41 Stellar Flush Casement Windows by Epwin Window Systems have been manufactured and installed in St Neots Library in Cambridgeshire as part of a renovation project to improve the building’s energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
The contract was awarded to experienced Stellar manufacturer Prestige Aluminium. Gavin Taylor, Managing Director, explains: “The original timber vertical sliding windows had come to the end of their purposeful life, something that was affecting the visual appearance and the building’s energy efficiency. New windows were needed to upgrade the thermal efficiency and restore the building’s original appearance.”
The Stellar Flush Casement Windows provided the perfect solution to both problems. The aluminium windows are extremely energy efficient by design and meet the requirements of Part L of Building Regulations with standard double-glazed units, whilst offering a high-level of security. They also deliver up to 12% more glass area than a comparable window, maximising natural light and further reducing artificial lighting resource, something that is increasingly important in an age of high energy bills.
At the same time, Stellar windows have outstanding aesthetics that enhance every building. For this project, the 41 Flush Casement Windows were manufactured in RAL 8016M, Chocolate Brown to retain the building’s original appearance.
Several features of the project demonstrate the versatility and flexibility of Stellar. All non-opening windows were constructed using dummy sashes to retain a flush appearance across the building’s envelope. Trickle vents were incorporated into window mullions because the building’s plaster line meant they could not be fitted into the frame. For safety, all windows were fitted with 100mm restrictors.
The project ran to schedule due to the experience and meticulous planning of the Prestige Aluminium team and the quick-fitting properties of Stellar. Gavin concluded: “This high-profile public building demonstrates Stellar Aluminium’s credentials and is another example of how it’s opening up opportunities across the commercial sector. The windows have provided a sleek aesthetic to the building’s architecture and provided a warm and inviting atmosphere for the library’s customers. We were delighted to be involved.”
