Glazerite create a new lease of life for college

Tags: Products, Glazerite | Added: 23 February 2016

The Bellerive FCJ Catholic College in Sefton, Liverpool, has been given a new lease of life thanks to the addition of 94 bespoke PVC-U vertical sliders, manufactured by Glazerite's dedicated Specials Production Facility in Wellingborough and expertly installed by Network VEKA member, K2 Aluminum, in Birkenhead.

The substantial project, which was managed by Cunliffes Construction Consultants, posed a number of demanding challenges, not least of which was the fact that the 170-year old school is situated in a conservation area. As such, a key part of the extensive renovation was to convince the local planning authorities that it would be possible to produce a modern, energy efficient PVC-U 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 Window’s North West Division, based in Bolton, 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.

“It was a difficult project for a number of reasons, such as ensuring that we protected all the original internal timber works, but 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.”

Glazerite is an established Network VEKA member and is the system company’s largest trade fabricator in the UK. Offering a fully nationwide service, Glazerite has manufacturing hubs in Northants and Greater Manchester, as well as a South West distribution centre in Bristol that serves South Wales and The West of England.

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