Bowater Projects, the specialist contract-management arm of The VEKA UK Group has successfully completed a major overhaul of a tired-looking building facade at Cambridgeshire academy school, Cottenham Village College.
The building's post-war architecture, consisting of a chequerboard of rendered panels and steel-framed windows had been updated, in places, with some PVC-U-framed casement units but, in general, was showing its age.
Basing its tender on the supply and installation of windows fabricated using the renowned System 10 profile from sister company, Halo, Bowater specified a total of 108 frames and replacement panels for the project.
Bowater Projects' Andy Knight commented: “This project represented the first time we had worked with Cottenham Village College and the principal contractor for the job, Andy Knott Construction, from nearby Ely. We're thrilled to see its successful completion, which has transformed a tired school building into one that its pupils and teachers can be really proud of.
“Besides the obvious aesthetic improvement, the installation of modern PVC-U framed windows using Halo's System 10 profile holds numerous advantages for the school. Superior thermal insulation will contribute to better heat retention – especially beneficial during the colder, winter months – which, combined with ease of maintenance (no need for painting or weatherproofing) will save significant amounts over the years.
“Given the school's strict operational timetable, we only had the brief period between the summer and autumn terms in which to complete the work. We facilitated a quick turnaround, ensuring there was minimal disruption to the school's work and presenting staff and students with a fresh, functional building in time for the new academic year.”
Rick Turner, Contracts Manager for Andy Knott Construction added: “We've been very happy with the quality and service provided. Following the work completed on the main tower block last summer, the school instructed phase 2 – completed over half term 2015 – another project completed on time and to a high quality.”
Andy concludes: “This job is a great example of Bowater Projects doing what it does best. Working to a stringent timescale, we were able to coordinate the supply and installation of high quality products from The VEKA UK Group, satisfying the school's budget and comprehensively addressing the shortcomings of its previous glazing and panelling situation.
“The 'before and after' photos show what a considerable change has been made and, having worked alongside top class contractors like Andy Knott Construction, we're sure pupils and teachers will enjoy its enduring quality and style for years to come.”
