Blog Archives - Senior Architectural Systems https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/category/blog/ Innovative window, door and curtain wall systems that bring buildings to life Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:45:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/cropped-sas-site-icon-32x32.png Blog Archives - Senior Architectural Systems https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/category/blog/ 32 32 Building industry awareness for the next generation https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/building-industry-awareness-for-the-next-generation/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:05:20 +0000 https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/?p=31455 The construction and manufacturing industries are key to the future growth of the UK economy and both play integral roles in shaping, and improving, our built environment. But in such a… Read more

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The construction and manufacturing industries are key to the future growth of the UK economy and both play integral roles in shaping, and improving, our built environment. But in such a highly skilled sector, what happens when the experience and expertise just isn’t there anymore? In our latest blog, we take a closer look at why bridging the construction industry skills gap is a project that we all need to work together to deliver.

Challenges to overcome

The UK Trade Skills Index 2023 report highlights the key challenges that the UK construction sector is facing and presents some facts and figures that really put the widening skills gap into perspective. One of the most sobering statics is that one third of the current workforce is over the age of 50 and are likely to retire in the next decade. That means that time is literally running out to attract, train and retain the next generation of talent.

There is of course lots of work to be done in increasing the number of apprenticeships in the construction industry but what if conversations around pursuing a career in construction could start even earlier? What if we could reach younger children and show them the many different roles that are available? What if, rather than being an after-thought, working in the engineering, manufacturing and construction industry was at the forefront of their minds when it came to choosing what and how to study? Here at Senior we believe that this presents a real opportunity and that’s exactly why we went back to school…

The Better Learners Better Workers Programme

We have recently become involved with the Better Learners Better Workers Programme, an innovative scheme which was founded by The Cutlers’ Company, a prestigious association of engineering and manufacturing companies in South Yorkshire. The Company, which our very own managing director Mark Wadsworth is a member of, established the programme back in 2010 and since then it has grown in size and scope, with several employers and schools across the region working together to give children an informative and practical introduction into various career options. As a leading manufacturer and partner to the construction industry, Senior has been at the forefront of innovation for the last 30 years so when the opportunity arose, we were delighted to get involved and share our expertise.

We are currently working with a local secondary school – Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, which is based nearby in Doncaster, only a stone’s throw from our main UK manufacturing facility in Denaby. To support the school’s participation in the Better Learners Better Workers Programme we have been working directly with students from Year 9 and Year 10 to give them a hands-on and real-life view of what working in the fenestration sector and wider construction industry could look like. Various members of our team have been involved so far, including our MD Mark and our technical director Mark Wheatley, and we’ve run several interactive and fun sessions to promote problem-solving and creative thinking. The response has been fantastic and with so much energy and interest on show from the students, it is clear that taking construction into the classroom has clear benefits.

Building on this foundation

As our work with the staff and students at Sir Thomas Wharton Academy continues, we are always looking at other ways to fly the flag for a future career in the construction industry at a grass-roots level. Whether this is supporting our main contractor customers with their own initiatives by donating products and sharing our technical expertise, or organising interactive schemes for local children like our Design-A-Den competition, we are keen to keep the conversations around careers in construction open and ongoing.

With that mind, we are encouraging a wider discussion about how we all can address the construction industry skills shortage on Aluminium Day – our dedicated annual social media event that will take place across our various channels on March 13th 2024. Have you got an apprenticeship success story? Have you launched a recent initiative to help support younger people in choosing a career in construction? Do you have strong opinion on what the industry should, or shouldn’t, do to bridge the skills gap? If so we want to hear from you – look out for the dedicated Aluminium Day content across Senior’s LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X, and join the conversation using the #AluminiumDay hashtag.

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Future-proofing your fenestration https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/future-proofing-your-fenestration/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:05:21 +0000 https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/?p=31445 At the end of last year, the government opened its consultation on the proposed Future Homes Standard for new build homes ahead of its planned introduction in 2025. With the industry still… Read more

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At the end of last year, the government opened its consultation on the proposed Future Homes Standard for new build homes ahead of its planned introduction in 2025. With the industry still getting to grips with meeting the stricter Part L targets, it’s never been more important to future-proof your thinking when it comes to aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems. In our latest blog, we take a look at some of the key challenges – and opportunities – that 2024 has in store.

It’s fair to say that the future of the Future Homes Standard is far from clear, but as the 12 week consultation nears its completion on 6th March, more will be revealed and hopefully understood. What we can take as a given though is that energy-efficiency targets will only get stricter and this puts the focus not only on the availability of sustainable building materials, but also on the environmental credentials of the companies that make them.

Don’t make fabric first an after thought

Although in its current form, the Future Homes Standard seems to be placing more emphasis on ‘green’ and renewable energy sources such as solar PV panels and heat source pumps, the importance of creating homes that reduce heat loss is still an important consideration – and thermally-efficient aluminium windows and doors have a vital role to play.

As any new targets are likely to build on what has already been introduced with the 2022 updates to Part L of the Building Regulations, we should be looking to exceed rather than just meet these current U-values. We have developed a wide range of compliant aluminium windows and doors, including our patented PURe® aluminium window that can achieve U-values of 0.71 W/m2K when calculated as a CEN commercial window and we are constantly looking at ways to bring more innovation and choice to our customers. This includes offering a fully compatible range of windows, doors and curtain wall systems that together can provide a more holistic approach to the ‘fabric first’ method of building design. After all, whether a building’s heat source is traditional or renewable, ‘green’ energy will escape just as quickly through a poorly insulated home so getting the fenestration right is a must.

Retrofit means business

Of course it’s not just about new builds – there is lots of work to be done to improve the energy efficiency of existing housing and commercial building stock. The retrofit market is definitely one to watch, with the government announcing a new wave of funding and recommendations to improve the energy-efficiency of existing properties.

Replacing old and draughty windows is an essential part of this, so it’s good to know that all our aluminium windows can be installed with double or triple-glazed glass to enhance the thermal-performance of the frame. We also offer full product training and a range of support service to all our fabricators and installers to help identify the most effective solutions for retrofit projects. As a privately owned manufacturer, we are also in complete control of the production of our products so we can support large and long term contracts.

For heritage and period properties that require a more modern solution, we can also offer a number of stylish fenestration systems, including our Ali VU window. This slim framed heritage style window is not only Part L compliant but is also ideally suited for projects in conservation areas where planning restrictions may apply. We are excited to soon add a new heritage door to our range and more details on this will be available very soon!

Sustainability in the supply chain

Another conservation that is set to continue into 2024 and beyond is the very important issue of supply chain sustainability and in particular, the need to have a greater awareness of how much carbon is generated through the manufacture, delivery, installation and disposal of specified building materials. We appreciate that for any product to be truly sustainable, it’s not just about how well it performs when installed. After all, if an aluminium window system achieves low U-values but this is at the cost of an energy-intensive manufacturing process or a large carbon footprint being created through its transportation from an overseas manufacturer, the overall picture might not be as green as first thought.

We have put sustainability at the heart of our business operations, from ensuring that we only use ethically sourced and recycled aluminium in all our extrusions, to continuously investing in our UK based manufacturing facility and distribution centre to reduce the environmental impact our business operations.

Flexibility going forwards

From investing in our manufacturing capabilities to ensuring that we can offer a wide range of low carbon and thermally-efficient compliant aluminium, we are ready to help all our customers navigate the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

To discuss how we can help support you, please get in touch with us today.

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Your partner for Part L https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/your-partner-for-part-l/ Wed, 11 Oct 2023 08:45:45 +0000 https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/?p=30970 As the requirements for low U-value windows and doors continues to evolve, it’s important that fabricators and installers don’t get left behind. In our latest blog, we offer some top tips… Read more

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As the requirements for low U-value windows and doors continues to evolve, it’s important that fabricators and installers don’t get left behind. In our latest blog, we offer some top tips on how to navigate the latest regulations and requirements.

The fenestration industry is evolving and it can be hard to keep up. With the latest updates to Part L of the Building Regulations now mandatory, all eyes are on the forthcoming Future Homes Standard. The legislation on this is expected to be published in 2024 ahead of its implementation in 2025. Regulations are also changing in Scotland, with plans to introduce an equivalent standard to Passivhaus to support the necessary move to greater energy efficiency in new-build housing.

In the commercial sector, this is leading to lots of discussion, and speculation, about what the new standards will mean. In the residential sector, homeowners who are still feeling the pinch of unprecedented fuel bills are also asking more questions about how thermally-efficient windows and doors can help them save money as well as energy.

Future proof your thinking

This changing landscape means that products that you have used for years, may no longer be up to task and even if they meet the current standards, will this still be the case in 2025? The best manufacturers are those that are already looking ahead, working hard behind the scenes to develop products that not only meet but exceed current regulations. Tapping into the technical expertise of your supplier can support the conversations you are having and work you are pitching for. Collaboration is key to compliance and if they can’t give you the answers you need, it may be time to talk to someone else.

Invest in product training

Finding an energy-efficient, low U-value window or door system is only half the battle in achieving compliance with Part L as such systems have to work as effectively in practice as they do in theory. This can only be achieved if the products are easy to fabricate and install to meet the new airtightness targets. Bridging this so-called ‘performance gap’ is a key requirement of the new Building Regulations, with contractors now required to submit photographic evidence to show that the energy-saving measures work as they were designed to. This puts pressure on the manufactures to create easy to use compliant products and also puts greater focus on the accuracy of the contractor’s work. Product training can benefit both parties as it provides valuable feedback for manufactures and allows both fabricators and installers to hone their skills. If your current supplier doesn’t offer this, you are already at a disadvantage.

Remember the bigger picture

With so much focus on meeting the new regulations and standards, it can be easy to lose sight of the fact that low U-value windows and doors still need to tick many other boxes. For example, they need have aesthetic appeal and plenty of design options. They also need to be easy to work with and importantly, they need to be competitively priced. If your current supplier can’t offer you the flexibility you need to meet your customer’s specific requirements, there is another choice.

The Senior way

At Senior, we offer a range of energy-efficient aluminium windows and doors that exceed the current Part L regulations and are made from low carbon aluminium that is fully recyclable. As we are based in the UK, the carbon footprint of the manufacturing and distribution process are also significantly reduced.

Sustainability is a key part of our company’s ethos, which means we are continuously investing in our manufacturing capabilities, product range and technical expertise. We prefer to be proactive rather than reactive which is why we’ve already got a number of tried and tested energy-saving aluminium fenestration systems products on the market, from our slimline Ali VU windows and Ali doors, to our patented thermally-enhanced PURe® range.

We’re currently working towards addressing the next wave of regulations and our team of technical sales managers is on hand to help our customers stay ahead of the game. Talk to us today about your next project and discover more about our energy-efficient aluminium windows and doors.

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Going round in circles? Making sense of a more sustainable supply chain https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/going-round-in-circles-making-sense-of-a-more-sustainable-supply-chain/ Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:15:52 +0000 https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/?p=30947 The road to Net Zero may be leading the construction industry in a new direction but some processes, like the reliance on linear supply chains, can prove to be hard habits to break. In our latest… Read more

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The road to Net Zero may be leading the construction industry in a new direction but some processes, like the reliance on linear supply chains, can prove to be hard habits to break. In our latest blog, we discuss the theory behind supply chain circularity and the ways specifiers and manufacturers can put it into practice.

Sustainability is, as it should be, a key priority for the construction industry and everyone has a role to play in reducing the environmental impact of the work we do. The latest uplift to the Building Regulations highlights the importance of making and using more energy-efficient products and the need to provide fully Part L compliant systems has certainly encouraged significant innovation within the fenestration sector. Other important regulatory changes, such as the Building Safety Act and the planned Future Homes Standard, further support the ideology that the performance of building materials when in situ is only really as good as the quality of technical information, test results and third-party accreditations that support them.

By only focusing on how well a window, door or other system performs when operational is to lose sight of the important issue of embodied carbon which is often the more accurate indication of how sustainable a product really is.

Looking at whether a circular supply chain is in place is one of the best ways to get the whole view.

Working in the right circles

A circular supply chain is often based on three broad principles – reduce, reuse, and recycle. This encourages the greater use of recycled materials in manufacturing to lessen the industry’s reliance on raw materials and natural resources. It also encourages the reuse of these materials at the end of a product or building’s life to reduce the amount of waste being produced and sent to landfill. Of course, this is a very simplistic overview as in reality, there are many specific environmental, economic, and logistical issues that need to be addressed and these vary greatly depending on the type of product in question. For example, some products may be able to be made from recycled materials but cannot be as easily recycled at the end of life. Others may be able to be recycled in theory but the process could be so energy intensive that it becomes prohibitive.

However, many manufacturers are increasingly being able to support the ‘cradle to cradle’ recyclability of their products and this closed loop is what gives a circular supply chain it’s shape. This has been widely adopted within the aluminium fenestration industry and has been a key focus for Senior as we look to reduce the environmental impact our own manufacturing process.

So, what does supply chain circularity look like in reality?

Sustainable supply chains in action

The aluminium industry is a good example of circular supply chain for many reasons, not least because aluminium is used to create numerous materials and products that are used extensively across the built environment. In fact, the development of thermally-efficient and low U-value aluminium windows and doors have been essential in providing a Part L complaint solution to reducing energy loss in new build properties. Aluminium can also be endlessly recycled, without any detriment to its quality, and this plentiful supply can be reused to create new aluminium products, thereby reducing the reliance on the use of raw materials.

Partnering with an experienced and reputable product manufacturer that already has invested heavily in the sustainability of its products is one of the easiest ways that specifiers can tap into the benefits of a circular supply chain. Working with a UK supplier, that also has a UK based supply chain will also reduce risk and embodied carbon generated though transportation. Another benchmark is to choose a supplier that holds accreditation to BRE Global’s BES 6001 standard, which supports their commitment to the responsible and sustainable sourcing of construction materials.

A circular supply chain is only as successful as each of its component parts. For example, there must be enough investment in the development of suitable recycling plants so that the building products can be broken down and the aluminium elements recycled for future use. Ideally these need to be located within the UK. Manufacturers must then commit to the responsible sourcing of recycled aluminium for use in the production of their own products. Architects, main contractors, and end-clients not only need to promote the use of sustainable materials but also need to ensure that they are disposed of correctly at the end of the building’s life.

Everyone has a role to play and by taking a more holistic approach to the whole life cycle of a product, collectively we will fuel the collaboration and innovation needed to make supply chain circularity more widely accessible.

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Better by design – the importance of efficient fenestration design in the healthcare sector https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/better-by-design-the-importance-of-efficient-fenestration-design-in-the-healthcare-sector/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:27:58 +0000 https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/?p=30871 From improving natural light to reducing damp and boosting energy-efficiency, fenestration has a huge role to play in creating healthcare buildings that are fit for purpose. Although… Read more

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From improving natural light to reducing damp and boosting energy-efficiency, fenestration has a huge role to play in creating healthcare buildings that are fit for purpose. Although architects can address these issues in new build schemes, how can improvements be made to the NHS’s existing and deteriorating estates? In our lastest blog, we take discuss the how product innovations can give refurbished hospitals and other healthcare facilities a much-needed energy boost.

Sustainable building design is high on the agenda for most sectors but for the NHS, rising operational costs and the expense of refurbishing and repairing existing facilities has created a greater sense of urgency. This is the focus of the recently published NHS Net Zero Building Standard, which looks specifically at how both costs and carbon can be reduced. As fenestration – and by that we mean windows, doors, and curtain walling – plays such a huge role in preventing heat loss from the building envelope, the size, style, and positioning of all glazed units need to be carefully considered. But how can the benefits of modern and efficient fenestration be retro-fitted into existing and often aging healthcare buildings?

Early engagement with fenestration systems manufacturers is a good place to start.

The importance of low U-value fenestration

The development of thermally-efficient aluminium windows systems has come on leaps and bounds over the last decade, which means that many older healthcare buildings don’t come close to complying with the current Part L regulations. The reality of this is that these buildings are also more expensive to heat. With energy costs at an all-time high, replacing and upgrading windows to a system that is not only easy to maintain but which gives exceptionally low U-values by retaining more heat is a wise investment. The added benefit of switching to an aluminium window system with a high performance thermal-barrier is that they are built to last and require little or no maintenance throughout their life span. This durability of aluminium windows can be further enhanced by powder coating, which also enables new windows to be colour matched to any existing fenestration systems that are to remain in place.

Fenestration and wellbeing

The link between natural daylight and wellbeing has been well documented and it’s important to provide those who are using a healthcare facility with uninterrupted views of the outside. 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 and fixed light windows can also create more welcoming entrance areas to further reduce the reliance on artificial light.

Creating a well-ventilated space is also important and replacement windows need to feature easy-to-use opening mechanisms or trickle vents. There are many styles to choose from but this function must be taken with a view on safety, and specifically how falls from height can be prevented. The use of window restrictors is a standard procedure 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.

Door designs for the healthcare sector

As heat can also escape through doors, it’s important to choose a system that can achieve low U-values so that the amount of energy lost is minimised. Automatic opening doors are commonplace in hospital environments and sliding doors are ideal as they save space and reduce the number of touch points. However, it’s important to check that doors all work effectively as those that stay open for too long, or do not fully close, will contribute to further energy loss. Swing doors are also a popular choice as they provide quick access but in a busy hospital environment, a strong, heavy, and robust door is essential.

Glazed doors can aid navigation and boost daylighting and although they may not be suitable for all areas of a hospital where a greater level of privacy is required, they can make a 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 its 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.

Best practice – how we can help

With so much to consider and 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 operational costs and carbon emissions.

If you are working on a healthcare project, get in touch and see how we can help.

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Powder Coating – Starting with the Right Finish https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/powder-coating-starting-with-the-right-finish/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:48:31 +0000 https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/?p=30788 Thermally-efficient and fully recyclable aluminium fenestration systems score highly in terms of sustainability and thanks to advances in powder coating technologies, aluminium… Read more

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Thermally-efficient and fully recyclable aluminium fenestration systems score highly in terms of sustainability and thanks to advances in powder coating technologies, aluminium can be so much more than a ‘green’ material. In our latest blog, we look at the advantages of powder coated aluminium.

The powder coating process

The benefits that powder coating brings range from creating bespoke designs and adding aesthetic appeal to extending the already impressive lifespan of aluminium by protecting it from the elements. But how does it work?

Rather than a liquid paint, powder coating is just that – a dry powder that is essentially ‘baked’ onto prepared aluminium profiles. This process usually involves the bars being secured on a line, where they are pre-treated, degreased, acid etched and covered in an undercoat of chromate rinse to protect the material from corrosion. The bars are then taken into a drying oven before being transported on the line to a powder booth where charged powder particles cover the prepared aluminium profiles. Following this, the powder coating is ‘baked’ onto the profile to provide the final finish.


 

Efficiency starts with the right supplier

As powder coating can be an energy-intensive process, it’s prudent to consider the embedded carbon and the wider cost implications. The more advanced powder coating facilities available, such as our own in-house facility, have been designed to be as efficient as possible, and specifically to reduce the amount of waste product being sent to landfill. As we can undertake all powder coating ourselves without the need to outsource, we can also help reduce the embedded carbon through transportation by consolidating deliveries, all the while reducing the risk by making it easier to adhere to project timelines and budgets.

Maximising maintenance cycles

Aluminium fenestration systems are already extremely durable and require little or no maintenance but powder coating can offer extra protection to projects located in more challenging environments like coastal projects or those that have greater exposure to abrasive chemicals such as in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. New advances in powder coating finishes can also help protect against UV damage and antimicrobial options are available to help boost hygiene and cleanliness.


 

Find your perfect match

Powder coating is also a creative process. Specifiers can take advantage of the latest trends and innovations, with decorative and textured finishes available to create truly individual designs.

The range of colours available is important, so look for a supplier that can offer both the full spectrum of RAL colours and create more bespoke colour palettes. This variety is essential for both the retail and commercial sectors where there is often a desire to create strong brand identities and match corporate colours. Dual colour options to create a different look for the exterior and interior surface of the frames are also very effective. As well as adding aesthetic value to the exterior facades, the use of contrasting colours internally can play a vital role in assisting wayfinding around buildings, which is an important consideration for many new education and healthcare projects.

Choosing the level of finish also requires careful consideration, with matt, satin, and gloss all having different visual and practical benefits. For example, a flat matt finish may not be as easy to clean as high-gloss surfaces but it will better disguise any imperfections. As the sheen levels of the chosen finish will also affect the specific Light Reflective Values of the glazing package, it’s important to discuss with your supplier to identify the most suitable solution for your project.


 

New innovations

We are always keen to embrace innovation in all aspects of our operations, and our in-house powder coating service is no exception. For example, customers are often unsure if anodised or powder-coated aluminium is more appropriate for their project and if a more natural finish is desired, anodised aluminium usually wins. However, the finish of anodised aluminium can sometimes be inconsistent in terms of shading and tone. The anodising process also doesn’t protect the edges of the aluminium frame in the same way that powder coating does and unfortunately, anodised aluminium can’t easily be repaired or ‘touched up’ on site.

Fortunately, we can now offer a new powder paint finish from Akzo Nobel that offers the best of both worlds. The new ultra matt finish can achieve the same aesthetic appeal of anodised aluminium but with better consistency, particularly between joints, and the added bonus of allowing marks and scuffs to be repaired on site. It can offer enhanced durability, with up to five times more colour retention than standard coatings, and is also competitively priced. The ultra matt coating can also help reduce embedded carbon, as it is a far less time intensive process, produces less waste and is completely solvent-free. Our aluminium fenestration systems, finished in this new ultra matt coating, are currently being installed at a new commercial office project in Manchester which is at present the largest live project in the UK to utilise this new powder-coating innovation. We’ll be sharing more details about this project very soon!

Can we help?

In the meantime, why not get in touch with us to find out more about how our in-house powder coating service can enhance the aluminium fenestration package on your next project? Find your regional contact here.

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Seven reasons why PURe® is our most popular innovation https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/seven-reasons-why-pure-is-our-most-popular-innovation/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:04:10 +0000 https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/?p=30657 It’s been seven years since we were awarded a UK patent for our low U-value PURe® aluminium window and door system and in that time, the industry has seen many changes. A new milestone… Read more

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It’s been seven years since we were awarded a UK patent for our low U-value PURe® aluminium window and door system and in that time, the industry has seen many changes. A new milestone is also on the horizon when the new changes to Part L of the Building Regulations become mandatory for all new buildings on 15th June 2023. In our latest blog, we look back at how our award-winning innovation has been helping our customers future-proof their projects.
 

  1. Saving energy

    Although we received our patent in 2016, we first unveiled our PURe® windows system a year before and its development had been years in the making. We knew that we needed to offer our customers a solution that would reduce heat loss to meet the current regulations but would also exceed them. In doing this, we were well ahead of the curve in terms of meeting the lower U-value requirements that were brought in with the 2022 updates to Part L of the Building Regulations. A transition period has been in place, whereby any planned buildings didn’t have to comply to the new lower targets providing work commenced before 15th June 2023 – but the approaching deadline means that Part L compliance is mandatory for all and our PURe® system has been a game changer. As well as offering our customers an easy route to compliance, we have also been able to give them the reassurance of using a tried and tested product that had already been successfully installed on various projects across the sectors.

  2. Offering design flexibility

    The low U-value and thermal efficiency of our PURe® aluminium system is without doubt its most impressive feature but we appreciate that achieving low U-values is only half the battle to creating fenestration designs that stand the test of time. Like all our products, the intrinsic strength and durability of aluminium means that our systems require little or no maintenance and the aluminium frames are also strong enough to support larger spans of glazing to offer narrower sightlines. As no project is the same, and with design flexibility a key requirement for our architectural partners, we soon applied the same patented PURe® technology to other window styles and developed a complementary suite of door options. Our full PURe® range now includes five different windows styles and three door options – PURe® SLIDE, PURe® FOLD and the PURe® Commercial Door.

  3. Reducing embodied carbon

    We've not just ticked the box by creating our PURe® system – we've been thinking outside of it! Its unique construction makes it the only aluminium window on the UK market to feature a thermal barrier made from PUR polyurethane foam. It is also designed, developed, and manufactured right here in the UK and reducing the embodied carbon across the full process has been a major priority for us. We've done this by investing in our own in-house facilities, including the opening of our new Thermal Improvement Centre in Rotherham which is dedicated to the production of our PURe® system and the other Part L compliant products within our wider range, such as our slimline Ali Vu system. To support the sustainability of our aluminium frame, the complete PURe® system, including the PUR thermal barrier, can be recycled and reused with no requirement for landfill.

  4. Providing the golden thread of information

    When we developed our PURe® system we ensured that it met all the necessary requirements and we can provide our customers with detailed information about the testing procedures as well as practical guidance about how it should be installed. With the ‘golden thread of information' an important process in promoting best practice across the construction industry, we are committed to doing our part in providing traceable and transparent information about how our products are manufactured and tested. Our PURe® aluminium system has been tested to the relevant UK and European Standards for shear strength, air permeability, water tightness and wind resistance as well as rigorous thermal testing. This has led to achieving a generic Green Guide rating of A for use in commercial projects, with the potential to achieve U-values as low as 0.73 W/m2K when calculated as a commercial CEN standard window.

    As well as achieving compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations, the PUR thermal barrier is a non-toxic, non-flammable material which has a Class O fire rating and will not give off any Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) when in use.

  5. Meeting the demands of the commercial market

    As the UK's largest privately owned manufacturer of aluminium fenestration systems in the UK, we like to think big – which is why we created the PURe® Commercial Door back in 2019. This is our largest and strongest door to date and has been specifically developed to meet the needs of the commercial sector. Designed to accommodate a maximum leaf size of 14000mm x 3000mm and 180kg, our super strong, heavy, and robust PURe® Commercial Door also offers exceptional thermal-efficiency.

  6. Supporting our fabricators in the residential sector

    With many of our fabricator partners working in the residential sector, we were keen to provide a PURe® solution just for them. This is one of our more recent innovations, and we have partnered with Hallmark Doors and Panels to create the revolutionary PURe® residential front door. Designed with the domestic user in mind, the latest addition to our door range looks great and can help save energy by preventing heat loss. Find out more here.

  7. Keeping security in sight

    As well as keeping the heat in, our doors and windows have been designed to keep intruders out. Our PURe® windows, PURe® SLIDE and PURe® FOLD aluminium doors are fully accredited by the Secured By Design scheme, making them the perfect fit for residential schemes. Both our PURe® Commercial Door and our new residential PURe® front door have both also been fully tested to meet the security requirements of PAS 24.

    We're proud that our PURe® range has not only proved to be a popular choice with architects, contractors, fabricators, and installers alike, but that it has also helped us secure a King's Award for Enterprise for innovation. To discover more about our PURe® range, please visit our product page and to read all about our award win, please click here.

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A celebration of innovation https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/a-celebration-of-innovation/ Tue, 02 May 2023 13:40:36 +0000 https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/?p=30594 Have you heard the news? We have been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise, securing the prestigious accolade in the innovation category for our low U-value PURe® aluminium window and… Read more

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Have you heard the news? We have been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise, securing the prestigious accolade in the innovation category for our low U-value PURe® aluminium window and door system. In our latest blog, we’re reflecting on what it means to be a winner, and why innovation continues to be such a big part of what we do.

What is the King’s Award?

Senior Architectural Systems is just one of the 148 companies across the UK to have received a King’s Award for Enterprise, with the winners announced on Friday 21st April 2023. It’s a real honour to be one of the very first winners of the scheme which was previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. The King’s Awards for Enterprise scheme recognises and celebrates business excellence across the UK, focusing on the four categories of innovation, sustainable development, international trade, and the promotion of opportunity through social mobility.

We will be proudly displaying our King’s Award for Enterprise logo across our marketing materials and throughout our HQ in Denaby – you’ll even see it on our trucks!

Why did we win it?

We have been recognised with the award for innovation, and specifically how this has influenced the development of our very innovative PURe® aluminium window and door system. Unlike any other fenestration system available, PURe® boasts a unique and patented design that allows it to achieve some of the lowest U-values possible and provide a thermally-efficient solution that meets the needs of both the residential and commercial sectors.

So, what makes PURe® different? When it comes to developing windows and doors that offer exceptional thermal efficiency, it’s all about the choice of thermal barrier and the PURe® has been designed to be different. The thermal break in our PURe® system is constructed from highly-efficient expanded polyurethane (PUR) foam, which is most often found in insulation products. As well as helping to prevent heat loss to reduce energy consumption and meet the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations, we have ensured that our PURe® system also offers ‘cradle to cradle’ recyclability, with even the PUR thermal barrier able to be reused with no requirement for landfill.

The journey continues

We first launched our PURe® aluminium window system back in 2015 and since then, it has gone on to be widely specified on projects across the sectors. We wanted to give our customers a ‘future-proofing’ solution so that current regulations were not only comfortably met, but exceeded. This ethos ensured that when the new Part L Building Regulations came into force in June 2022, we had a tried, tested, and trusted system to offer our customers.

The success of our very first PURe® casement window led to the development of other window styles and patio door options. Our full suite of products know includes the PURe® Commercial Door and a new partnership with Hallmark Doors and Panels Ltd to offer a secure and stylish residential front door.

And evolution of our PURe® system is set to continue with the launch of a new window option which will be unveiled later this year…watch this space!

PURe® – an innovative idea

Would you like to know more about our extensive PURe® range of aluminium doors and windows? Contact us today to find out how our PURe® innovation can benefit your next project.

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Sustainable changes the whole industry can make https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/sustainable-changes-the-whole-industry-can-make/ Fri, 10 Mar 2023 09:10:42 +0000 https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/?p=30477 If you are trying to reduce carbon, save energy and make money, then you will know that there is more to consider than first meets the eye. In our special Aluminium Day blog, we consider how… Read more

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If you are trying to reduce carbon, save energy and make money, then you will know that there is more to consider than first meets the eye. In our special Aluminium Day blog, we consider how small changes can make a big difference.

From the latest changes to Part L, to the planned introduction of the Future Homes Standard in 2025, everyone is talking about the thermal-efficiency of aluminium windows and doors and how the whole industry needs to make more sustainable choices.

But what does this really mean? Is sustainability just about the greater use of thermally-efficient and recyclable products? What if these ‘green’ products are ultra-efficient when in use but are carbon-intensive during the manufacturing process? Will customers be able to get hold of these products when they need them and how does changing to a more advanced window or door system affect their bottom line?

Anticipating questions like these, alongside the desire to provide transparent and trusted answers, has played a key part in the development of our own environmental policies and has hopefully made it easier for our customers to put make sustainability a tangible part of their own business operations.

So, what are some of the first steps to take to reduce your carbon footprint?

1) Choose a local supplier

Transportation is one of the biggest generators of pollution so it makes sense to limit the distance that your products will need to travel. Choosing a UK-based supplier is a simple but effective way to reduce the environmental impact of your project and it also offers the additional benefits of shorter lead times.

From our main manufacturing facilities in South Yorkshire and our distribution centre in Scotland, we deliver our aluminium fenestration systems to sites across the country and to reduce the impact even more, we invested in our delivery fleet to use larger trucks with lower emission engines.

2) Choose products that offer long-term value

With so many new products on the market making bold claims, it’s important to choose your aluminium doors and windows based not only on the quoted U-value but on the long-term value they offer.

As the biggest privately owned aluminium systems house in the UK, we understand the importance of making it easier and more cost-effective for fabricators and installers to choose compliant products and see them as a truly sustainable solution rather than a niche product.

This is why we developed our patented thermally-enhanced PURe® system to be simple to fabricate and install without the need for special tooling.

We’ve also ensured it is competitively priced, low maintenance and available with a range of slimline, stylish design options to appeal to both the commercial and domestic customer.

3) Consider whole life cycle carbon

Just as it’s important to view a product’s environmental claims in the context of how operationally efficient it is, you must look behind the scenes and consider how sustainable a product really is terms of embodied carbon. Working with suppliers that are BES 6001 accredited provides the reassurance that their products are manufactured using sustainably and ethically sourced recycled materials.

Cradle-to-cradle recyclability is another major benefit of choosing aluminium fenestration products but not all systems houses operate in the same way so it can be well worth asking your local sales contact for more information or even arranging a visit to see the manufacturing facilities first hand.

We’re continuously looking at ways to increase efficiencies and reduce our carbon footprint and have implemented a number environmental policies in our sites in South Yorkshire including our in-house, waste reducing powder coating facility which is one of the most efficient of its kind.

And with our new Thermal Improvement manufacturing facility in Rotherham soon to be fully operational, a warm welcome from Senior is always guaranteed so if you want to know more, just ask!

We are passionate about the ongoing development of sustainable aluminium fenestration products and believe that supply chain collaboration is key to progress. Share your stories and join the conversation throughout Monday 13th March by using the #AluminiumDay hashtag.

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A tall storey – our work in the high-rise market https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/a-tall-storey-our-work-in-the-high-rise-market/ Mon, 06 Mar 2023 12:54:50 +0000 https://www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/?p=30437 From our expertise in delivering aluminium fenestration solutions for the residential market and specifically private rental schemes (PRS), to our work in the student accommodation… Read more

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From our expertise in delivering aluminium fenestration solutions for the residential market and specifically private rental schemes (PRS), to our work in the student accommodation sector and our growing presence in the London mixed-use market, our contracts are not only getting bigger but they are getting taller too. In our latest blog, we are showcasing how our aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems have been utilised on high-rise schemes across the UK.

Oakland Rise, London – mixed-use development, 27 storeys

Oaklands Rise is a mixed-use residential development in London. It’s not only one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects but also one of our largest contracts to date. The scheme comprises three major tower blocks, ranging from ten to 27 storeys at its highest point. The mix of residential and commercial space features a variety of our most popular aluminium fenestration solutions, with our slim profile SF52 aluminium curtain wall system used to create the main facade, our robust SPW500 aluminium commercial doors installed externally to the fire exits and main entrance, and our SPW600 aluminium doors fitted internally throughout communal areas.

To ensure the scheme met the required levels of thermal-efficiency and exceeded the U-values stipulated by Part L, our patented PURe® aluminium windows and PURe® SLIDE patio doors were also chosen for the scheme. As well as contributing to lower energy bills for the residents, the slim sightlines of the PURe® aluminium windows and doors perfectly frame the development’s far-reaching views over London and the attractive green streetscape below.

Designed by CZWG Architects and constructed by the Vistry Partnership, this large-scale contract saw us working closely with specialist contractor OCL Facades to deliver the fenestration package for the first phase residential scheme and with specialist contractor Soundcraft on the commercial elements. Constructed over several phases, Senior Architectural Systems first became involved in the scheme in 2016, with the total fenestration package value estimated to be in the region of £7m, making it our most substantial contract win to date.

Castle Park View, Bristol – residential scheme, 26 storeys

You won’t just find our aluminium fenestration solutions on London landmarks. We’re proud to have been involved in the creation of the Castle Park View residential scheme which holds the accolade of being the tallest building in Bristol.

At 26 storeys high, the residential tower block forms part of the wider Castle Park View scheme, which is the largest Urban Green Space in the city. Our SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and patented low U-value PURe® aluminium windows and doors have been installed across the building and their recyclability and thermal-efficiency was a key part of their specification. With sustainability at the heart of Castle Park View, the residential scheme has achieved a level four standard in the Code for Sustainable Homes certification.

On this project, we worked alongside specialist installers Denval, architects Chapman Taylor and contractors Bouygues UK.

Toy Box, Birmingham –student accommodation, 15 storeys

We have plenty of experience of working in the student accommodation sector and our portfolio includes projects of all shapes and sizes, and both new build and refurbishment schemes. One of our tallest orders has been the Toy Box student accommodation development which stands at an impressive 15 storeys in central Birmingham. Here we provided our thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain walling and SPW600 aluminium windows to create comfortable interiors that are cost-effective to heat and offer a highly durable and low-maintenance solution. Our SPW600 aluminium windows were specified as tilt and turn style openings to provide safe and secure ventilation and so that the windows could be easily cleaned from the inside – a key consideration for high rise schemes.

Our products were installed by EYG Commercial for main contractor Torsion Group and Corstorphine + Wright architects.

Rising to the challenge

Our work on high-rise schemes is supported by our high-performance range of aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems which together with our increased UK manufacturing capacity, allows us to fulfil bigger orders with shorter lead times and reliable deliveries. Our commitment to improving the thermal-efficiency of our products to not only meet but exceed the requirements of Part L, and meet the stringent targets of the planned Future Home Standards, is just one of the ways we are helping our clients future-proof their schemes. Our continuous product development has also led us to design our SF62 aluminium curtain wall system, which is a bespoke solution for high-rise schemes where structural movement may be a challenge.

Our regionally-based team of architectural advisors also allows us to work closely with project teams across the UK and we have a dedicated advisor for the London and South East area where our work on high-rise and mixed use developments continues to grow. As well as helping with product selection, we can provide invaluable technical support, including thermal calculations, Part L compliance, acoustic requirements and through collaboration with our glazing partners, we can also assist with reducing G values and the risk of overheating through solar gain. Talk to us today to find out more about how we can help get your next high-rise scheme off the ground.

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