WINDOW SYSTEMS
huge difference to the main entrance and communal public areas. Aluminium-framed commercial doors are also suitable for interior spaces, as they are non-corrosive, meaning they can withstand the rigorous cleaning procedures required of a hospital environment without any detriment to the quality of their finish. Glazed aluminium internal doors also allow natural light to flow, and any obstacles or other building users to be easily seen, so that accidents from collisions can be avoided.
Daylighting by design The link between natural daylight and wellbeing has been well documented; providing those who are using a healthcare facility with uninterrupted views of the outside can have a positive effect on their wellbeing and recovery. The strength of aluminium allows larger expanses of glazing to be supported in much slimmer frames to maximise daylighting, and as there are so many different shapes and sizes available, an aluminium window can open up even the smallest room. The use of aluminium curtain walling can also transform a building’s façade, maximising natural light, and creating a clear connection with the outside areas. Whether curtain walling is being used to frame a striking external entrance, create a feature glazed atrium, or is being installed internally to ‘zone’ open-plan communal spaces, choosing a slim-profile system will create a much sleeker effect. Mitigating solar gain is also a key
consideration when a building incorporates a large amount of glazing, and here the use of a louvre system will not only help, but can add another aesthetic detail. Choosing a curtain wall system that is fully compatible with the specified aluminium
Andrew Cooper and Senior Architectural Systems
Andrew Cooper is the National Specification manager for Senior Architectural Systems, the UK’s largest privately- owned aluminium fenestration systems manufacturer. He works alongside a team of regionally-based architectural advisors who are on hand to assist specifiers in creating thermally efficient fenestration designs – from providing guidance on the different products available, to helping with U-value calculations. He has strong links with main contractors and architects, and Senior’s established network of installer and fabricator partners, working on projects across the healthcare and care home sectors. In 2023 Senior received the King’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation, in recognition of its patented low U-value PURe range of aluminium windows and doors.
windows and doors is another way to create a more energy-efficient façade.
Giving ventilation a boost Creating a well-ventilated space is also crucial for healthcare settings, and replacement windows need to feature easy-to-use opening mechanisms or trickle vents. Bear in mind that trickle vents will affect the U-value performance of a window, so always be sure to push your supplier to provide the most accurate thermal calculations from the offset. There are many styles of opening mechanisms to choose from, but this function must be taken with a view to safety, and specifically how falls from height can be prevented. The use of window restrictors is a standard procedure, as outlined in the Health Building Note 00-10 Part D: Windows and associated hardware, but a window replacement strategy also opens up the possibility of the use of new innovations.
For example, a parallel push-style window can be a safe option for controlled ventilation and airflow. With hinges on all sides of the frame, the window can be easily pushed open, and yet will remain parallel to the wall. This enables rooms to be safely ventilated, with the limited opening helping to reduce the risk of falls from the window. With so much to consider – not least the challenge of working on existing healthcare facilities which are still operational, specifiers responsible for updating NHS estates face a huge and complex task. Tapping into the expertise of the supply chain can highlight areas where additional savings can be made, both in terms of maintenance costs and embedded carbon. At Senior we have launched a new consultancy service to advise on how the retrofitting of new aluminium fenestration systems can help to create healthier and more sustainable buildings across the healthcare sector.
May 2024 Health Estate Journal 49
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