Profile 22’s award winning optima suite of casement and Tilt and Turn Windows along with matching PVCU doors were specified in the refurbishment of two tower blocks in Walsall, West Midlands.
Originally built in 1963, Little London House and Wood House tower blocks in Walsall needed refurbishment, including the installation of energy saving measures including new external windows, balcony doors and external wall insulation.
whg, owners and managers of the blocks, has a policy of using Profile 22 windows in all its properties and Little London House and Wood House were no different. Window Installer M Howells (Services) Limited was appointed to complete the replacement of 960 windows and 130 doors across the two towers. Matt Howells, Director of M Howells, says: “We are very experienced in the replacement of windows in high rise and low level blocks in the West Midlands and have undertaken numerous refurbishment projects for whg. This project was the latest of these.”
M Howells has a longstanding relationship with one of the West Midlands leading Profile 22 Optima fabricators Stedek Windows & Doors. Matt had no hesitation in turning to them again to supply the windows on this project.
Work started on the refurbishment in April 2017 and finished in the summer of 2018.
Profile 22 Optima products deliver improved energy efficiency
whg specified Profile 22’s Optima products for the refurbishment of Little London House and Wood House. The windows are designed to deliver increased insulation and weather protection, which makes them the perfect choice for high-rise, exposed locations.
Increasing energy efficiency was one of the key drivers of the refurbishment and Stedek supplied the detailed window drawings and the accompanying technical specifications that demonstrated the ability of Profile 22 Windows to deliver.
They are capable of achieving Window Energy Ratings of A++ and U-values of 0.8 W/m2K. Indicative performance measures are 600Pa for air permeability, 600Pa for water tightness and 2400Pa for wind resistance.
The Profile 22 windows were fabricated to PAS24:2016 standards for security, helping to deliver increased security to residents too.
A complex project handled with expertise and experience
Manufacture of the windows and doors on the project ran smoothly despite several challenging factors. Richard Hammond, Stedek’s Sales Director, comments: “The tower blocks had unusual front façades and the PVC doors that opened onto the balconies had to be manufactured with a double return and z-shaped cills, which added a degree of complexity. But our level of production understanding is second to none.
Installation also proceeded smoothly and to schedule. Matt comments: “We worked closely with everyone involved on the project so installation took place with the minimum of disruption to the building’s tenants.”
Conclusion
Little London House and Wood House have been transformed by the works, which have enhanced the aesthetic appearance and delivered greatly improved thermal efficiency. Matt comments: “Everybody is really happy with the results, including the client.” Richard says: “These are two significant buildings on the Walsall skyline and we are very proud of our involvement in their transformation.”
For more information on the Profile 22 range, please visit www.profile22.co.uk or call 01952 290910.
