16 COMMENT
Alternatively, several members are able to carry out detailed restoration work, often involving the insitu repair of even the earliest metal windows, including wrought iron frames and those containing leaded lights. Aiding them in this work is a manufacturer which produces a comprehensive selection of architectural ironmongery and brassware in both traditional and contemporary finishes – such as ‘oil-rubbed’ brass. A further work stream is expected to come through the repurposing of old high street stores or office buildings, where conversion to residential use – without sacrificing their architectural integrity – is likely to require an upgrade from W20 or earlier Universal Suite windows to W30 or W40 units – delivering far better thermal efficiency. Significantly, the selection of systems available through the SWA enables consultants and their clients to bring the energy performance of refurbishment or remodelling work within the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations. Another of the Approved Documents, Part B which covers fire performance, was revised two years ago, changing the way in which internal doorsets of all types are tested, so that now under BS476 Part 22 (1987) Clause 8 they must be subjected to fire on both sides. Unfortunately, this has caused a backlog of work for the UK’s accredited laboratories; and although the SWA has successfully concluded indicative testing on window elements, along with their beading, full certification for such internal applications is not expected until next year. Of course, one of the key reasons why both specifiers and building occupants are very keen on steel fenestration is its robustness and heightened security; which is why in commercial
Looking ahead, with the expectation that the economy will follow the 2021-22 growth profile projected by the IMF, the SWA intends to continue being proactive in its dealings with the market
and retail applications, where high value contents must be protected, steel is the primary option for fabricating ‘bandit resistant’ screens. Extending this benefit still further across the market, SWA is well advanced with development work to make multipoint locking available for inclusion within all the suites of profiles, enhancing resistance to both jemmying and ‘hard body impacts.’ Finally, it is anticipated that the continuing development work being conducted on the W50 TB suite – where the dual section profiles are physically split by a high-performance thermal break, providing far better energy performance and a striking personality of their own – will lead to increased use on apartment complexes and commercial buildings. Looking ahead, with the expectation that the economy will follow the 2021-22 growth profile projected by the IMF, the SWA intends to continue being proactive in its dealings with the market. Across its membership, there remains sufficient capacity to deliver projects for clients in all construction sectors.
Darren Lloyd is the president of the Steel Window Association
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
ADF DECEMBER 2020
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
