al Mizhar and Jebel Ali.

TRC Windows commissioned for the extensive renovationIn April 2019, TRC Windows was commissioned to deliver the supply of windows throughout this extensive renovation. Over a 14-month period, and completed in 2020, a total of 338 metal, 140 timber and 110 new heritage timber sash windows were successfully reinstated.Metal windowsIn line with the project scope, metal frames and casements were stripped of paint and rust.Weld repairs were carried out to areas of damage, with new hinges and new sections of steel used where required.A five-coat Teamac Painting System was used on all frames.New 4mm GoetheGlas* heritage glass was installed, with applied lead work replicating the original glazing layout.Timber windowsThe timber window repairs were subject to overall draughtproofing and redecoration. These were painted using a Dulux Paint System, and installed with new 4mm GoetheGlas heritage glass.Heritage box sash windowsConstructed from hardwood timber, the heritage windows incorporate single-glazing with a 4mm GoetheGlas heritage glass, and work via a classic weight-and-pulley mechanism. These also include individual solid bars providing the windows with genuine character. Traditional heritage putty was used externally to secure the glazing and enhance the visual aesthetic.*GoetheGlas is a colourless, drawn glass with the irregular surface characteristic of window glass common to the 18th and 19th centuries. It is used to protect precious, leaded glazing from the elements and other adverse environmental conditions.

Long house is a modern interpretation of a Derbyshire Dales longhouse and houses three generations of their respective families. It was built to Passivhaus standards and to have minimal visual impact on its rural surroundings and featured in a September episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs. On the ground floor, a combination of floor-to-ceiling windows and a completely open-plan layout fills the house with sunlight and creates a feeling of space and tranquillity. A shared sitting room for Sarah and Mike’s mothers is known as the ‘lady chapel’ and its oversized windows provide spectacular views across the valley.Energy efficiency, thermal performance and sustainability are all key when building to Passivhaus standards. The couple were also keen to meet the Royal Institute of British Architects 2030 Challenge targets for operational energy use, water usage and embodied carbon. Durability and security were also priorities.‘The windows are the stars of the show. The whole house feels full of light and life. The views are spectacular and in every room we feel part of the landscape, but without having to put a jumper on!’

With stringent demands in terms of design, comfort, and functionality, the new City of Glasgow College is considered a ‘University of the Future’. GEZE UK made a key contribution to the modern look & feel of the technical college with custom door solutions, including revolving doors and swing doors.State-of-the-art door systems for the City of Glasgow CollegeThe £228 million project for a capacity of 40,000 students and 1,300 employees was completed by the Sir Robert McAlpine construction company. The entrance areas on the west and south sides were designed using GEZE door technology to reflect the structural aesthetic of the City Campus.The highly modern new building, with over 1,000 classrooms, boasts a striking design while fulfilling high requirements for functionality and safety.Manual revolving doors ensure the flow of trafficThe west and south wings impress with modern steel and glass façades with two manual revolving doors. An additional automatic swing door was installed directly beside each of the revolving doors.Manual revolving doors with TSA 325 NT door drives are the ideal solution for the building's specific requirements in terms of functionality and ease of access. The generous door leaves are easy to move, and the integrated control mechanism stops pushing behind an individual entering into the swing door. In addition, the revolving doors effectively protect the lobby from draughts, dust and noise.Automatic swing doors, designed as emergency exitsThe automatic swing doors directly besides the revolving doors were equipped with electro-mechanical GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F swing door drives to offer maximum flexibility. They can be activated with the push of a button, providing barrier-free access for persons with restricted mobility. The door drive is just 7 cm tall, and integrates discreetly into the door frame to move the door leaf precisely, reliably, and extremely quietly. In the event of a fire, the swing doors also serve as barrier-free emergency exit doors.Automatic sliding doors: effortless door comfortA single leaf automatic sliding door with GEZE Slimdrive SL NT drive guides students and visitors into the interior of the Riverside campus. The highly modern building, which was nominated for the prestigious Stirling Prize, houses student accommodation hat is home to over 3,000 ship building and marine technology students.The slim Slimdrive SL NT drives (just 7 cm tall) integrate almost invisibly into the modern, column-encased entrance area, moving door leaves of up to 125 kg quietly and effortlessly. This makes it the ideal drive solution for a public building with consistently high traffic in both directions – especially one such as Riverside that is also used as a residential building. GEZE's modern door solutions have played a key part in ensuring students can move comfortably and safely through their environment.

A 150yr old stone built cottage had developed structural faults. The archway entrance was failing due to inadequate support causing distortion of the arch pier, the front door to jam and masonry cracking in the archway walls. HD BowTies were installed through the front elevation stonework and the first two floor joists to provide lateral restraint. HeliBars were bonded into the mortar beds to create masonry beams which assisted in distributing the loads above the arch. Crack stitching was undertaken to repair and stabilise the archway wall which was also secured to the internal cross wall with grouted CemTies.

The Coopers FireMaster®, closed rectangular Concertina fire curtain is a perfect solution when requiring fire compartmentation around a staircase as it offers a virtual firewall creating a lobby once the curtain has been deployed with more than 2 hours integrity. The innovative Concertina fire curtain installed at Aldgate Tower fully encapsulates the staircase from the 11th to the 12th floor in the event of a fire. The curtain is triggered by either the fire alarm system or a local heat or smoke sensor and is automatically deployed from the ceiling to the floor.

This imposing Victorian semi-detached villa required complete refurbishment, both inside and out. As well as brick-cleaning and repointing, stonework repair and new fascias, an important part of the project involved replacing the traditional box sash windows with modern, energy efficient, secure alternatives.

Holland had to mount its largest-ever security operation when it hosted the third Nuclear Security Summit at the World Forum in The Hague in March 2014, with 13,000 police officers, 3,000 soldiers and 4,000 military police mobilized during the summit.Organisers had to guarantee the security of the world leaders from 53 countries, including event sponsor US President Barack Obama, and up to 3,000 journalists without unduly disrupting the day-to-day lives and business of local Dutch citizens.The SolutionDutch police turned to a British high-security fencing systems manufacturer with a growing international reputation as the go-to company when world leaders gather and the hosts need to guarantee their protection.Zaun installed 30km of fencing to secure the London 2012 Olympics including VIP emergency gates at the Olympic Stadium which were dubbed the Obama Gates.Last year it provided the same service for the G8 Summit in Northern Ireland and the influential meeting of global leaders and the world’s commercial, political and financial powers at the Bilderberg conference at The Grove in Watford.Zaun worked with long-term partners Hardstaff Barriers and Highway Care to design, manufacture, install and decommission the temporary high-security cordon around the summit, which included 13 gates and almost 3km of fencing, much of it designed to mitigate the attack by hostile vehicles or protesting mobs of people.Debates within the security cordon – 1.8km of SecureGuard and 1.1km of its RDS Rapid Deployable System – focused on how to lock up the world’s nuclear materials more securely so they would not be so easy for terrorists to steal: a field again where Zaun has helped in securing the nuclear industry.

When a new mental health unit planned to provide a safe and secure environment for their patients and staff, CLD Fencing Systems and a Littlewood Fencing were asked to design, manufacture and supply the perfect solution for this project.Hafan Y Coed (Haven of Trees) Mental Health Unit at the University Hospital Llandough opened the doors of their £ 88 million facility back in 2016 offering patients a modern, therapeutic and recovery-focused unit.Powell Dobson and Laing O’Rouke designed and constructed the detailed mental health unit, and in order to match the level of safety of the building, their hospital security fencing needed to encourage privacy and security throughout.The BriefSecurity of patients and staff was paramount when understanding the brief for the new perimeter fence line and security access control. The following requirements were set out to maintain their security needs:Create a safe and secure environment for staff and patients by implementing high security perimeter fencing.Feature anti-climb, anti-cut and anti-ligature properties for both fencing and gate solutions.Provide privacy screens for specific areas of the unit to promote recovery.Manufacture 18 gate solutions for easy access for staff through the entire site.

Hart has supplied hundreds of industrial doors to infrastructure projects both across the UK and internationally.Project/doors:9 Electric insulated roller shutters14 Speedor Super high speed doorsThe challengeOld rail shutters are unreliable with a potential to free fall due to mechanical failure. Doors that are past their ‘asset life expectancy’ should be replaced to ensure up to date legislations are met. These areas tend to have varying traffic and need to be secure for safety. These dangerous situations can be remedied by replacing with new doors designed for purpose. The solutionHart completed a major contract to replace old and unreliable shutters at the Stewarts Lane depot, Battersea. The contract included the removal of old doors and re-installation of nine doors of varying sizes, the largest being 8.5m wide and 4.7m. Safedrive motors delivered quiet and smooth operation despite the size and improved security and safety for staff.The successHart replaced 14 of it’s own Speedors installed at Laira Depot, Plymouth which were still operational after 22 years. This is an astonishing length of service and a testament to the quality of product. Hart’s reputation for technical excellence developed over many years has given Hart a distinct edge when involved such contracts.The Review:“Your installation staff were extremely efficient and friendly workers. They carried out the work safely in a professional manner and there were no issues or problems on site. Both of them were a credit to your company.” First Great Western Ltd

The Olympic Delivery Authority turned to Zaun to secure the near 20km boundary of the Olympic Park. A further 1.5km of Zaun fencing provided a ‘ring-within-a- ring’ around the Olympic Stadium. Zaun worked with Olympic Park contractor Skanska and stadium contractor BAM Nuttall to install 3.6m high fencing above ground, topped with 1.2m of electric fencing, with security properties specified by Olympic security advisers.

Coopers installed and commissioned two FireMaster® Plus fire curtains, the first to protect the property from fire and smoke migrating from the kitchen whilst the second to protect the internal balcony from smoke and fire travelling between floors. Both fire curtains provide 2 hours fire and insulation zone protection and were installed into the ceiling to remain hidden from view until deployed by a fire alarm.

In response to the aspirations of our up-and-coming fast-food customer, seeking to extend the dining experience into the inviting embrace of summer months, we embarked on a project to seamlessly integrate a patio terrace with their new restaurant. Positioned at the front of the establishment, this terrace would not only enhance the dining experience but also provide patrons with a warm and enticing view of the dining facility.To bring this vision to life, we proposed a sophisticated bi-folding system designed to offer an expansive opening, effectively blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. This innovative solution provided a seamless transition, allowing guests to seamlessly move between the restaurant’s interior and the charming patio terrace. Moreover, the bi-folding system was equipped with an easy-to-use lockable folding door mechanism, ensuring both security and convenience for staff. To further personalise the space and align with the customer’s corporate identity, custom graphics were incorporated, adding a unique touch that resonated with the brand’s ethos and aesthetic.

This Grade II listed building in Thames Ditton dates from 1792. The former manor house, priory and chapel was repurposed as a care home in 1905 by the Nuns of Compassion, yet in recent years the historic buildings have posed challenges to delivering modern standards of care. Oliver & Robb Architects have rationalised the design in a renovation project to created 78 luxury bed spaces. We were appointed to design, supply and install a total of 263 timber tilt and slide sash windows, tilt and turn windows, single doors and French doors to sympathetically upgrade the property.

How to incorporate a fire or stove installation into a self-build project.By Niall Deiraniya, UK general manager, DRU FiresAlways ask for the fireplace specification at the design stage. Modern gas fires and wood stoves require careful planning in order to work as part of the general home heating system.Gas, wood or other fuels?Decide which fuel type best suits your home. Modern gas fires have realistic flame pictures and are much more energy efficient than older models.Wood stoves and fires also have greatly improved energy efficiency due to Ecodesign regulations. The only downside is that there is much more work involved with buying and storing the wood and cleaning the stove after use.Both gas and wood have room sealed options. This means that no air from inside the home is used for combustion and all waste emissions are expelled outside, resulting in clean burning and high efficiency.Finally, sustainable fuels such as Bioethanol produce a very attractive flame picture, burn cleanly with no smell or emissions and are available in a large selection of design formats. Built-in or freestandingIf you are converting a house with an existing chimney, you may wish to retain the chimney, to incorporate a more modern fire. Conventional flue gas fires are designed to fit seamlessly into standard chimneys and require minimal building work. The chimney will almost certainly need sweeping before installation and the fire may require a chimney liner for essential safety.Most wood fires are also designed for chimney installation and make full use of the air circulation properties to provide visually attractive and energy efficient fires. You can either elect for a basic ‘insert’ fire, which matches the dimensions of a Class 1 chimney or a widescreen model, which will require some structural changes.Freestanding stoves are very popular, as they offer greater flexibility of location and provide dramatic room features. They are available in gas, wood or bioethanol and generally need a flue connection to an outside wall or through the roof. No chimney optionsContemporary balanced flue gas fires are designed to be installed without a chimney, so you can incorporate them almost anywhere in a self-build project. However, they still need to be specified at the earliest possible stage. A typical installation will require the fire to be flued through an outside wall, with the flue concealed behind a false chimneybreast. Fires can be located in room-dividing walls and other architectural features so they can be seen from both sides. You can also enjoy fires in kitchens, bedrooms, loft conversions and many other places. These types of installations are made possible by extended, fan-assisted balanced flue systems. They allow for multiple fires to be placed in larger properties, with the flues hidden in crawl spaces and other discreet areas, terminating on the roof.In conclusion, the secret to having attractive and energy efficient fires and stoves in any self-build project is design, plan, cost and implement. And always consult a fully qualified Gas Safe or HETAS engineer.For further information visit www.drufire.com

Deptford Fire Station is a Grade II listed building in Lewisham having been originally constructed in 1903. Bolton Gate supplied the folding appliance bay doors in the 1960’s and although still functional after fifty years, they were in need of replacement due to frequent usage. Since the building is listed, every effort was required to replace the doors on a like for like basis and Bolton Gate were engaged to supply new folding shutters to the same design which were installed and handed over recently. This is the latest in a list of several fire station contracts undertaken in London.

Accoya wood has recently been specified by Architekturo Siemonsen for windows at private residence in Hamburg, Germany. Fitted by Reinhard Adling Accoya was chosen for this project because of its stability and durability properties over other woods. Accoya wood is the perfect substrate for windows and doors as its naturally insulating and is so stable that the coatings last longer.

This project involved the demolition of an existing two storey extension to the original house which was built around 1840 in the Barnsbury Conservation Area in Islington in North London. The interior layout was unsuitable and the owners wanted to bring more natural light and views of the garden into the space. Clement provided the stunning EB24 steel windows and doors which provide a sharp contrast to the oak boarding and make the extension look as if it is floating, enabling excellent views across the garden and surrounding area.

Jewers Doors were approached by Charles Mador Chartered Architects to design and supply a series of doors to secure the five teaching bays on the two-tier 60-bay driving range at Northwick Park Golf Club and Clubhouse

TRC were appointed by Mulalley & Co LTD to design, supply and install 205 fully glazed and factory finished traditional box sash windows for Vauxhall primary school in London.Vauxhall Primary School is one of many British schools to be financed by the government in their mission to refurbish schools across the country.The Department for Education has invested £11.3bn since 2015 to enable schools to refurbish their buildings – this includes £1.8b in 2021-22 alone.We have a huge amount of experience and expertise in restoring and breathing new life into schools, hospitals and other significant public buildings, with Vauxhall Primary School being one of six school projects that TRC has completed since the ease of 2021’s COVID restrictions.We installed 205 fully glazed and factory finished Traditional Box Sash windows into hardwood consisting of a height of 3500mm with Teleflex operated top lights.Not only do the Traditional Box Sash windows provide a timeless classic look, they also provide incredibly efficient cooling, keeping classrooms cooler and pupils more comfortable during warmer months.The windows installed had to comply with the following specification requirements:Double glazed sash windows to achieve overall Uw-value of 1.4 w/m2k;Hardwood Georgian barsPas24 Enhanced Security element for ground floor windows 

In the renovation of a substantial property in London SE1, in the historic Borough of Southwark, Mumford & Wood, specialists in the design and manufacture of premium quality timber windows and doors, have supplied Conservation™ casement windows and sliding sash windows for a sensitive renovation. This mixed use building was one of the last remaining plots awaiting development by morelondon.

Located in Surrey, this detached Victorian property needed its top floor timber windows replaced due to rotting. Maintaining the windows was proving costly for the homeowners but they needed a solution that would still look authentic next to their ground floor timber sash windows. After researching their options, the homeowners came across Roseview’s traditional timber alternative sash windows. The possibility of maintenance-free sash windows that are indistinguishable from the original box sashes, but while providing modern thermal efficiency and enhanced security, made Ultimate Rose the obvious choice. Using modern technology, Ultimate Rose is completely seamless with traditional joinery style mechanical joints and the slimmest 35mm mid rail on the market. When installed adjacent to the homeowner’s original windows it was almost impossible to see a difference. The home was finished with a single vertical astragal bar to match the home’s existing sightlines and allow for maximum natural light. Additionally, run through horns and a wood grain texture was added for a fully authentic finish. The result is truly indistinguishable, and the homeowners now have traditional and modern performing sash windows that will last for years to come. The owners are now planning to replace the timber windows on the ground floor with Ultimate Rose as well.

Manchester Airport Group (MAG) is a leading UK airport group that owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports, together with a significant property business.In 2011 they began a project of upgrading their entire airport perimeter security fencing and gates to cope with an increase in passengers and estate traffic.The BriefSecurity was paramount when it came to the brief for a new perimeter fence line and physical access control. There are a number of features that have not been included in this case study for security reasons.The fence had to have the ability to be erected in a variety of ways, including on concrete, dug in, base plated and ground buriedSecurity Toppings were requiredStrong anti-cut wires on any meshAnti-climb properties to prevent scalingCost effective due to the size of the fence line

One of the largest and busiest ports in Europe required a major upgrade to its perimeter security fencing. Due to an increase of migrants trying to cross the borders illegally, there was a need to improve the fencing around the port to ensure people who did not have the correct paperwork or permissions to travel across the border were kept safe and out of harm’s reach whether it’s those attempting illegal breaches into the port site or those responsible for preventing them from doing so.The fencing was designed to prevent migrants from trying to stow away on trucks; usually, this would happen as the truck slows or comes to a stop, and the migrants would run and get inside the trucks to hitch a ride across the border.A migrant camp nearby, which it is reported housed more than 10,000 people, ensured a constant threat of illegal migrants trying to cross the border. Many displaced migrants congregate here in an attempt to cross the borders by illegal and dangerous means. People smugglers were a constant problem, many promising migrants jobs and security once they had crossed the border.The SolutionZaun HiSec 358 Fencing was installed along both sides of the main road into the port, which aimed to prevent the migrants from getting onto the vehicles as they slowed or came to a halt. This anti-climb mesh fencing system features 12.7mm x 76.2mm tight mesh apertures, which prevents people from getting a foothold and scale the fencing to get over and prevents objects from being passed through the fabric. It also provides resistance to cutting by conventional hand tools and is employed extensively in higher security applications supported with detection and surveillance technologies.In addition to the anti-climb mesh, Zaun’s Flexible Security Topping (FST) was also installed to the top of the fencing to ensure that anyone who did somehow manage to scale the fencing could not get a grip over the top of the fencing. FST is designed in such as way what it moves as people try to climb it. Installed with concertina wire, this provides the port with a fence that works as a visual deterrent and a practical one.High-security temporary fencing and barrier systems, including SecureGuard, were also installed around the port, which provides high security, a movable border that can not only be easily converted into a PAS68 HVM perimeter but is also movable if the perimeter needs reducing or expanding for any reason. This movable barrier system also featuring FST and concertina wire as a topping for an additional deterrent.

A £4.6 million project by Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) delivered family homes for affordable rent on a neglected brownfield site as part of a series of measures to maximise energy efficiency. he award winning windows deliver easy-to-maintain aesthetics, but, more importantly for this project, exceptional security and low U values.

Specialist commercial refurbishment company Saracen Interiors delivers four floors of stunning Grade A office accommodation in the heart of Watford’s Met Quarter. Early discussion with Forza regarding project floor plans and elevations enabled the Forza team to prepare veneer layons that fully utilised the potential of the species distinctive decorative features and then create panel layout drawings in order that product delivered to site was clearly sequentially numbered for installation. Incorporated in the project joinery component package for Forza were items such as skirting and lift surrounds in addition to mirror frames and IPS panels for “Boutique” style washrooms.

Profab Access Ltd, part of the Access 360 portfolio, is prioritising fire safety in buildings with the introduction of fire testing for both sides of its 4000 Series riser door range. Established in 2001, Profab Access Ltd is a leading UK manufacturer of wall and ceiling access panels and riser doors. The company employs a team of 71 and operates from a 46,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and distribution facility in Atherstone, Warwickshire. All aspects of the design and manufacturing process are carried out onsite.

Described by architects Proctor and Matthews as a ‘courtyard oasis for later living’, large fixed VELFAC windows combine with smaller units and doors, all with uniform sightlines to create glazed screens fronting all 38 apartments. The internal timber frame also creates a ‘domestic’ interior finish’.

Kerry Foods is the leading consumer foods processor and supplier in Europe.Project/doors:20 doors including Speedor Storm, Speedor Mini, Speedor Cleanroom. The challengeFood manufacturing sites have strict protocols to avoid contamination and to meet all regulations in the industry. Any issues with industrial doors can directly impact compliance with these regulations. This site had several competitor products that needed to be serviced and replacedThe solutionUsing our experience and knowledge we spent time surveying all of the doors on the site and advising which doors needed to be replaced, repaired and serviced to ensure they were compliant with all regulations. Due to the volume of doors in the facility, we had a weekly presence on site until all issues were eradicatedThe successWe have installed 20 doors on this site and provide maintenance and service to over 30 doors, including competitor products. The site has a range of doors to suit varying requirements, including internal Speedor Cleanroom and Mini doors, external Speedor Storms and fire shutters.

Crystal Window and Door Systems achieves precision colour matching with Sherwin-Williams Powdura 4000Within the last 30 years, Crystal Windows & Door Systems has grown exponentially, now selling roughly 500,000 products per year. The company relies on Sherwin-Williams to help ensure quality, colour matching and quick turnaround for their customers.

Jewers Doors has for many years supplied contour doors which are specially shaped to encompass the fuselage of an aircraft in order to provide an environmental seal. These doors allow part of an aircraft (e.g. the nose or tail) to be within the controlled environment of a hangar for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations. With part (often the major part) of an aircraft remaining outside the hangar, space within the hangar is available for other aircraft to be worked upon – thus increasing productivity. Such an arrangement also means that MRO operations can be undertaken on larger Code E and F aircraft in hangars that would otherwise be too small.

Sector:     EducationArchitect:  Innes Associates Specified for: ·      Sustainable construction·      Inner timber frame ·      Durable external aluminium·      Design versatility·      Competitive pricingDesigned by architects Innes Associates, the latest addition to Cromer Road Primary School is a distinctive, L-shaped red-brick classroom building which wraps around a newly landscaped play space. VELFAC slim-framed windows and doors are a key feature of every facade, with dark grey external frames emphasising the pattern of shadows created by textured brickwork and inset window apertures. The VELFAC system has also helped architect Corrie Rounding meet challenging regulatory and sustainability targets while maximising usable space, increasing natural light and improving ventilation. ‘We pushed the contractor to specify VELFAC as we knew the composite frame was the right fit for the Cromer Road project,’ says Corrie. ‘The sustainability of the VELFAC system, and its low energy performance, met Department of Education requirements, while the robust external aluminium frame is ideal for a busy school environment. The design of the windows and doors also met our aesthetic brief, especially the inner timber frames. These are clear lacquered to emphasise the wood, provide a link with the trees surrounding the new building, and to deliver a less ‘sterile’ finish than aluminium or uPVC.’The VELFAC system could also meet key ventilation, daylighting and budget targets: ‘To manage costs, and maximise daylight in the right places, we concentrated our glazing allowance at the areas of most activity,’ explains Corrie, ‘but we also used windows to maximise the usability of the interior. For example, we used tall slim VELFAC units to illuminate the staircase but placed larger windows directly under the stairs to create an additional and useful breakout space.’The Cromer Road building is naturally ventilated, unusual for a Department for Education funded primary school project, with VELFAC units carefully configured to support an efficient flow of fresh air: ‘We wanted to make sure the building could stay comfortable without the need for mechanical cooling, even through the hottest summer,’ says Corrie. ‘This meant the placement of smaller windows on south facing facades, to manage solar gain, and the specification of multiple opening units across the building, including high level teleflex-operated lights. These are especially important in the classroom window screens where ventilation is guided by CO2 monitors.’ To ensure the security of children and staff, all windows also feature restrictors, with finger guards fitted to doors as an additional safety measure.Corrie was also pleased with the support provided by the VELFAC team, especially in the early stages: ‘VELFAC provided the estimates and performance data we needed to convince the contractor that VELFAC was the ideal solution for this project,’ she says, ‘and the school was certainly very happy with the end result’.