The old Buckland paper mill conversion project in Dover was to prove a challenge in achieving not only the performance brief but also meeting the planning constraints placed on the external facade.
The original windows were constructed using heavy duty steel Crittal profiles with ventilation being achieved via a central horizontal pivot, glazing was via a single 4mm pane of standard float glass.
The requirement was to replicate the original design and sight lines whilst also providing modern weather and thermal performance. The solution was provided by designing and manufacturing the replacement windows utilising the Smarts aluminium alitherm heritage thermally broken system.
The curved window heads were designed so they could be incorporated into the window in a way that meant the window could be fabricated as one unit therefore eliminating the need to use unsightly and bulky coupling profile.
Ventilation was achieved via a central top hung casement window, again using slim line profiles to best replicate the original windows.
Glazing consisted of a outer pane of 4mm clear float soft coat low 'e', inner pane of 4mm clear float with a warm edge spacer and argon gas filled cavity providing a centre pane u-value of 1.2WmK.