Dual celebrations for Saint-Gobain Building Glass

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

Specialist building products extruder, Euroseal has reported high levels of demand at this year’s Interplas. Held 26^th to 28^th September at the NEC, this year’s plastics industry show pulled in more than 12,000 visitors over three days.  Returning to the expo, Euroseal reported high levels of interest in its range of rigid extrusions.  Chris Byers, Managing Director, Euroseal said: “We have been pleasantly surprised by the interest that we’ve received. We hadn’t expected to see quite so many people from across the building products sector, picking up some very positive leads from the event.

“What it’s established is that the demand for rigid extrusions remains high from a wide range of markets but particularly the building products sector as suppliers search out more flexible products and systems companies streamline operations and look to release additional capacity.”

With one of the UK’s most technically advanced extrusion facilities, Euroseal has extensive experience in the manufacture of a diverse range of thermoplastic extrusions, including rigid profile and co-extrusions in PVC, wood composite, HDPE, Polystyrene, Polypropylene and ABS.

With capacity to extrude profile from 40g to 6kg per metre and 0.7mm to 10mm thick, this includes construction products including curtain walling pressure plates, conservatory and window profiles, and cladding. It also manufactures electrical extrusions; automotive profiles; hygienic wall and ceiling profiles and garden decking.

It offers a complete extrusion service, from initial concept to delivery. This includes, design and CAD creation and manufacture of tooling, to extrusion, quality control, personalization and packaging, plus shipment either for own distribution or direct to customers. It also offers financial support to its customers to invest in tooling on larger volume runs.

“What’s interesting is that a toughening of market conditions in general, is generating a lot of new enquiries for us, as systems houses rationalize their offers. Some lines simply don’t justify their continuing investment or they simply don’t have the capacity in house”, said Byers.

“Offering a highly flexible service offer, we’re well-placed to pick up that work, while the demand for low-maintenance and plastic building products, remains high.”

Euroseal, providing a complete audit trail for every profile it extrudes. It also operates a strict quality control process including LAB metre, monitoring of colour and reversion testing of profiles.

As part of its continuing investment programme, it added a fifth twin screw line to its operation over the summer, it’s ninth in total, including five-twin and four single screw lines.

For more information call 0121 344 4100 email sales@euroseal.co.uk or visit www.euroseal.co.uk

The post Euroseal reports high levels of demand at Interplas appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

A celebrated Cambridgeshire installer has become the latest member of the Astraseal Commercial Installer Network (ACIN).

Huntingdon’s Surefit East Anglia is one of the South-East’s leading uPVC specialists – and now the company is benefitting from a stream of quality leads as part of Astraseal’s new initiative.

Founded earlier this year, ACIN is a nationwide network of commercial installers capable of handling contracts valued at anything from £50k to £500k.

Network members are not only provided with warm commercial leads, but support throughout the tendering process. Astraseal’s in-house Business Development Managers contact developers, work up specifications and draw up quotes on behalf of the installer, before handing them the supply side of the project – all free of charge.

Astraseal Sales Manager Zac Nedimovic commented: “We’re delighted to welcome such a respected firm into the network. It goes without saying: we only want the very best companies representing us out in the field – and with a business like Surefit East Anglia on our side, we can rest easy in our knowledge that our commercial clients will be receiving a fantastic service.

“Registering with ACIN is easy – just visit www.astraseal.co.uk, or speak to our commercial BDM team on 01933 227233!”