doors, windows & glazing

Recently completed is the refurbishment of a substantial mixed-use building in the plush Fitzrovia/ Marylebone area of central London. Crittall Windows made a significant contribution to both the aesthetic and sustainability of the seven-storey Devonshire House that commands the corner of Devonshire and Great Portland Streets. The refurbishment, designed by architects Robson Warren, upgraded the building’s green credentials by the installation of T60 thermally broken steel windows.

The high-performance steel fenestration comfortably surpasses the requirements of current legislation while satisfying the designer’s desire to maintain heritage characteristics. The area around Great Portland Street was developed in the 18th century with fine Georgian houses and, although these were replaced in the 19 th and early 20th centuries, the newer office blocks that took their place often sought to retain the period features.

The black powder-coated T60 windows in Devonshire House, provided in both inward and outward opening configurations, have been fitted with glazing bars to mimic the Georgian-style panes that were a prominent feature in the period façade of the building. www.crittall-windows.co.uk

Strand Hardware is taking the panic out of buying emergency exit solutions by outlining key considerations for specification. It urges customers to put ‘safety first’ – prioritising functionality, quality, and performance at the head of decisionmaking. CE marked products for fire and escape doors are a must for architects and specifiers and best practice determines that products comply with Construction Product Regulations. Strand Hardware’s Antipanic Emergency Exit and Panic range meet these requirements.

In an emergency or panic situation, they release exit doors by means of a push bar, touch bar or a push pad on outward opening single or double doors. For day-to-day use, doors can be opened from the outside with an outside access device. “When an emergency door can be locked or opened from the outside, it should still be freely released from inside – maintaining security without compromising its basic panic function,” said Strand Hardware MD Steve Marshall. He urges specifiers to identify suitable solutions by considering:

1. Product range - Strand Hardware offers PH (modular push bar/push pad range), PHT (touch bar range), PHTM (motorised touch bar range) options. Selection criteria is provided by the EN standards EN1125 and EN179 and should reflect occupancy levels. Other matters to be considered include creating clear opening requirements, how the door is intended to be used, whether it is fire resisting, the operating environment etc. Aesthetics and budget will also have a place, but these are secondary to the life safety aspect.

2. Door/frame material and design -Different strikes are used to suit various door materials and construction. For PVCU doors and frames, a range of profile related strikes are available for which the system manufacturer and profile model is needed. Glass doors require patch fittings to suit the escape device and door construction. Whether the doors are fire-resisting and how the door is hung will also have a bearing.

3. Locking latch arrangement and number -Single and three-point locking latches are available across all the ranges with the ability to convert on site from three point to two point in the most cases. Factors to be considered include whether the door is single or double, construction, material and size. For double doors requiring escape through both leaves, it is critical that whichever door leaf is operated it must open and whether the doors are rebated through the lock stile section/overlapping plates or are plain edged.

4. Outside access - External access can be provided by a mechanical outside access device, using a key, push button digital combination and in most cases either a lever handle or knob. Again, thought needs to be given to how the door is to be used. Most electronic access control can be accommodated by use of an internal motorised touch bar.

5. Size of door -Door widths and heights should be checked before ordering as many wider and taller doors can be catered for from stock by use of wider crossbars, wider model touch bars and extra-long rod kits.

6. Finish - Powder coated white and black finishes are available from stock along with the standard silver grey, which have the option of a green cross bar. A decorative plated satin stainless steel finish and simulated polished brass are available for many ranges. Where a high degree of corrosion resistance is necessary the DFine grade 316 stainless steel is available. Many other finishes can be provided to special order. www.strandhardware.co.uk

Completed to a high standard throughout, Independence House offers multi-purpose office space on the outskirts of York. Delivering an impressive frontage, TORMAX was contracted by Frostree Ltd to install a 3-wing revolving door to the main entrance. Manually operated, the door reflects a focus of the development to maintain a low carbon footprint, whilst still ensuring smooth and unhindered pedestrian access.

A revolving door has the added advantage of reducing heat-loss from the building, with one door leaf creating a barrier between the reception and the outdoors, at all times. Independence House is a new build development from the family-owned residential and commercial property development company, London Ebor Developments plc. Working with Vincent & Brown architects and GEM Construction, the resulting superior office space provides a range of flexible options including leased, serviced and virtual offices, coworking spaces, hot desking as well as a choice of meeting rooms available for pre-booking.

“A revolving door delivers timeless sophistication to any façade,” comments Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX UK Ltd. “The smooth, light-touch operation of a TORMAX manual revolving door makes for a welcoming entrance for all workers and visitors to Independence House.” www.tormax.co.uk

Working with Mount Anvil, a swimming pool area in a Grade II Listed home has been restored to its former grandeur, with the assistance of Selectaglaze sealed units and curved on plan secondary glazing. Kidderpore Hall sits looking over North London, in what was referred to as the Childs Hill neighborhood of Hampstead; once a relatively rural area. It has been beautifully reimagined through extensive refurbishment and brought back to a livable state as a single family home.

One of the areas of the house which needed particular attention was a new pool and spa area in the basement. The original single glazed sash windows did little to provide heat retention. Selectaglaze secondary glazing was chosen to assist in upgrading the thermal insulation in this Grade II Listed building. To ensure maximum U-values were gained in this exposed corner of the building, 24mm double sealed secondary glazed units were required with obscure glass to provide privacy. Six window and one door were treated with Series 41 side hung casements, glazed with 4-16-4 gas filled sealed units. However, to match the sightlines of the bay window framing the jacuzzi, curved on plan units were specified. www.selectaglaze.co.uk

Leading riser door and access panel solution supplier, Profab Access, has proven its first-class credentials once again as part of the recent completion of a major specification at Cardiff’s new 5-star Parkgate hotel. Located next to the Welsh Capital’s famous Principality Stadium, the Parkgate hotel has been designed to provide a luxurious experience for rugby fans, in addition to city dwellers visiting the country all year round.

Widely coined as Cardiff’s most lavish new location, the hotel includes 170 guest bedrooms and suites, a signature restaurant and bar, a traditional tea lounge and a rooftop spa overlooking the city skyline. As part of the prestigious build, a unique collaboration between the Welsh Rugby Union, property developer, Rightacres, and The Celtic Collection, the hotel required an extensive riser door specification, with safety, high performance and aesthetic appeal key considerations.

In total, 310 Profab Access VEGA 1500 Fire Rated Riser Doors were specified for installation by Hazelwood Carpentry throughout every part of the building, including communal areas and the hotel’s vast range of luxury guest rooms and suites. The VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors offer the highest standards of fire safety, extensively tested by Efectis in France and Ireland to provide a bidirectionally fire tested product that is available in both single and double door configurations.

This means the riser door sets are fire tested from both sides to 60 minutes, providing the specifiers, contractors and hotel guests residing within the building with confidence the critical fire integrity products offer the highest standard and most up to date evidence for fire safety performance. The range also features a slimline, neat construction, whilst its proven technology ensures permanent, safe access to mechanical and electrical services housed within the riser core.

This provides first class functionality and safety, without compromising the overall interior concept. The steel riser doors also streamlined the installation process, as the quick release pivot hinge and light weight enabled easy handling, allowing Hazelwood Carpentry to complete the job quickly and optimise overall project efficiencies.

In the event of a fire, the VEGA 1500 Series Riser Door sets will maintain the frame and integrity for up to 60 minutes, preventing the spread of fire throughout the property for this period of time. The riser doors are 31dB acoustic rated, smoke sealed and airtight to Part L, whilst also featuring intumescent smoke seals that enable occupants to safely exit the building. By specifying bi-directionally fire tested VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors, the development is actively future proofed as the comprehensive testing certification provides a complete and transparent audit trail of due diligence that evidences the products are not only fit for purpose but meet the duty of care required to ensure legal compliance.

Profab Access’ diverse portfolio of riser doors and access panels are supported by a wide range of BIM Level 2 and CAD files to aid the specification process and streamline the initial design stages. Manufactured at Profab Access’ Atherstone headquarters in accordance with ISO 9001, the 1500 Series Riser Doors can be specified and installed in a range of configurations to meet each project’s specific measurements and requirements. www.profabaccess.com

A Cornish brewery has moved into renovated premises that give visitors a whole new experience of watching the creation of their favourite beers with Crittall Windows playing a crucial role in the new concept. Verdant Brewery took over a rundown warehouse on a Penryn industrial estate and, in addition to installing the brewing vats, created 400 sq. metres for staff offices and a space for public use, dubbed the Taproom.

The new interior was created around a steelframed installation with Crittall Corporate W20 windows providing a light and contemporary area where visitors can have a beer and something to eat while enjoying views through to the working brewery, a paramount consideration of the client.

In addition, The Taproom provides a mezzanine balcony overlooking an area that can also be used for entertainment from a DJ or with live music. The design was produced by locallybased architects Zelah Studio.

Said architect James Collins; “We used the W20 system as it allowed great flexibility and a quality industrial look that the client wanted. Large expanses of the glazing allowed us to create views of the brewery from all spaces.” www.crittall-windows.co.uk

A Rundum Meir slide sliding door spanning 11m has provided the ideal solution for a stunning contemporary new build dwelling in northern Bavaria. The architect-led project has created an extensive new home on a site near the town of Neumarkt adjacent to mature woodland.

Linear in its form, the property’s main three storey block features large areas of full-height glazing to the upper floors which is shielded by external timber fins, assisting with shading but also adding a natural aesthetic feature.

These timber elements blend comfortably with the local stone masonry to achieve superb aesthetics and make this property a stunning example of modern European architecture. And one of the most visible timber elements is the simple, elegant 11 m wide single direction Rundum Original side sliding door made from Larch.

The brief was to provide a door that capable of spanning a four-bay garage and be consistent with the rest of the timber used throughout the property. This was perfectly suited to Rundum Meir, who manufacture every garage door specifically to meet a project’s requirements, which in this case was to use sustainably sourced Larch. This door was hand-made at Rundum Meir’s manufacturing centre near Munich. Every timber door created here by Rundum Meir’s craftsmen and women is formed in a way that maximises consistency in the woodgrain across the width of the door for the ultimate end-result.

The company also provided the technology to automate the door operation too, utilising Rundum Meir’s sophisticated and reliable automation system. This will give the property owners long term peace of mind regarding operational reliability and security.

To find out more about Rundum Meir bespoke garage doors and how they can provide the ideal solution in outstanding contemporary architecture, visit www.rundum.co.uk

Leading heat pump manufacturer LG has launched the latest version of its sector leading Therma V Monobloc air to water heat pump – the Therma V R32 Monobloc ‘S’ – into a UK marketplace that is highly responsive to new heat pump technology. The ‘S’ stands for ‘Silence’ and ‘Supreme’ to highlight its reduced noise level and best performance criteria.

The new monobloc is a frontline contender for providing heating and hot water for social housing developments as well as private new build homes. As with the original Monobloc, this new model combines the indoor and outdoor features in one module. It’s also connected by only water piping, eliminating the need for refrigerant piping, making this heat pump an installer’s dream when it comes to ease of installation.

Hydronic components like the improved plate heat exchanger, the expansion tank, water pump, flow sensor, pressure sensor, air vent valve and safety valve are all built in - inside the outdoor unit – pre-installed and ready to run. And the R32 Monobloc ‘S’ provides excellent heating performance especially at low ambient temperatures whilst lowering its carbon emissions even more with the use of R32.

The innovative design and technology in this new unit sees built in water flow and pressure sensors to monitor the water circuit in real time, advanced water pump control, enhanced second circuit logic, energy monitoring of estimated power consumption via the remote controller, MODBUS connectivity without Gateway if required and advanced control for the domestic hot water recirculation pump.

LG equipment is justly renowned in the industry for its controllers and the new Monobloc ‘S’ is equipped with a new advanced remote controller which supports a number of functions. It comes with a premium design 4.3-inch colour LCD monitor, user friendly interface that uses simple graphic, icon and text controls, easy schedule and installer settings and energy monitoring without meter interface to provide estimated power consumption figures.

It is possible to monitor not only the temperature of the water circuit but also the flow rate and the pressure. This information provides installers with more reliable information for installation and maintenance. The original version was extremely quiet, but this new ‘S’ version is even quieter and up to 9kW units can be installed at the minimum of 4 metres away, and up to 16kW units - up to 5 metres away from neighbouring houses complying with international noise regulations.

The unit comes with a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance of up to 4.67 (Average climate/Low temperature application) and a A+++ rating. The COP rises to 4.9 (Outdoor air 7°C/Leaving water temperature 35°C) and can deliver leaving water temperature of 65°C if required. For more information on the new LG Therma V Monobloc ‘S’ head for partner.lge.com/uk, or email LG at uk.aircon@lge.com.

The conversion of three stone-built agricultural buildings near the beautiful Devon town of Totnes is employing a full selection of renewable and low-energy technologies from the range of Exeter based manufacturer, OMNIE, to create a comfortable living environment for the new occupants. The hundred year old buildings at Ritson Farm are being renovated and turned into highly desirable rural retreats.

Each of the luxury homes is to be heated by an LV air source heat pump, which will be connected via multi-branch manifolds to OMNIE’s Staple underfloor heating system across the ground floors with the company’s LowBoard being specified to warm the upper levels. Then to maximise fuel efficiency and help guarantee a healthy indoor living environment, a constant supply of pre-warmed and filtered fresh air will be supplied via one of OMNIE’s Zehnder ComfoAir mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units.

The Totnes conversions vividly demonstrate how high efficiency heat pumps, combined with underfloor heating developed to bring the best performance from them, can heat any home and keep fuel consumption to a minimum. Coupled with the ComfoAir MVHR units, the development also illustrates OMNIE’s capabilities to design and deliver its ‘Whole-House” concept, with a nationwide service able to assist clients with any type of application. www.omnie.co.uk

Effective heating controls are a vital part of an efficient central-heating system. Heating controls manufacturer ESi says it makes huge sense to look more closely at the options. ESi offers a range of programmers from a simple 1 Channel version to a 3 channel Multi-Purpose Programmer which enables the housing provider to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations by providing separate timed heating control for living and sleeping zones in a home, whilst also providing timed control of hot water.

These programmers also feature a “Landlord” option to encourage social housing tenants to allow access for annual maintenance. ESi has developed a unique new electronic dual Cylinder Thermostat - a revolutionary new energy saving product. It is a direct and economical replacement for traditional mechanical dual cylinder thermostats. It offers real safety and energy saving benefits and provides accurate temperature control with a clear and informative LCD display. Hot water can be stored at any temperature between 25 and 65 degrees C.

It has the added advantage of a weekly automatic one hour “boost” that can be set at a time that is best for the homeowners. Most homes in the UK still tend to have a single heating zone – and the only control in the rooms is by thermostatic radiator valves. When a new central-heating system is installed, it's possible to fit a full zone control that has different pipe loops and separate thermostats for two or more areas. This can offer significant energy savings. www.esicontrols.co.uk.

When Brigton Football Club (R.F.U.), or ‘Brighton Blues’, a Rugby Club playing their rugby at Level 5 of the National Pyramid, were working on their accounts and monthly cash flows, the cost of electricity stood out like a sore thumb. Electricity costs had almost doubled in a year; and this was before the recent surge in electricity costs, with further, significant increases forecast in the months ahead.

Off the grid at their ground alongside the A27 London Road to the north of Brighton, they were 100% reliant on electricity to heat the Club House and more importantly heat the hot water for the regular showers required after each match. The Club House, built in 1992 had acquired the name ‘the fridge’ in the coldest months of the year. Reliant on archaic storage heaters that could not heat the Club House area, it was an expensive waste of money. The hot water for the showers was provided via 18kW immersion heaters, heating two huge 2500 litre lagged copper tanks. Due to lime scale build up, these were not working to full efficiency. A third 300 litre cylinder heated water for the referees’ showers, the kitchens and the Club House toilets and was heated by a 3kW immersion heater.

The hot water had to be turned on for 36 hours from cold to achieve the levels of heated water required – a cost of close on £210 per week for the two large cylinders – nearly £11,000 a year. With limited thermostat control, the water for showers was heated at around 80°C and had to be cooled via mixing valves with cold water to bring the temperature down to around 40°C via the pipework for when the showers were taken. For one game or four, all the water had to be heated every time there was a game. Simply put - very expensive and very wasteful.

Chairman of Mini & Youth at Brighton Rugby and owner of local company BB Heat Pumps is Paul Dunk. He and son Alfie are heating experts and after a lengthy discussion about the options for reducing the heating and hot water costs with the Club, they set about thinking through the heating dilemma.

After more than three decades of working within the heating industry, BB Heat Pumps is looking towards the future and are now considered experts in the renewable energy field. Based in Brighton, East Sussex, BB Heat Pumps are fully trained and qualified Installation Engineers, specialising in Air-Source Heat Pumps. They hold their own MCS Accreditation* – the Gold Standard in the Industry. Being a member of MCS demonstrates their adherence to defined Industry Standards and gives their clients confidence in their ability and compliance. to Caspar Speakman at Unitherm Heating Systems, the largest distributor of heat pumps for leading manufacturer LG in the UK. They designed a system that would see air source heat pumps heating the water using the existing cylinders for both the showers and the club house itself via a number of brand-new radiators. The bar area was heated up to 12 degrees C at all times, boosted to 18 degrees C from 4pm and up to 20 degrees C for match days. This has already been well received by the players and members of the Club. Heating costs will fall further once planned additional levels of insulation are installed in the Club House making it even warmer and cost effective to heat.

BB Heat Pumps installed two 14kW LG Therma V air to water heat pumps, installing a concrete base outside the back of the club house on which the heat pump external units stand. They designed and installed a system in the club house plant room that saw the heat from the pumps circulate through the pipework

and via two individual plate heat exchangers into the cylinders to heat up the water. Instead of the 80°C plus temperatures the old immersion heaters used to heat to, these heated the water to 55°C saving significantly on the lost heat from the cylinders.

The 5000 litres of water in the tanks is needed due to the volume of water required for the showers. BB Heat Pumps had to incorporate elements from the old traditional system, designing a system that didn’t have to replace everything and could keep the large cylinders in place along with the ‘domestic’ tanks in the loft space.

As a result, they incorporated the two custom made plate heat exchangers from UK Heat Exchangers to transfer the heat generated from the heat pumps across to the cold feed of the two 2500 litre cylinders to act as a ‘pre-heat’ circulation via a bronze pump.

The immediate benefits of the new system are clear. The old system was costing just short of £210 per weekend in electricity. After three weekends of usage, LG heat pump 2 - which is hot water only - has used £48-64 of electricity as opposed to the old system that would have cost c£104 a weekend, multiplied by the three weekends – a total of £312– a saving of £262 over the threeweek period.

The £207 a week incurred by the old system was just for the showers – it didn’t include the cost of the kitchen, toilets and heating. LG Heat Pump 1 - which heats the other 2500 litre cylinder, the 300 litre cylinder that services the referees showers, kitchens, WC’s and the central heating for the club house - has used £272 in the same three week period – around £90 a week - less than just heating one large cylinder for a single weekend prior to the new installation.

Instead of having to turn the immersion heaters on 36 hours before showers were needed, for a two o’clock kick off match where the showers are needed at 4pm, the timer switches the immersion on at 3pm and gives the tanks an hour-long water temperature boost – highlighting the financial benefits of heating up warm tanks rather than starting from cold. This boost is also needed of course to address concerns relating to Legionella in standing water tanks, and the boost ensures bacteria is killed at the higher temperature. www.unitherm.co.uk and www.bbheatpumps.co.uk