Luxury new build development selects Spitfire Doors’ aluminium entrance doors

As well as managing their own fenestration and construction industry businesses in Greater Manchester, siblings Bradley and Natalie Beazant have also recently completed a life goal to build their own properties as part of a private development in a rural village, near Warrington. The high design, luxury family homes are contemporary in style and finish and with a keen eye for doors and windows, the project duo wanted to install bespoke windows as well as an entrance door that would enhance their properties.

Being experts in the field of glazing, the Beazants had a good idea of where to research and compare the ranges of PVC, composite, aluminium and timber front doors. They had high expectations for their front door, requiring a statement entrance as well as desiring security function and durability. Bradley said: “We looked at all the well-known brands of residential door manufacturers and suppliers. For me, aluminium came out top because of its contemporary, sleek look, but I didn’t want the door to look commercial.”

Having visited trade exhibition, the FIT Show earlier in the year, and with their intimate knowledge of the marketplace, the Beazant family – owners of established firm, Regency Glass, came across Spitfire Doors and their S-500 Series Inotherm range. Recognised as Europe’s leading manufacturer and innovator of monobloc aluminium entrance doors, the stand demonstrated the superior quality and aesthetic of the doors immediately to show visitors.

Natalie and Bradley visited the showroom at Spitfire Doors, the UK and Ireland’s exclusive supplier of Inotherm entrance doors, based in Cheshire. Here they could view Spitfire’s comprehensive collection of timber fusion, engineered timber and its premium S-500 Series aluminium entrance doors.

“For me, a statement front door was important to meet the grandeur design of the properties. Being introduced to Spitfire Doors’ range was a step up in quality and style. I particularly loved the wood-effect finish of the aluminium S-500, which gave them a luxury residential aesthetic.”

Natalie continued: “As soon as we walked in and saw the doors in the showroom, we knew for a fact the luxury S-500 range would fit our development perfectly.”

The doors can be made up to 1.2 metres wide and 2.7 metres high and are exceptionally strong because they are manufactured using Schьco aluminium sections, to ensure the greatest structural integrity, thermal performance and security.

With over 600 styles, colours and surface finishes to choose from for the S-500 collection, the siblings were able to create their exact style using Spitfire Doors’ designer software, with 3D imagery showing the designs in situ.

There is a wide range of design and technology features, including fingerprint recognition, key fob and automatic opening and built-in LEDs, plus the S-500 provides unique styling options with Swarovski crystal embellishment and carbon, rust or split oak finishes. The S-500 range offers traditional Georgian styles through to ьber contemporary, that will inspire the most discerning homeowner.

Natalie and Bradley chose high gloss black with walnut wood, as well as fingerprint recognition opening, which allows up to 1000 fingerprint scans to be recorded with timed access settings for dog walkers, housekeeping, gardeners and childcare assistants to name by example. Complete with brushed steel house numerals and satin glass panels, the doors were ordered and delivered within eight weeks.

The doors were easily fitted by their chosen installer Patrick Joinery, who were installing S-500 for the first time. The installation process was straightforward and with Inotherm’s bespoke measurements and absolute precision engineering, the doors required no adjusting or re-sizing to fit the entrance way.

“Without seeing the doors first hand, it is hard to describe the quality as there is nothing else that compares to the S-500 range on the market. This makes them even more desirable, in my opinion, and we have recommended the doors to several trade peers because we recognise the potential of this emerging product in the UK, they really do offer customers a special statement door and are a unique opportunity for the trade to add a high-end product to their portfolios,” said the customer. The doors are a league above anything we have seen, and Spitfire’s service and product knowledge matched the superior quality product, we are delighted.”

The post Luxury new build development selects Spitfire Doors’ aluminium entrance doors appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Image Above: Martin Linden from Polyframe Livingston (left), with Gareth Green (right) from Stuga

Polyframe has launched into its second major investment programme since becoming part of the Customade Group – this time to expand its 50,000-square foot site in Livingston and boost production of PVCu frames by more than 30 per cent.

Polyframe Livingston has made a £750,000 investment into plant and new machinery to help it satisfy growing market demand and increase production on the site from 1,500 to 2,000 frames a week on a single shift basis. Polyframe Livingston is Scotland’s largest trade fabricator and the biggest fabricator of Veka PVCu frames north of the border.

The move at Livingston swiftly follows the announcement by Polyframe that it had embarked on an ambitious investment into additional production space and new machinery at its Norwich site. Output at Norwich will increase substantially from 4,500 frames a week to 7,000 frames a week.

The factory will be equipped with a number of brand new machines, including a new Stuga ZX 5 sawing and machining centre – the very first of its kind in the UK – a new eight head welder, an SV800 corner cleaner and a reverse butt cleaner. This state-of-the-art machinery will enable fabrication at Livingston to become fully automated, with the exception of handling and assembly. The developments on the site will also help the business to maintain its consistently high ‘On Time In Full’ record.

Martin Linden, managing director of Polyframe, Livingston, says: “This has been an outstanding year for us and we are very excited to be ramping up our production rates. This venture is particularly notable at a time when many PVCu fabricators are not investing and shrinking back on production. The atmosphere at Livingston is buzzing and we’re all ready to take the next step to reach 2,000 frames a week. Our longer-term goal is to achieve an impressive 4,000 frames a week.

“This investment isn’t just about growth though, it’s about taking us forward in our journey to continuously improve. That’s why we’re dedicated to developing our operational procedures and investing in our people. This investment will be fundamental in helping us to create even better, smarter processes, whilst maintaining our very high manufacturing standards and improving efficiency. Those are critical assets to our customers and what ultimately sets us apart from other fabricators.”

Nick Gibbons, chief operating officer at Customade Group, added: “What a year this has been for the group with this, our second big investment at Polyframe. We’re nailing our colours to the mast and making many industry-shaping developments that will support customer growth and help us to maintain our position as the UK’s biggest fabricator. We’re ambitious and we’re bold and we’re ready to achieve impressive results across all areas of the group.”

Dave Jones, VEKA Group’s managing director, also said: “It’s fantastic to see Polyframe Livingston living up to their ambitions. Having customers who are committed to investment, as we are at VEKA, is tremendous and will be of mutual benefit to both our businesses.On behalf of everyone at VEKA, I’d like to congratulate Martin and all the team at Polyframe on their new growth plans, I’m sure they will be a great success.”

For further information on the Polyframe range of multi-system PVCu windows, doors and conservatories, contact 01422 330460 or visit www.polyframe.co.uk

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has described its annual members’ day, which took place last month, as another ‘memorable and enjoyable’ occasion with 115 delegates attending the occasion at Glaziers’ Hall.

With so many changes at the GGF since last year’s event, there was a ‘mood of anticipation’ in the air, with GGF president, John Agnew, emphasising that ‘all changes have been in the best interests of GGF members’ in his opening address.

Keynote speakers, Declan Curry (broadcaster and journalist) and Anthony Tasgal (brand strategist and author), delivered presentations on the economy, political landscape and brand storytelling, all laced with information, insights and no shortage of humour.

GGF Group chief executive, Phil Pluck, then delivered a speech refuting the idea that the GGF was in ‘turmoil’ and commended the GGF Board for showing ‘not only real spine but also for lending their experience and knowledge to take the GGF forward to the next phase of its development’.

With a solid senior management structure now firmly in place, Phil also outlined the GGF’s long term strategy, mission and future.

This was followed by the ‘members’ debate’ moderated by Declan Curry, who directed questions from the audience on the GGF’s new management structure, industry training pipelines, and the challenge of improving member engagement, to the panel.

During lunch in the banqueting hall, the president toasted the GGF’s 40th anniversary before making special presentations to two long-serving GGF members: Brian Baker, former GGF president and interim chief executive; and Brian Waldron, chairman of the GGF Standards Committee. Both were recognised with awards commemorating outstanding services to the federation.

Commenting on the day, GGF Group chief executive, Phil Pluck, said: “It’s been an excellent conference. I was delighted to see so many members from different sectors attend and enjoy themselves. My thanks also to the GGF Group staff for their contribution to the event and also to Declan and Anthony who proved to be superb guest speakers. I would also like to thank our sponsors, FENSA, BFRC, RISA, GGFi and Borough IT for supporting the event.”

GGF President John Agnew concluded: “GGF members’ day should always be for the members and on this occasion, I felt all who attended benefited from the event. It was an honour to host my first members’ day as GGF president in this landmark anniversary year for the federation.”

www.ggf.org.uk

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The Leeds RERF building, featuring a glazed façade incorporating Saint-Gobain Glass’s high performance SGG Cool-Lite SKN 165 II

Saint-Gobain Building Glass, which describes itself as a market leader in the innovation and development of high performance glass, has been named as a finalist in two categories at the G17 Awards.

The business has been shortlisted in the Commercial Project of the Year category for its part in the creation of the Leeds Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF). The high-performance SGG Cool-Lite SKN 165 II solar control glazing provides the building’s impressive and distinctive floor to ceiling façade. Chosen for its experience, sustainability credentials, knowledge and technical excellence, Saint-Gobain Building Glass was well-qualified to meet the required technical demands of the project. The business was the first of its kind to undergo Life Cycle Assessments for its products; an ethos that complements the RERF’s environmental and energy-saving aspects.

Meanwhile Chris Lloyd, product technical support manager is a finalist in the Unsung Hero category. Described as ‘passionate, diligent and a technical font of knowledge’, Chris has earned an unparalleled reputation for excellence over his 10 years with the business.

Craig Dodsworth, head of marketing at Saint-Gobain Building Glass, said: “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted in two categories. Being named as a finalist in the G17 Commercial Project of the Year award is a testament to how hard our team has worked together to create a one-of-a-kind building. As a business, we constantly strive to innovate and deliver glass products and solutions to make living and work spaces more comfortable, but it is equally important to us to make buildings that are environmentally friendly.

“We are also all very proud of Chris for his much-deserved nomination in recognition of all he does for customers and colleagues alike. His technical expertise and excellent communication skills have made him an invaluable member of our team and an award win would be a very fitting reward.”

The post Dual celebrations for Saint-Gobain Building Glass appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Yorkshire fabricator Dempsey Dyer has gone the extra mile to help a valued customer complete a lucrative job in an Oxfordshire conservation area.

Respected local installation firm Windmill Windows had been called on to refurbish a property in a historically sensitive part of the county.

Together with the homeowner, the company decided to replace the existing windows with Deceuninck’s heritage flush sash – a high-spec uPVC window system designed to replicate the appearance of timber.

However, the project hit a problem. While impressed with the Deceuninck product’s period detailing, Oxfordshire conservation officers rejected it, arguing that its astragal bar was too wide, and not sufficiently timber-like, for use in a conservation area.

That’s when Dempsey Dyer, Windmill’s trade supplier, came to the rescue. The fabricator collaborated with astragal bar specialists the Georgian Bar Company to produce a version of the Deceuninck Flush Sash that would meet the strict standards of the Oxfordshire conservation office.

Outfitted with a slimmer astragal bar, the products were given the go-ahead – allowing Windmill to bring the project to a successful conclusion.

“All conservation areas are different – and products that might satisfy some conservation officers might not convince others,” commented Peter Dyer, Dempsey Dyer Managing Director.

“Deceuninck’s Flush Sash is an outstanding product, offering sleek slimline frames, traditional ironmongery, and optional mechanical joints – but in this instance, Windmill Windows were up against a particularly demanding conservation office.

“When customers find themselves in circumstances like these, at Dempsey Dyer we’ll do everything we possibly can to help.

“In this case, we went straight to the industry’s go-to experts on astragal bars, The Georgian Bar Company – and together we were able to come up with a great solution.”

For more information call 01977 649641 or visit www.dempseydyer.co.uk

An extensive range of aluminium products from REAL Aluminium has brought style and luxury to an exclusive new property development on the edge of Bath. The selection of REAL Aluminium windows, doors and a lantern roof were chosen by Bristol-based installer Panoramic Ltd to complete the £multi-million scheme, which sits south of the River Avon and close to the outstanding Beechen Cliff Boys’ School.

The developer – Annexe Ltd of Bath – bought the site and knocked down the bungalow that once stood there to make way for a stunning development of five three-storey townhouses. With an asking price of more than £1 million for each property, every single building component specified within the prestigious development needed to be contemporary, stylish and of the highest quality.

Having finalised the designs with his architect, the developer approached Panoramic to supply all the windows and doors for the development. He was impressed with the crisp, clean lines of the REAL Aluminium range and knew that it would deliver the premium, high end finish he wanted. Just as importantly, REAL Aluminium’s characteristic slim sightlines would make the most of the incredible views across the valley from any vantage point. And crucially, REAL Aluminium is a reliable and rapid source of high quality products, which was vital for a project of this scale.

Steve Evans, Panoramic Ltd’s managing director, says: “It is essential to get every detail right on a project of this calibre and glass was absolutely fundamental to the success of the design. With wide openings on each level to soak up the views, the windows and doors needed to create drama and add to the sense of space and light.

“The developer examined REAL Aluminium and knew it was perfect for this scheme. He didn’t need to look at anything else. The expanse of glazing has connected each property to the outside vista, whilst the aluminium frames contrast beautifully with the cream render and grey cladding. This is a sensational development and it has generated a high level of interest in the region. With each of the five properties selling well before completion, it’s a dream project!”

The development consists of four spacious terraced townhouses in one building and a separate three bedroomed property, which is located close by.

High performing REAL Aluminium windows in RAL 7016 were installed throughout the four properties in the main building. To open up the large open-plan living area to the outside terrace and garden beyond, REAL Aluminium bi-folding doors were fitted on the ground level of each home. REAL Aluminium sliding doors were specified for the middle level and French doors were chosen for the upper level. Ultra-modern glazed balconies were also installed on to these two levels to take advantage of the far-reaching views.

The design for the detached property incorporated REAL Aluminium windows, French doors, sliding doors and a lantern roof to bathe the large living area with light. This property stands close to a conservation area which protects the habitat of native bats and this posed an unusual challenge for Panoramic. The team had to integrate specially designed electric blinds in to all the doors to restrict the amount of artificial light emitted from the building to avoid disturbing the bats.

Bringing the widest range of aluminium fenestration products within easy reach of the installer, REAL Aluminium is designed to eliminate the common pitfalls associated with the supply of aluminium to make sourcing aluminium as easy as buying PVC-u. REAL Aluminium delivers excellent service, short lead times, quality products, unmatched marketing and showroom support and comprehensive customer training days, giving installers all the tools they need to venture into aluminium.

The REAL range of aluminium windows, bi-folding doors, sliding doors, French doors, residential doors, composite doors, lantern roofs and flat rooflights is manufactured in a dedicated factory, which holds more than 100 miles of aluminium extrusions in stock in the four most popular colours. Lead times for REAL are much shorter than other aluminium fabricators at just two weeks.

To find out more about the REAL Aluminium range, call 01453 826884 or visit www.real-aluminium.co.uk. The website provides fast access to a wealth of information, including technical data, order forms and brochures which can be viewed and downloaded.

REAL Aluminium has been named as finalist in two categories at the forthcoming G17 awards. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony and gala dinner which will be held at the London Hilton on 17 November.

Customade Group operates nationwide and employs 900 people in multiple manufacturing sites across the UK. The group includes Polyframe (PVC-u), REAL Aluminium (aluminium), Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions (glazed roofs), Virtuoso (composite and paneled doors), Hourglass Seal (sealed glass units), and Fineline Aluminium (specialist glazing).

www.real-aluminium.co.uk

The first in a series of Virtuoso customer experience days brought installers together to view the company’s wide range of composite and PVCu panels. Guests saw how Virtuoso’s doors are made and witnessed the scale, quality and precision of door manufacturing at the 80,000-square foot site at Birtley in County Durham.

The visit showcased some of the top-of-the-range machinery which Virtuoso has recently invested in to ensure that every single door is manufactured to the highest standards and with absolute accuracy.

Andy Farrington from Tamworth-based Bradley Scott Windows, had a first glimpse of the Virtu-AL door at the FIT Show. Seeing its potential for his business, he was eager to attend the customer day to find out more about the door and the manufacturing capabilities behind it.

Andy says: “I only work with quality products from established suppliers and I was keen to go along to Virtuoso to see what the company could do for my business. I was very impressed with the factory and was assured to see the high standards of manufacturing processes that happen there. The Virtuoso team is passionate about the business and that spirit filters down into the quality of the company’s products.

“The main attraction for me at the event was the Virtu-AL door and I was not disappointed with it at all. It has a distinctive, contemporary style and its really does look and feel just like an aluminium door. I’ve not seen anything else like it and no other manufacturer has anything similar so I know that this door will be a fantastic asset to my business,” he claims.

“I came away from the day knowing that this door will sell and ultimately differentiate me from my competitors. Within just a week of the event, I had sold five Virtu-AL doors and that was before our showroom door samples arrived. That was when I realised that it would be a definite game-changer for us!

“One of my customers is an architect who had originally specified a stylish contemporary entrance door for one of his projects. When he saw the Virtu-AL door, he was so impressed with it that he swapped from his original specification. Architects have notoriously high standards so that was all the proof I needed that I’d made a good decision to invest in this product.”

Tony Craggs, managing director of Virtuoso, said: “This day was absolutely fantastic and we were delighted to welcome existing customers and some who are planning to work with us soon. We are very proud of our factory, which marries good old-fashioned craftsmanship with state-of-the-art automation to deliver an exceptional, unmatched quality. Visitors saw how Virtuoso is leading innovation in the industry and heard all about our commitment to deliver a personal, customer-focused service for everyone.

“Virtu-AL was a natural draw to the day and our guests had the chance to see for themselves how it has really nailed the look of a high-end powder coated aluminium door. We’re already seeing how this door is yielding impressive sales for customers. The next stage is to bring more customers on board and help them to benefit from the exciting new revenue stream this door brings. We certainly have an exciting few months ahead!”

To find out when the next Virtuoso customer experience day is taking place, please contact marketing@virtuoso-doors.co.uk

Homeowners are more design conscious than ever. You only have to look down the street to see the different door designs, colours and finishing touches that homeowners go for. That’s why Shepley continues to add further design options to its Visage Composite Door Collection. The latest update sees new satin glass styles available to installers looking to offer more choice.

The new satin glass options include, traditional, contemporary and modern designs to suit any style Visage composite door. With a built-in degree of privacy, the satin glass designs turn heads, but give homeowners the privacy they want.

“Installers are driving the demand for quality, choice and even speed of delivery when it comes to composite doors,” says Tony Ball, Sales Director at Shepley.

“Because Shepley is one of the largest fabricators that manufacture both PVCu windows and composite doors, we understand how important it is for installers to be able to offer their customers plenty of design options, in a quick turnaround too. Shepley is always adding more choice to give installers the composite door options they need to attract new customers.”

The new satin glass range adds more choice to the 37 door styles, 17 colours and exclusive glass designs available on Visage composite doors.

There’s a dedicated Visage composite door designer on Shepley’s website.  To view all of Shepley’s new satin glass options, download the Visage Composite Door Collection brochure at www.shepley.com