An extensive renovation of this 170 year old school situated in a conservation area posed a number of demanding challenges. Just goes to show what a great installation company, fabricator and supply partners can achieve, even when up against it.
A key part of this project was to convince the local planning authorities that it would be possible to produce a modern, energy efficient uPVC window that could successfully mimic the appearance and style of the school’s existing timber items – many of which had become so dilapidated, that they could no longer be opened.
After an initial technical consultation to provide feasibility, specification and wind load calculations for the proposed frames with system supplier, VEKA, Glazerite’s North West Division, submitted a sample window featuring knifed corner joints, a deep bottom rail and run through horns that was duly approved by the planning department overseeing the scheme.
The installation at Bellerive was made all the more complicated due to the sheer size of some of the windows, which also included a variety of twin sash, triple sash and arch designs, as well as the time constraints put in place in order to minimise disruption for staff and pupils at the school itself.
According to K2 Aluminium’s Liam Bird, the installation at Bellerive might have presented a number of unique hurdles, but the end result was well worth the effort: “The planning officer not only wanted the replacement windows to replicate the original timber appearance they had to reproduce the period features as well. The support we had from Glazerite was fantastic though. They always produce a great window and always on time, which is why we have such a great working relationship with them. The end result has not only helped to improve the appearance of such an established school, but provided a much better environment for its pupils to learn in as well."
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