School breathes easier as WindowMaster tames the wind

WindowMaster, Europe's largest provider of natural comfort and smoke ventilation solutions, has supplied natural ventilation control systems for the new Les Beaucamps High School in Guernsey.

One of three 'super schools' to be built on the island, the 500-pupil Les Beaucamps secondary school was designed from the outset to be naturally ventilated. WindowMaster worked with Winchester-based architects Design Engine to ensure that the window and fenestration design can achieve the required openings requested by M&E consultant Hoare Lea.

WindowMaster worked alongside an installation team comprising main contractor RG Falla, M&E contractor JB Hopkins and electrical contractor Lauren Lloyd to complete the project. It includes the installation and control of 444 motors in 79 zones.

Carl Sutterby, regional manager for WindowMaster, said: "The location of the site is massively exposed and will benefit from WindowMaster's dynamic NV Advance system which allows the facade to be intelligently controlled in response to changes in wind speed and direction inevitable in an exposed coastal installation.

"This is why WindowMaster control algorithms, based on computational fluid dynamic (CFD) calculations, are so important. Wind pressures around the building can have a profound effect on the amount of air change within it. The controls reflect the dynamic nature of our weather systems and provide a finer level of responsive control which provides user comfort and aids energy saving."

WindowMaster was chosen to provide the window automation system for Les Beaucamps because of its ability to provide a complete installation, in particular the central computer control system. The installation includes window actuators, various sensors and a weather station.

The weather station monitors external conditions around the building, including wind direction and speed, temperature and rain fall. Changes in wind pressure on the facades are also modelled. These parameters are programmed into the computer control system where they are analysed along with readings taken from the weather station and sensors fitted internally. Windows around the building are then precisely controlled and positioned to keep air quality within rooms fresh and the temperature constant.

WindowMaster's NV Advance window automation system is the only system in Europe that intelligently monitors windows to prevent entrapment as an integrated function of the motor and control system. It can provide almost failsafe security against the possibility of injury while windows are closing.

If an object, or hands or fingers, becomes trapped in a window and prevents it from closing the amount of current drawn by the motor instantly increases. This is detected by the microprocessor which immediately reverses the motor to release the window, therefore preventing the possibility of serious injury.

The system can be retrofitted on many existing windows as well as being installed on new buildings. It can operate on a broad range of window types, including top and bottom opening, sliding and parallel opening. The system can also be used on windows for heat and smoke ventilation.