"glazing"

Fircroft House in Essex has been completely transformed from a tired 1980s detached property into a distinctive home with a contemporary edge.Renovated throughout, Fircroft House features a new ground floor extension, pale grey timber-effect external cladding (replacing a brick and render façade), and brand new Rationel alu-clad windows and doors. In fact, sixteen new windows are installed across the property, including opening and fixed units, two large sliding patio doors, and a solid, grooved front door flanked by glazed side lights and set beneath an arched portico. When planning the refurbishment of Fircroft House, window and door replacement was a project priority, as the original property had single glazed, leaded, all-timber windows which made the interior very dark and were thermally inefficient. All-aluminium glazing was initially considered because the homeowners wanted an affordable, durable and contemporary frame design which looked more attractive than uPVC. They changed their mind, however, when they saw Rationel AURAPLUS alu-clad windows installed at a friend’s home: ‘The idea of a frame which combined timber and aluminium was very appealing,’ they say. ‘It offered the best of both worlds with hardwearing aluminium outside and thanks to the wood, a more tactile finish to the inner frames, so we decided to find out more.’ The homeowners are delighted with their new windows and doors and would happily recommend Rationel: ‘We are very impressed with the package offered by Rationel,’ they say. ‘The windows and doors are all high quality, low maintenance and look great, and the service we received from okoHaus was amazing from start to finish.’

When Liverpool’s leading specialist heart and chest hospital trust wanted to set-up a drive through COVID-19 testing facility, Twinfix were approached by Actua to find a solution to provide shelter within their client’s COVID 19 testing pick up points.The area was a small courtyard and the proposal was to create a turning circle where vehicles could drive in and pick up their testing kit and drive out, the canopy would provide shelter for the vehicles whilst doing so.There were further complications as the area is also used for general hospital deliveries therefore meaning the height of the canopy needed to facilitate lorry/wagons.With the hospital’s requirements in mind, Twinfix designed two bespoke structures spanning a total of 82 sqm:Section 1: Free standing duo-pitch canopy completely independent of the building·Section 2: Wall mounted lean-to mono-pitch canopy with vertical glazed screen to side & front elevation.Section 1 comprised of galvanised steel posts with upper aluminium sub-frame roof, whereas, the full structure of Section 2 was manufactured in aluminium.Both structures were fitted with our non-fragile Multi-Link-Panel roof-glazing system glazed with 25mm clear polycarbonate.Joe Astley, Capital Projects Officer at LHCH commented: “The trust is very pleased with the services received. From a quick turnaround in manufacturing to a trouble free and speedy installation, Twinfix did a great job at LHCH.”These canopies not only look great, but also utilise the outdoor space providing shelter for patients and staff throughout the testing process.

The Ashington Leisure Centre is a community and leisure facility that sets a high benchmark and precedent for design excellence, marking the beginning of a regeneration for the town centre. Externally the building stands with civic pride facing the town centre. The scale of the large volumes: the triple height entrance foyer and pool elevation are fenestrated with tall glazed panels bringing elegance and emphasis to the entrance area.

Bruyn’s Court is an architecturally innovative scheme comprising 25 apartments for over-55s wishing to downsize to a property which can also adapt to changing physical needs. The development, which features VELFAC glazing and doors throughout, was described by RIBA as ‘a positive landmark with the potential to kick-start a new era for the locale’, and won a RIBA National Award in 2016.

MODERN COASTAL ARCHITECTURE CREATED USING TECHNAL SYSTEMSLayered recessed glazed facades, created using TECHNAL aluminium systems, maximise occupant views and deliver a sleek seafront architectural focus for new, luxury apartments overlooking the beach at Gorey in Jersey.Designed by Jersey-based Morris Architects, the development called The Beach comprises six apartments across four floors with undercroft car parking. Constructed by main contractor, Camerons, the glazing package was coordinated by installer Style Windows who worked with fabricator Bonam and Berry Ltd to develop the specification. “Using layered glazed balconies and recessed facades, the building takes on a stylish streamlined appearance. A sweeping corner provides an open, translucent structure, which minimises impact on the adjacent cottages and the beach. Secondary vertical columns have been used to help articulate the horizontal curved form of the balconies.”Ricardo Marques, architectMaximising the beautiful view for the building’s occupants using minimal profiles was a priority for the design team, without compromising the façade’s weather performance at this exposed location. This was achieved using a range of aluminium systems from the extensive TECHNAL range.  For easy access to the balcony area on the seaside elevation, the TECHNAL C160S Lift & Slide aluminium door system has been installed to each level, combining minimal sightlines and high thermal performance with a user-friendly slide action that glides, effortlessly. One of the door sets is an impressive 4.5m wide x 2.4m high, comprising only two panes, both of which are sliding. "Coastal developments always require a diligent approach to glazing specification. The architect had a clear vision for the building and the facade required a precision specification to achieve the right balance between aesthetic and performance in relation to the building's exposed location. Whilst installing beach-side was challenging, the finished facade looks impressive."Dave Sutcliffe, Style WindowsTo achieve the curved glazed corners at each storey level, TECHNAL Elegance 52 ST Curtain Walling has been fabricated to the specified quadrant, with an external radius of 1.9m, resulting in an impressive glass arc width of almost 3m. Combined with the 2.4m floor to ceiling height, the Elegance 52 ST system has allowed for a truly breathtaking sweeping curve to the building. Internally, the mullion of the curtain walling aligns perfectly with the adjacent Lift & Slide doors, giving the façade an elegant, continuous flow across the elevation."This is the beauty of TECHNAL systems. Even with the high wind loads of this exposed location, we have been able to create a sleek facade solution."Ricardo Marques, architectOther TECHNAL systems used on the project include four single doors and one double-set from the Dualframe Dualsecure 75mm range as well as its STII Doors to the entrance and escape doors. A selection of Dualframe 75mm SI windows in top hung, side hung and pivot configurations have also been installed throughout the building.Taking advantage of the dual colour facility and to combat the extreme weather conditions of this coastal location, externally the systems are anodised to Anolok™ Umber 543 in contrast with the white rendered walls. Internally, a white powder coat finish has been used to maintain the light bright design inside the apartments.To the north facing elevation, standard low-e toughened glass was specified with the rest glazed using solar control glass."Bonam and Berry has supplied TECHNAL architectural aluminium products continuously for over 40 years, and uses the complete range of systems for residential, commercial, educational and all public and private sector applications."Andrew Spencer, Commercial Director at Bonam & Berry

Wales Air Ambulance have a new headquarters with a new purpose-built office bringing the charity and the airbase together. Local aluminium fabricators and installers Atcost Windows of Llanelli won the contract to supply and fit all the glazing products throughout the building. Kestrel’s curtain walling was specified to create an impressive frontage to the building and maximise natural light to the common areas and meeting rooms.

Completed in 2020, One Braham, designed by Wilkinson Eyre, delivers 18 storeys of Grade A office accommodation aimed at tech, telecoms and media clients.The 20,000m² fully-glazed unitised facade, installed by Focchi Spa, combines AGC Stopray Vision-50 and Stopray Smart energy efficient coatings together with vertical brise-soleil on the east, south and west facades.

This group of seafront apartments on the site of the former Bournemouth International Hotel is perched right on the cliff side. The modern aesthetic of white render and glazed balconies is offset with crisp elZinc zinc cladding supplied by SIG Zinc & Copper and installed by the specialist cladding team at ICEE. The project for Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties was designed post-planning and managed on site by architects WADP.

Installing a lift in a top floor apartment must not compromise the stability of the building. The installation of residential lift Cibes A5000 has minimal structural impact and requires very little construction work compared to a conventional lift. The lift shaft of the Cibes A5000 can be glazed on all sides, including the machinery side. Glass looks fantastic and preserves the light and airiness of the space.

TRC Windows were awarded the contract by Oakdean Construction, for the supply, design and installation of fully glazed and factory finished Timber Sash Easy Clean windows for this £100m plus prestigious renovation and convertion into super-luxury apartments, due to their many years of experience and expertise in supplying Heritage replacement windows for large scale historic and Grade II listed buildings restoration projects.

This landmark development comprises of 597 student bedrooms and 12,000 sq. ft. of retail and commercial accommodation, set adjacent to Belgrade Theatre. The building rises in scale from 3 storeys adjacent the existing conservation area, up to 20 storeys on the east of the site.The combination of glazed and unglazed tiles with differing profiles and cruciform window pieces creates a rich textured façade.

Working in close co-operation with the building envelope and façade contractor Colorminium, Metalline have produced a range of bespoke 3D twisted fins that will when complete take centre stage on the exterior of the redeveloped Minories Hotel in the City of London. This stunning feature was the brainchild of ACME architects who in collaboration with The Murphy Façade studio have designed a series of full storey aluminium fins that clad the existing precast frame and create a bridge between that and the unitised glazing. Fabricated offsite at Metalline’s state of the art manufacturing facility in Cannock, these 42 metre height fins were produced in 3.5 metre lengths with a depth of over 800mm. Manufactured in 2 parts, each element was assembled using a combination of aluminium stud welding and bonding techniques developed by Metalline. The fins were then fitted to the glazed panels using an aluminium bracket support system to ensure structural integrity. Finished in dark and light bronze PPC to mimic an anodised effect, the fins will create shading for the hotel’s occupants as well as an iconic architectural vista for this stand out landmark project.

The design brief Our brief was to design, supply & install a gridshell rooflight that was like a ‘slice of the side of a rugby ball’. The perimeter structure would be provided, but we were to work with the project structural engineer in terms of providing thrust forces etc. The ChallengeTo create a visually impressive source of natural light in the new office extension for this global, research-driven pharmaceutical company embracing many cultures and diverse societies.The SolutionThis beautiful 12m x 6m fully self-supporting fixed glazing. Modelled using the glazing company’s 3D design software. The supporting members are a combination of 80mm x 120mm and 80mm x 80mm steel sections. The rooflight was fully fabricated off site and lifted into place as a single unit.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your commercial office space; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Working through our Midlands contracting office, Planet provided smoke sealed extended height PURE20XL glazing to floors 2 to 7 of the building’s internal atrium. 6.7m high Schueco Jansen Viss screens were placed on ground level, while PURE20XL was also utilised along with rebated 1.5 leaf IsoPro doors (Rw 36 dB).Extended 3.3m LOFT100 screens (Rw 47 dB) with back-painted glass above transom level were placed in the 300-capacity auditorium with double IsoPro doors. Finally, banded LOFT20 partitions and matching IsoTec acoustic doors (Rw 38 dB) and double glazed LOFT54 (Rw 45 dB) with IsoPro doors were installed for the client’s meeting rooms and phone booths respectively.The Unity Place development is a great example of a people-first workplace design that hopes to be a catalyst for the regular return to the office for many of Santander’s staff. The building is set to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for sustainable performance, aided by Planet’s EPD documentation for our LOFT and IsoPro solutions.

Woolston Sixth Form College forms part of Woolston Learning Village, which also includes neighbouring schools Green Lane Special School and Fox Wood Special School. The college educates & supports students aged 16 – 19 years old who have a range of additional needs.Following the installation of a number of Twinfix canopies at Green Lane Special school over the last eight years, Twinfix were approached by Woolston College to design, manufacture and install canopies on two separate occasions over the last two years.The initial project involved fitting a twenty-five sqm canopy with vertical glazing to one of the classrooms at the site. The vertical glazing offered weather protection and an element of privacy for the students using the canopy.The College was so impressed with the process and the installed canopy that they requested a second canopy spanning thirty-two sqm a few months later.Both canopies have aluminium frames powder coated in blue RAL 5010. As this metal does not rust in use, they will keep their good looks throughout their long life. The structures comprise of Twinfix’s innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-fragile (NF) roof glazing system fitted with tough 16mm opal multiwall polycarbonate. The NF denotes that these panels conform to the HSE’s recommended drop test ACR[M]001:2019, as recommended by HSG33.With safety of the students being paramount, protective foam pads were fitted to each supporting post to guard the children from bumps and bangs and anti-climb guttering was also included in the design for both structures.Not only do the new canopies provide additional safe space for students to play and learn, but it also enabled them to reap the benefits that come with being outdoors.

The monument, sited on a roundabout on Avenida Circunvalar, near the city’s industrial area, uses a huge steel and aluminium frame to support more than 2,000 m2 (21,500 ft2) of colored laminated safety glass. Arranged in a harlequin pattern, the glazed panels - in shades of red, yellow, green, blue and white - cover the entirety of the structure in a multi-colored façade that is both complimentary and contrasting to the surrounding area.

High performance, timber sash windows from the Kensington & Chelsea range by Lomax + Wood have been designed, manufactured and installed in an historic commercial building in the City of London. Timber double glazed, period-style sash windows.Over 60 made-to-order wooden windows.Historic location in a conservation area steeped in history with many listed buildings. Designed, manufactured and installed by Lomax + Wood

Prior Weston Primary, located in the City of London, required a large south facing free standing canopy that would create solar energy for their school whilst also protecting their pupils from the elements. Able Canopies designed and installed a variation on the Kensington Dual Pitch, incorporating IPV (Integrated Photovoltaic) solar glazing panels into the roof panel design to provide a solar power facility for the school.

Energy Efficient Heritage Windows for a Victorian RetrofitThe retrofit of Mews House, a low-energy Victorian listed mews property in West London, showcases how heritage windows can be utilised in a retrofit project to enhance energy efficiency while preserving the building's character and historical features.A Conservation Area GemBuilt in 1878 as a traditional carriage house with stable doors, Mews House was later converted into a residential property. However, over time, it suffered from poor layout, inadequate heating, and tired exterior facades. Architects Prewett Bizley undertook the challenge of transforming the interior into a light-filled open-plan living space, improving the property's external appearance while adhering to the local conservation area guidelines, and significantly reducing its carbon footprint.The Role of Winston Sliding Sash WindowsReplacing the existing single-glazed windows with Gowercroft's Winston Sliding Sash windows played a vital role in achieving the project's sustainability and conservation objectives. The architect required windows with higher performance levels, including superior thermal efficiency and a traditional timber aesthetic that matched the original "multi-pane" windows, which was crucial for securing planning permission. A total of 16 Winston Sliding Sash windows of various sizes were installed, featuring traditional joinery elements such as glazing bars, fitch fasteners, pulleys, and concealed gaskets, creating an authentic appearance.Energy Efficiency and AchievementsThe use of vacuum glazing in the windows provided excellent energy efficiency, achieving an overall U-value of 1.5 W/m²K, with the potential to reach even lower values in future iterations. The air tightness of the frames, coupled with Gowercroft's sealing system, contributed to an impressive air tightness rating of close to 1 m³/m²hr at 50Pa, surpassing expectations for a property of this kind.The retrofit of Mews House resulted in an astounding 82% reduction in overall energy consumption, bringing it below the 2025 RIBA targets for new build houses. The replacement sash windows played a pivotal role in achieving this energy reduction, both through their U-value and by minimising air infiltration.Bob Prewett from Prewett Bizley expressed his satisfaction, stating, "What's amazing when people visit is that they are totally convinced the windows are original and single glazed."The successful integration of energy-efficient heritage windows in the Mews House retrofit sets a new benchmark for heritage preservation combined with sustainable design and demonstrates the potential for revitalising older properties to meet the energy standards of new builds.

450 sash windows restored and double glazing installed by ventrolla at royal academyKEY FEATURES: COMMERCIAL, GRADE II LISTED, SASH WINDOWS, EDUCATION, RENOVATION, DOUBLE GLAZING, VENTROLLA PERIMETER SEALING SYSTEM, VICTORIAN.After the existing windows, dating back to 1862, were given their marching orders due to their poor condition, the timber renovation specialists were drafted in to upgrade the ageing sashes.As part of a £7.5 million refurbishment across two years, the Grade II listed building, used by the Army Medical Directorate, presented 450 sash windows in dire need of  complete renovation and upgrade due to many years of exposure to the elements.The majority of sashes were one and a half metres tall with larger ground floor windows reaching two and half metres.The deteriorated condition of both the sashes and frames meant the building was very draughty with many of the windows being rotten and inoperable.To remedy these problems the rotten timber was routed out of the original box frames, and replaced with Ventrolla’s patented epoxy resin VR90. Preserving the original sash windows was just as important as improving the energy efficiency of the building.Following this process, the unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) was installed to combat draughts and reduce external noise. The sash cords were then replaced, pulleys serviced and sashes correctly balanced to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the windows. Andy Meachen, Project Manager of the Military Academy, said:“The service that Ventrolla provided was excellent and we were very pleased with the final result. We have really benefited from the renovation work as the building is noticeably warmer, there are no more draughts and the windows now open easily.”“We were very concerned about maintaining the aesthetics of the building and being sympathetic to its heritage, Ventrolla managed this beautifully.”“Due to their professionalism and craftsmanship, we have also asked them to start work on our Old College renovation project too.”The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst was founded in 1947 and offers military, practical and academic training.With over 30 years experience, Ventrolla offers a tailored range of period window solutions. Their unique service includes draught-proofing with the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) and fitting replacement double-glazed sashes that incorporate the patented Sash Removal System (SRS) for easy painting and future maintenance.They also offer complete new timber windows, secondary glazing solutions and a wide range of window hardware. Ventrolla has its head office in Harrogate, North Yorkshire and regional offices located throughout the UK and Ireland.

The 2022 Stirling Prize was won by Niall McLaughlin Architects for the Magdalene College Library in Cambridge. The exterior of the building combines glazing, timber, brick and an elegant QUARTZ-ZINC PLUS standing seam roof using the BBA certified Structural roof, which is a warm roof (non vented) system. The roof was installed by a VMZINC@WORK partner, All Metal Roofing thus making a 50 year warranty possible.

Dalston Lane comprises 121 apartments over ten storeys, set around two courtyards housing shops and restaurants. The project has received international attention for its pioneering architecture, becoming an exemplar project for high quality, high density, inner city housing, and uses VELFAC glazing to help deliver healthy, comfortable and attractive spaces in which to live or work. Photos: Daniel Shearing

The £15million new Tarka Leisure Centre in Barnstaple, was designed to link with the existing Tarka Tennis Centre. There is now a natural flow between the existing and new part of the completed facility. Sport England invested £1.8m of National Lottery funding into the development of Tarka Leisure Centre to support the ‘get active’ initiative by making the facilities accessible and inclusive for the local community. The new centre, officially opened by British Winter Olympics hero Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards, provides a much-needed swimming pool facility, an ‘endless’ indoor ski slope facility, a sports hall with four badminton courts, a large gym, two multi-purpose exercise studios, a spin studio, indoor soft play area, new reception area and café.With leisure centres having a high footfall and being a naturally noisy environment, it was paramount to consider the fire safety and acoustics of the building.  Lusso 105FR, a double-glazed fire-rated system, which provides acoustic performance of up to 54dB and fire performance of up to 60 minutes integrity and insulation was the ideal choice for this environment. Lusso Structural Glazing was installed where a higher specification level was required for edge protection.

The ChallengeMade up largely of two 19th-Century coal warehouses, the site needed to be drastically re-thought to evolve into a new retail complex comprising more than 50 shops and restaurants.With high levels of footfall anticipated, the safety of individuals would need to be a primary factor in its redesign.As well as this, creating light-filled spaces to attract shoppers from across London would be integral to the project’s long-term success.As a result, specifying materials capable of balancing safety requirements alongside aesthetics and practicality was critical.The SolutionSupplying in excess of 150 square metres of Pyroguard Protect toughened fire-rated glass to various classifications – including E60, EW120, and EI60 – to the project, Pyroguard was able to fulfill the architect’s safety requirements, while delicately balancing the need for aesthetic excellence to contribute to the repurposing of these historic buildings.Working closely with Propak Architectural Glazing who were enlisted to design, manufacture and install a large range of steel glazing systems for the project, Pyroguard created a bespoke thickness of 31 mm, instead of the traditional 25 mm for the EI60 requirement, to perfectly complement the systems.

Metalline’s glazed in Ultima aluminium insulated panels have provided a specialist touch to the recently completed Weybridge Business Park in the Borough of Runnymede. The commercial office park features a number of office buildings that have been refurbished as part of a redevelopment for Standard Life Investments. The bespoke glazed in panels which feature on the window surrounds to the 1st and 2nd floors were coated in PPC golden beach metallic and feature a fluted design that met the architects vision for the external envelope of the building. The aluminum outer face was fitted with extruded box sections to give the fluted appearance. The aluminium section was then sealed using specialist rivets designed by Metalline for this specific application. Each of the 2 metre panels were then vacuum bonded using Metalline’s new 6-metre vacuum bonding press. Ultima panels are traditionally specified in aluminium with either an anodised finish in natural silver, bronze, black or blue-grey or in a range of polyester powder coated RAL and metallic colours. They can also be provided with a noncombustible A1 fire rated core. Alternative facings such as perforated aluminium, stainless steel or can be incorporated to create a truly bespoke panel.

Maximising light to a bespoke side extensionThe ChallengeThe homeowner did not want to forsake garden space but desired to add more functional space to their family home in suburban London. As part of a charming street of semi-detached properties clever design and effective use of glazing enabled the limited space between the property and their neighbour’s property was utilised.The SolutionA bespoke side extension was created and in addition maximising natural sunlight a bespoke fixed ‘L’ shaped multi-panel rooflight was combined and multi-panel rooflights and electric opening vent which allowed for the new space to receive additional natural ventilation.These glazing solutions meant that the homeowner was able to maximise the natural light and natural ventilation available to them whilst undertaking building work that had a minimum impact on their home. Get in touchWhether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light, ventilation and space to your home; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Innovative rooflight glazing in a single storey rear extensionThe ChallengeThe homeowner wanted to maximise the space and light available to them in their family home in London. As this property was a terraced property with only a small front garden facing onto the street, the solutions had to be focussed to the rear of the property.The SolutionThe homeowner also wanted to make the most of the natural sunlight that the garden benefitted from, so they had chosen to erect and single storey extension with fully glazed floor to ceiling doors across the rear of the extension. However, they also wanted to allow a greater abundance of light into the single storey extension, we supplied two fixed rooflights but to create even more unobstructed light with supplied a multi-panel rooflight (three panels) supported by transparent glass beams. This solution ensured that the maximisation the space and light they originally desired was fulfilled with a stylish and functional solution.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your home; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Structural atria glazing for a large open central point of a buildingThe ChallengeThe Grafton Quarter in Croydon was an ambitious multi-million project to develop an innovative creative hub of artist studios and residential units. The main contractor Magnus Build worked with an array of innovative suppliers including ourselves and wanted to ensure that the client vision was fulfilled.The solutionTransforming a former industrial site into an outstanding mixed-use site was a project with a little bit of everything where specialist contractors were asked to provide innovative solutions. For our part we were able to fulfil with a structural atria glazing for a large open central communal point of a key building; our use of glass within the atria allowed natural light transmission, enhanced the felling of space which created a unique design feature to the building.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your commercial space; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Twinfix have been working their magic to help Network Rail restore Kettering Railway Station to its former glory. They have been helped in this project by the Railway Heritage Trust (RHT). The Railway Heritage Trust was created in 1985 by British Rail on the advice of railway heritage campaigners following the destruction of Derby Midland Station. The RHT is an independent company which assists the operational railway in its preservation and upkeep of listed buildings and structures. Network Rail and National Highways (Historic Railways Estate) sponsor the work of the RHT which currently holds an annual budget for restoration work, ensuring that high quality and the best materials are used to restore and preserve assets. Kettering station was opened in May 1857 by the Midland Railway, on a line linking the Midland to the Great Northern Railway at Hitchin. The Midland later gained its own London terminus at St Pancras Station. In 1857 the leather trade was in recession with over half of Kettering’s population on poor relief. The railway enabled the town to sell its products over a much wider area and restored the town’s prosperity. Originally the station had a single platform but in 1879 the station was quadrupled, and three new platforms were built. The Midland Railway commissioned waiting rooms, cast-iron columns, spandrels, and canopies for the new platforms to match the original 1857 design by Charles Henry Driver. In the 1970s, the glass canopies became a maintenance headache for British Rail, who proposed removing the glazing along with the cast-iron column heads and replacing it with sheeting. Thankfully, Kettering Civic Society intervened and saved the canopies and columns. 50 years later these important architectural elements needed some refurbishment but faced another threat. The Midland Mainline electrification programme meant that structural changes would be needed to the canopy structures to allow the overhead line electrical equipment to be installed above the tracks. Once again, the canopies were under threat but this time it was Twinfix which came to the rescue. Twinfix, the Warrington based pioneers of polycarbonate were the specified experts in the Network Rail business plan for the station refurbishment. Having already helped bring new life and importantly light into old stations as part of refurbishment work, Network Rail stipulated using Twinfix’s polycarbonate roofing panels and their mounting system to keep the overall aesthetics of the station but add a much-needed resilience to the canopies.  Twinfix recommended their Multi-Link-Panel glazing with 6mm solid clear polycarbonate to help the restoration project. The Multi-Link-Panel is an innovative, modular system that is incredibly quick to install and outperforms more traditional systems in terms of cost, performance, and appearance. Multi-Link-Panel canopies consist of pre-assembled modular glazing panels, manufactured to size for each individual project. Each panel comprises aluminium structural bars that are glazed with lightweight, yet tough, solid polycarbonate. The aluminium can be powder coated to a range of colours for a rust and maintenance-free life. As panels are pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment possible contamination and errors in installation caused by on-site cutting of the glazing sheet are avoided. These properties can result in saving two thirds of the time taken to install traditional split bar glazing systems. This can save on labour costs and drastically reduce any necessary premises shutdown time required while work is carried out overhead.  The team at Everlast roofing who installed the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel were a great partner in this installation process and this partnership resulted in a great finished roof.Handling during installation is easier and safer than with traditional glass systems as panels are constructed from materials that are both strong and light in weight. The reduction in weight compared with glass systems has the added benefit of lowering the overall weight of the roof construction, decreasing the stresses on the existing fabric of a building, especially important where a roof refurbishment is being undertaken. It is this weight reduction that removed the need for reinforcement of the original columns and resulted in the restoration remaining faithful to the original design. As Twinfix manufacture the multi-link panel system they are in an ideal position to be able to help with designing out potential problems. Each roofing system is unique and bespoke, so Twinfix took advantage of their deep understanding of their product and the legislation covering such projects and added access hatches to the canopies which allow access above the glazing for maintenance, finally curing that 50-year-old headache. Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix said; “The result of the restoration is truly breath-taking. Kettering Station is now awash with natural light and the platforms are a light airy place to wait for a train and shelter from the elements.” Tim Hedley-Jones, Director of the Railway Heritage Trust, says of the project: “It’s a great example where the use of modern materials helps to protect and sustain a truly beautiful historic station. Our grants have helped Network Rail to preserve Kettering Station using Twinfix technology, to continue to make it fit for purpose for today’s rail passengers.” So, if Charles Henry Driver were able to see the station today, he would instantly feel a sense of familiarity and be proud of the restoration work on this piece of railway treasure. CREDIT: Photographs taken by Paul Childs, Spheroview

The Hepworth Gallery required access to their low pitched roofs to facilitate safe working at height when carrying out external glazing cleaning and general maintenance. The concrete design of the building resulted in a thin roof construction, so The Gallery needed to ensure that any systems installed were fit-for-purpose, fully tested and compatible. With such a prestigious and architecturally prominent building, it was imperative that the chosen system also suited the design of the building.

Austin Smith-Lord’s 50 million–pound Liverpool Central Library project opened in May 2013 after a three–year complete overhaul. The scheme, in a World Heritage Site, involved the restoration of grade I listed elements as well as the insertion of a new building behind a historic facade. It was funded by PFI. The six-storey new building is arranged around a full-height atrium crowned with a glazed dome and roof terrace.

Large scale redevelopment of the old BBC studios in Oxford Road. Each plot is decorated in distinct feature colours. Two enhanced durability bronze metallic shades applied to all window and curtain walling elements, whilst two bespoke matches to glazed terracotta can be found on the lower ground feature mullions.Finishes: Interpon D2525 Y2214F Anodic Bronze & YW283F Bronze + Interpon D1036 purple and cream terracotta.

At the noisy heart of bustling Birmingham is the city's Town Hall, an impressive example of Roman Revival civic architecture. With a refurbishment budget of £34m, the 1830s iconic masterpiece will once more become the performance centre of the city. However, the journey from faded glory to world class concert venue was hardly straightforward and took the combined expertise and ingenuity of main contractor, Wates Construction and Selectaglaze, the country's leading secondary glazing specialist.

An 8m long Twinfix canopy installed on the front of the Lower Willingdon Pre-School Nursery in Eastbourne is proving a great success. With a 2.8m projection from the building and fitted with vertical glazing at both ends, Julie Langford, Nursery Manager, says it has made a tremendous difference to the nursery, with the extra space also being well used by the Breakfast and After School Clubs, as well as by parents dropping off and collecting their children.

Project description: 8 skylights - Repair and Re-glaze in Georgian wired obscured glass.The units were in an awful condition as you can see from the pictures, showing extensive rot. All of them were stripped back to bare wood, the putty removed and glazing taken out. We then used a Sadolin Super Dec in white to bring in the parts under the window and replaced the hooked with more tradition lead ones.  Once puttied, we removed the tape as to give it the best possible line before it dried (Timbabglaze is normally paintable after just 1 hour). Once dry we re-masked and used a Dulux UK weathershield system. This was a supergrip primer, oil based Dulux weathershield under coat and finally 2 top coats of Dulux weathershield gloss. The tape was removed and you have the finished product for the first 6 windows.The last 2 windows proved to be a problem. They had been re glazed previously but had been done very badly. The wood was rotten and had to be repaired. After struggling to get the glass out as it had been silliconed in... We used Timbabuild products again. To start with we raked out all the rotten wood back to a hardish part. We then used a Timbabuild 2 part EWS wood primer to give the wood some structure and a base for the next part. Once the EWS had gone off we applied Timbabuild EHB60 epoxy repair. This was left over night (as it was applied last thing in the day) and sanded back to an edge the following day. We then used the Timbabuild ERC10 Rapid curing epoxy adhesive over the top to fill any gaps that needed it. Then a surface layer of 2 part Timbabuild FINISH. They were sanded using a 180 grit paper and received the same paint system as the other 6 windows. The glass was replaced as well as the hooks and the finished results speak for themselves. 

The VELFAC composite system has been installed in two award-winning student halls built for the University of St Andrews. Designed by HLM Architects, Powell and Whitehorn Halls provide comfortable and stylish accommodation for over 380 undergraduates and postgraduates, with VELFAC windows providing excellent thermal insulation and maximum natural light. VELFAC units are also integral to innovative architectural façade features, including dramatic glazed screens and angled window pods.