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Prestigious golf club project brings Masterframe sashes to the FORE!

Halo fabricator Masterframe was delighted to provide the replacement windows for a challenging refurbishment contract at The Royal Troon Golf Club on the Ayrshire coast.

The Club has a rich history, having been founded in 1878, and will be proudly hosting the Open Championship again in 2016. In order to welcome the world’s top golfers for the event, refurbishment was needed to bring the building back to its best. Club members had been experiencing problems with heating and noisy air-conditioning and it was felt that new windows would make the Club more thermally efficient.

MD of Masterframe Windows Alan Burgess explains: “The decision was made to replace the majority of the windows throughout the building; a number were not even operational. New window systems were required in the restaurant, the club bar, smoking room, gentlemen’s changing rooms, and three impressive windows in the Captain’s locker room.

“It was somewhat of a tricky project as the windows were fitted behind the original stone mullions.

“One of the Club’s members actually recommended us to the architect and the contractor, thanks to our reputation as the UK’s leading provider of sash windows.

“As a company, sash windows is all we do and we are proud to produce the most authentic, true-to-original timber alternative sash windows in the UK. The Royal Troon Golf Club’s ethos mirrors our traditional values and dedication to excellence, so we were very pleased to work with the Club.

“From a personal perspective, being a passionate golfer, I was determined to ensure that this project was a massive success by providing windows worthy of this prestigious establishment. Our aim was to recommend the very best solution to match the architecture of the club building, with the most up-to-date features that we could manufacture.

“The architect initially specified the windows using information from the our website. We were able to develop the project further by working together to create the ideal, bespoke solution, incorporating parts of the original specification and some of our own recommendations such as butt jointing and dual foils.

“A high quality PVC-U window, created using Halo profile, was chosen to match the existing windows. These alternatives to timber offered the traditional aesthetics the Club wanted to maintain, along with a host of modern benefits. They were fitted behind rebates, without changing the visible sightlines, just like the originals.

“The final specification was a Vintage Traditional window with fully butt jointed frames and sashes, complete with laminated Glass.

“The windows would be complemented by Antique Brass claw cam catches and bar handles. Dual foiling was used in different combinations to suit the character of the various rooms, with white woodgrain externally. Interiors featured bright White Woodgrain, Irish Oak and rich Rosewood foils from The VEKA UK Group’s Variations collection.

“Upstairs, there are two unusual London style sash windows that are square on the inside with a full arch on the outside, which gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our technical skill.

“The new, high quality PVC-U windows are more serviceable than the original timber windows, improving ventilation – especially in the changing rooms – and not requiring annual maintenance, despite being within 200 yards of the sea.”

Chris Moran, House Governor of the club commented “The windows are universally acknowledged as being first class and a number of advocates of wood have stated they were wrong and have indicated that the quality of the windows and the fitting has been an outstanding success.”

For more information please visit www.masterframe.co.uk.

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Think security, think Document Q with Mumford & Wood

Mumford & Wood Conservation™ sliding sash windows are now SBD certificated to meet Approved Document Q – Security. Recognised as Britain’s leading manufacturer of high performance, tried and tested timber windows and doors, Conservation™ sash windows now carry additional security features that meet the requirements of Document Q Building Regulations, for the new build housing sector, which comes into effect 1 October 2015.
“To the untrained eye the Conservation Secure™ sash window looks no different to its predecessor, so much so that even burglars won’t see this until they have struggled with the security features and, of course, timber offers better strength to weight ratios than any other frame material,” says Frank Buckley, managing director, Mumford & Wood. “High levels of thermal, acoustic and air tightness come as standard and our products surpass the requirements of Part L Building Regulations.”
The technicians at Mumford & Wood have innovated improvements to the existing and coordinated products in the Conservation™ range enabling a new higher level of security without any visible difference. These windows and doors join a certificated line up in the Conservation Secure™ collection which includes SBD certificated casement windows, French doorsets, bi-folding and entrance doors.
The security standard demanded by Building Regulations, to which products are tested, is known as PAS24 but prior to this all products must be tested and rated for weather and air tightness to meet BS6375 (Parts 1 & 2). “It is pointless having safe and secure windows and doors if you cannot keep the weather at bay,” continues Buckley.
“While the requirement to meet Part Q will apply for new buildings only, existing home owners will want these security benefits applied to replacement products for the upkeep and maintenance of their properties as well as for major refurbishments and extensions.”
Independent research carried out on behalf of the British Woodworking Federation’s Wood Window Alliance (WWA) scheme, of which Mumford & Wood is a leading member, has proven that timber windows and doors made in accordance with their standards will last for 60 years or more and that, over time, will be carbon negative. Conservation™ products are manufactured from engineered Siberian Larch wood components that provide ultimate levels of strength and stability. With the benefits of double glazing, and optional glass specification, these products offer ultimate levels of thermal and acoustic performance with peace-of-mind security.
Further information about products in the Conservation Secure collection is available on 01621 818155, or please visit the website www.mumfordwood.com.
Follow us on Twitter @mumfordwood or facebook.com/mumfordwood for the latest company news and updates. Visitors are welcome at the company’s showroom in Tiptree, Essex and at The Building Centre, Store, Street, London.

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Spectus Systems launches new ‘responsive’ website

Spectus Systems is inviting everyone to take a look at its brand new website after it has undergone a complete redesign with three core priorities: functionality, aesthetics and ease-of-use across a range of devices.

The aim from the outset was to provide a better experience for professional, trade and homeowner visitors whilst encouraging greater engagement and delivering a mix of product information, industry news and useful features.

Easy navigation is vital with users now demanding a great experience when accessing any website and dismissive of any that do not perform. Basics such as drop-down menus on the new Spectus site are therefore well researched and designed to be clear, simple and tailored to different users’ needs. The site also includes a search facility with results listed in a scroll-through format. The overall appearance is clean, fresh and uncluttered.

Developed for the connected world in which mobile Internet users now outnumber those accessing via static devices, the site is fully responsive and works with all iOS and Android operating systems. Users can therefore access the information they need on tablets or using smartphones whilst on the go, without compromising their experience. Fabricators and installers especially will benefit from the comprehensive information and excellent imagery included in the site’s Technical Hub and architects and specifiers will find a wealth of useful features, including NBS access and BIM objects.

The Media Centre provides industry news, opinion pieces, Spectus case studies and video content with regular updates addressing topical and emerging issues. Links to social media sites are included for a broader visitor experience and to promote engagement, all within a single source.

Commenting on the new site, Carmen Velilla, Spectus Brand Manager said “We are delighted with the new website. It’s achieved our aim of providing a simple, relevant and practical source of information and interaction. It looks great, too, and we believe visitors will love the change.”

Please visit www.spectus.co.uk to take a look!

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