The ideal window for the modular market

On the face of it, Euramax’s 70mm uPVC window is not so different to any other. But as Nick Cowley, the company’s Managing Director explains, dig a little deeper and the reasons why it’s ideal for the modular market are obvious.

For uPVC window, door, and composite door manufacturer Euramax, moving into the modular sector was the next logical step.
From making its name in the holiday home and leisure market before expanding into the construction sector, the 70-year-old company is now gaining a reputation as the UK’s leading manufacturer of fenestration products to modular and offsite thanks to its 70mm Eurocell Eurologik window.
Which, on the surface, might seem like an idle boast. After all, according to Insight Data, the leading provider of marketing data in the UK fenestration and construction industries, around 1,200 fabricators are currently making uPVC windows.

“Just because you can fabricate a 70mm window system, it doesn’t mean that you have the logistics in place to deliver it in the way a modular construction firm wants,” says Nick Cowley, Euramax’s MD.
“Our window performs perfectly on the technical side of things, by providing great energy efficiency and being made to measure, but what really sets us apart is our service levels and delivery systems.”

As a result, Euramax is already working with some of the biggest names in the sector and, having been acquired by Modular Group Investments earlier this year, the company is set to become a big player in modular construction.

A streamlined process
Euramax’s history in the holiday home market has provided the company with both the tools and the expertise to move into modular.
To cope with a production process that was making several holiday homes every hour on multiple production lines, Euramax manufactured windows and supplied them pre-glazed with quick fix brackets to allow an entire holiday home to be installed in the time constraints.
And it’s this approach to lean manufacturing, influenced by highly efficient practices in the automotive sector, which has allowed Euramax to hit the ground running.
“Companies may be offering a similar product, but it’s the service level and the manufacturing processes we’ve put in place over the last 70 years that set us apart,” says Nick.
“That’s what has allowed us to help customers meet the challenges they continually face in the modular sector.”
“Our focus has always been on developing those systems to enable us to deliver better quality products, faster lead times, and an overall better customer experience.”
Once the windows have been manufactured at its 205,000 sq. ft factory in Barnsley, they are delivered in dedicated stillages across the country.

Meeting a demand
Lots of companies will deliver products in bulk, split across multiple boxes. When it comes to installation, that means all the components may not be there, or some may be broken or damaged, creating hold ups that modular companies can ill afford.
Euramax’s lineside delivery system means that everything is packaged together and in one place, making for an easy install.
“By its very nature, modular construction requires precision, and smooth, well-rehearsed processes. Interruptions have to be avoided at all costs,” Nick explains. “As a result, modular construction firms are demanding when it comes to service.
“They need products in a certain stillage, there has to be a certain number on the stillage, and the fixing kit has to be packaged with all the individual components that marry to that window installation, so the two never get separated.
“It takes a great deal of effort to package things reliably and accurately, and deliver them in a uniform way – which is something not all window companies can do.
“We see our role as a vital part of the modular process for our customers; from our production line to our delivery, we make the flow process smooth so when the time comes our windows can just be picked up and easily installed into modular buildings.
“We know how important it is to keep their production lines as simple as possible.”

An easy fix
Another thing that differentiates Euramax from many other window companies is the fixtures and fittings which enable their windows to be installed in modular buildings. Euramax’s fixing systems have been developed in house by the company’s R&D team.
Nick says: “This combination of an innovative fixing system, quality window systems and quick, efficient installation methods is a very attractive package for the modular sector.
“It’s what sets a Euramax window apart from a standard trade window – and what sets us apart from any other window producer.”

For more information on Euramax and its work in modular, visit the website or call 01226 361639.

www.euramaxuk.com

 

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Setting new standards for commercial windows

John Duckworth, Deceuninck Head of Commercial Sales says the latest window technology and expertise are pushing the boundaries for commercial windows.

In recent years there have been significant advances in window technology which give developers and specifiers a choice of materials, styles and designs to choose from. The very best of this window technology, when combined with advice and guidance from experienced windows suppliers, synchronises perfectly with modern construction methods to create the right aesthetics, reduce installation time, and improve the development’s overall performance.

Deceuninck is the commercial fenestration expert
We are a window systems company with strong ties in the commercial sector. Our flagship commercial 5000 window with Linktrusion™ technology is a popular choice with developers because it gives a true alternative to aluminium. Linktrusion offers the best attributes of aluminium and PVC-U in one system, combining pultruded glass-fibre with PVC-U for strong but light windows with slim sightlines and outstanding thermal efficiency. When used with Deceuninck’s Decoroc colour finishing system, it’s hard to distinguish it from aluminium in looks, touch or performance.

Commercial partnerships
Deceuninck windows and doors are engineered to create the perfect symmetry and balanced sightlines that translate into beautiful looks and performance, combined with outstanding security, energy efficiency and weather performance. But product is just half the story and Deceuninck’s strength in the commercial sector comes from our ability to work with all parts of the supply chain and give advice in the early stages of product specification. We work with a number of prestigious developers including Berkeley Group, Crest Nicholson, Countryside Properties, Weston Homes and Catalyst Housing, offering bespoke service and support. Our commercial and technical teams and partner fabricators have extensive experience in off-site, modular and steel frame construction and we offer guidance on the interface of windows in modern construction methods, working with EPDM suppliers such as Tremco at specification stage. We work closely with developers, specifiers, fabricators and contractors to see the full picture of how windows work within the build, be it timber frame, steel frame or modular, to ensure products meet technical specifications and are correctly installed and perform effectively in the finished project.
Our ability to work closely with supplier and end client to provide a full design solution was highlighted in the recent Springfield Park development with Weston Homes. This was a complex development of over 300 apartments in one tower and three low storey blocks. It incorporated a concrete frame construction with the windows fitted on front of the frame in steel brackets, followed by EPDM shrouding. Deceuninck’s commercial and technical teams worked with window fabricator FastFrame to provide the technical information required for the interface and correct installation of the windows. Our Linktrusion 2500 Fully Reversible Window (FRW) in Decoroc Quartz Grey successfully broke the original specification for aluminium because it combined slim, contemporary profiles with outstanding thermal and acoustic performance. The development, close to roads, railways and the river Thames called for acoustic windows to minimise the impact of external noise and low U-Values to meet stringent energy requirements. Deceuninck’s FRW comfortably met these requirements with decibel reductions in the mid-40s and U-Values as low as 1.3 W/m2K.

Experts in modular developments
Deceuninck has experience in modular developments and the Hinkley Point Worker Accommodation development showcased our expertise. This was a technically demanding project in which 80% of the 1,400 windows were installed into pre-fabricated modules off-site. Working in partnership with fabricator Dempsey Dyer, Deceuninck’s technical team ensured our Tilt and Turn windows met the highest energy and weather requirements both off-site and in installation. Once assembled, the windows passed the most stringent CWCT water testing, normally only used for curtain walling. Our technical team worked with Dempsey Dyer to successfully cut the windows’ decibel rating down by RW35db to RW40db and RW43db, helping to minimise the impact of noise on workers to make a quieter, healthier environment.
More recently, Dempsey Dyer is supplying Deceuninck’s 2500 series windows for university student accommodation. This modular construction project in conjunction with a major international developer will see the windows shipped to Morocco for installation in a modular factory, with further commissioning on site in the UK. Together with Dempsey Dyer, we’ve facilitated this project by giving advice on design, purge ventilation and interface detail. Dempsey Dyer is also sending a team to Morocco to train workers on effective modular installation. It’s an exciting project and we predict the strong trend for modular construction will continue to grow.

Call 01249 816 969 or visit the website to see more commercial case studies and learn more about our commercial work. You can also download Deceuninck’s full product portfolio from the NBS National BIM Library at:

www.nationalbimlibrary.com/deceuninck-ltd

 
www.deceuninck.co.uk

 

 

 

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Modular construction & project predictability

60% of construction projects are not completed on time

#constructionindustry #sustainable #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #innovation #buildingtechnology #mmc #modular #housing #doors&windows @EuromaxOfficial

According to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), 60 per cent of construction projects are not completed on time. Modular builds can provide faster project completion, but what are the risks and benefits of this growing construction method? Here, Nick Cowley, managing director of window and door supplier to the offsite construction industry, Euramax, explains.

Reports suggest that modular construction can deliver projects 50 per cent faster than traditional construction while maintaining the same high quality. No surprises then, that the technique is considered the next mega trend in construction.

This enhanced completion time of modular construction has become vital for building classrooms, hospital wards and other facilities that requires immediate construction. In 2019, Europe’s tallest modular building, a block of housing apartments in Croydon, South London, was completed in just 35 weeks.

 

 

Controlled environment
Modular construction refers to building projects in which 60 to 90 per cent of a build is constructed offsite. Typically, inside a factory environment.

Constructing the build elsewhere means work can start simultaneously alongside preparation of the site. Assembling modules in a factory also means there is greater quality control — unlike a site environment, faults can be resolved before the modules are fixed to the larger construction. This saves remanufacturing time and produces a more accurate build.
Manufacturing in a controlled environment also means external factors, such as weather conditions, cannot interrupt the development. As site managers in Britain will attest to, nothing presses pause on a construction project like an unexpected downpour. For time-sensitive projects, minimising this risk is essential.

Securing trustworthy relationships
While modular construction is praised for its speed, these builds require extreme technical intricacy. Measurements must be exact to ensure modules can fix together seamlessly. A measurement slightly under or over the figures specified could mean the build is flawed, slowing down project completion. Suddenly, this speedy construction option isn’t so quick.
Establishing relationships with trusted suppliers and contractors is vital to ensure project predictability. There are many unreliable and dishonest professionals that will exploit construction’s need for quick project delivery, often leaving projects in the lurch — meaning work must be extended, or even abandoned.

Working with reliable companies for assistance on modular build projects can help to ensure that deadlines are met — and the same applies to features that are installed in the modules, such as windows and doors.

Euramax has 70 years of manufacturing experience of windows and doors for modular construction projects. In fact, Euramax is supplying its windows and doors to modular home manufacturer, Ilke Homes, for the production of 2,000 of its modular homes, demonstrating Euramax’s reliability for the modular build sector.

No matter how big or small a project — from hospitals to housing — extended completion times can cause problems. However, modular construction can ensure deadlines are met. With the BIS reporting 60 per cent of construction projects are not completed on time, modular construction methods could be increasingly looked upon to change this.
While it’s not possible to predict that a project will run smoothly, choosing reputable suppliers for modular construction projects can reduce delays, ensuring efficient completion and minimise the risk of any construction hiccups.

Euramax manufactures high quality windows and doors for modular buildings, here in the UK. More information on the company’s specialist expertise in this area can be found online.

www.euramaxuk.com

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commercial fenestration expert

The latest innovatons in window technology for specifiers

#constructionindustry #doors #sustainable #windows #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #innovation #buildingtechnology @deceuninckUK

 

John Duckworth, Deceuninck Head of Commercial Sales explores the role of suppliers in assisting in the design of commercial projects.

Although sometimes overlooked, windows and doors are a crucial part of the build process, providing natural light, ventilation, and architectural interest. And the latest innovations in window technology give developers and specifiers a choice of materials, styles and designs to choose from.
Coupled with advice and guidance from experienced window suppliers, the very best of this window technology works seamlessly with modern construction methods to create the right aesthetics, reduce installation time, and improve the building’s overall performance.

Products designed for commercial applications

Deceuninck is a leading window systems company with a thriving commercial business. Our windows and doors are engineered to create the perfect symmetry and balanced sightlines that translate into beautiful looks and performance, combined with outstanding security, energy efficiency and weather performance. Deceuninck’s flagship commercial 5000 window with Linktrusion™ technology is a popular choice with developers. Linktrusion offers the best attributes of aluminium and PVC-U in one system, combining pultruded glass-fibre with PVC-U for strong but light windows with slim sightlines and outstanding thermal efficiency. When used with Deceuninck’s Decoroc colour finishing system, it’s hard to distinguish it from aluminium in looks, touch or performance.

 

 

Commercial partnerships

Deceuninck has strong ties in the commercial and housebuilding sector, working with a number of prominent developers including Berkeley Group, Crest Nicholson, Countryside Properties, Weston Homes and Catalyst Housing. Product is just part of the offering. Our strength in the commercial sector comes from our ability to work with all parts of the supply chain and give advice in the early stages of product specification. Our commercial and technical teams and partner fabricators have extensive experience in off-site, modular and steel frame construction and we offer guidance on the interface of windows in modern construction methods, working with EPDM suppliers such as Tremco at specification stage. We work closely with developers, specifiers, fabricators and contractors to see the full picture of how windows work within the build, be it timber frame, steel frame or modular, to ensure products meet technical specifications and are correctly installed and perform effectively in the finished project.
A recent example of this close collaboration with supplier and client in providing a full design solution came in the Springfield Park development with Weston Homes. This was a complex development of over 300 apartments in one tower and three low storey blocks. It incorporated a concrete frame construction with the windows fitted on front of the frame in steel brackets, followed by EPDM shrouding. Deceuninck’s commercial and technical teams worked with window fabricator FastFrame to provide the technical information required for the interface and correct installation of the windows. Our Linktrusion 2500 Fully Reversible Window (FRW) in Decoroc Quartz Grey successfully broke the original specification for aluminium because it combined slim, contemporary profiles with outstanding thermal and acoustic performance. The development, close to roads, railways and the river Thames called for acoustic windows to minimise the impact of external noise and low U-Values to meet stringent energy requirements. Deceuninck’s FRW comfortably met these requirements with decibel reductions in the mid-40s and U-Values as low as 1.3 W/m2K.

Experts in modular developments
The Hinkley Point Worker Accommodation development was another technically demanding project in which 80% of the 1,400 windows were installed into pre-fabricated modules off-site. Working in partnership with fabricator Dempsey Dyer, Deceuninck’s technical team ensured our Tilt and Turn windows met the highest energy and weather requirements both off-site and in installation. Once assembled, the windows passed the most stringent CWCT water testing, normally only used for curtain walling. Deceuninck’s technical team worked with Dempsey Dyer to successfully cut the windows’ decibel rating down by RW35db to RW40db and RW43db, helping to minimise the impact of noise on workers to make a quieter, healthier environment.
More recently, Dempsey Dyer has started supplying Deceuninck’s 2500 series windows for university student accommodation. This modular construction project in conjunction with Bouygues will see the windows shipped to Morocco for installation in a modular factory, with further commissioning on site in the UK. Together with Dempsey Dyer, we’ve facilitated this project by giving advice on design, purge ventilation and interface detail. Dempsey Dyer is also sending a team to Morocco to train workers on effective modular installation. It’s an exciting project and we predict the strong trend for modular construction will continue to grow.
Call 01249 816 969 or the below website to see more commercial case studies and learn more about our commercial work. You can also download Deceuninck’s full product portfolio from the NBS National BIM Library at www.nationalbimlibrary.com/deceuninck-ltd.

www.deceuninck.co.uk

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Expertise in the supply chain

Since launching their offsite window and door solution last year, Nationwide Windows Ltd, leading fenestration partner to the housing sector, reports that producing factory-fitted windows and doors is fast becoming part of their core product line. What is key to the success of their solution is the collaborative approach they have taken to delivery.

 

Adrian Pavey, Commercial Director at Nationwide comments: “New Build housing has been at the core of Nationwide since the very start, over 30 years ago, and through the years we’ve been at the forefront of many advancements.

While Offsite Construction isn’t a new concept world-wide, we saw that for the UK it provided a very feasible opportunity to help solve the housing provision crisis.

“Working closely with a small number of partners, each with their own knowledge of supply into the housing sector, we developed a new concept for windows and doors using offsite construction technologies, materials and service. We launched the concept at two exhibitions last year: The Build Show and The Offsite Construction Show. The idea was to use these exhibitions as a platform to not just showcase our solution to the right audience, but also talk to peers within the sector to learn more about this increasingly popular housebuilding technique.

 

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“Since then we have been working with our key partners to develop our offering. We’re now successfully delivering into three developments, with many more coming on stream.

“While the housing industry hasn’t fully embraced Offsite Construction, the balance is certainly tipping towards MMC. We’re delighted to be in a position to add expertise and experience to the supply chain as the market continues to emerge.”

For more information call 01788 224466 or visit the website.

 

 

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The complete commercial package  

Deceuninck Commercial Sales Manager John Duckworth explains how the company’s holistic approach to commercial projects benefits the specifier, contractor and end user.

Windows are a key part of the build process, providing natural light, protection from the elements and ventilation. They also have great architectural importance by helping to define the overall character of a building and create visual interest.

The latest innovations in window technology has given developers and specifiers a choice of materials, styles and designs to choose from. The very best of this technology also works seamlessly with modern construction methods to create the right aesthetics, reduce installation time and improve the building’s overall performance. Choosing the right supplier is critical in this process.

Deceuninck is a leading window systems company with strong ties in the commercial and housebuilding sector. We work with a number of large developers including Crest Nicholson, Catalyst Housing, Countryside Properties and Berkeley Group. Developers choose Deceuninck because our high performance window systems are engineered for aesthetics, with perfect symmetry and balanced sightlines, and they’re tried-and-tested for commercial applications. Linktrusion™ is our flagship window technology that combines pultruded glass-fibre with PVC-U in Deceuninck’s 5000 window for light and strong windows with slim sightlines and outstanding thermal efficiency. In terms of performance and benefits, Linktrusion™ combines the very best of PVC-U and aluminium, and developers love it, often choosing Deceuninck windows over aluminium, and in Deceuninck’s Grey Matt foil on grey substrate, it’s hard to tell them from aluminium.

Commercial partnership

Product is half the story and Deceuninck’s success comes down to our holistic approach to commercial projects. We work closely with developers, specifiers, fabricators and contractors to look at the full picture of how windows work within the build, be it timber frame, steel frame or modular, to get the best results for our clients.

Our commercial team works with partners to ensure products not only meet technical specifications but are correctly installed and perform effectively in the finished project. We supply accurate data and test results on performance and acoustics, a growing and important point of specification. Working with Bluesky Certification and the University of Salford, we’re the first PVC-U systems company to commit to acoustic testing of our full range because it gives fabricator customers a big advantage in the tender process.

The Hinkley Point Worker Accommodation development is an example of a technically demanding project in which 80% of the 1,400 windows were installed into pre-fabricated modules off-site. Working in partnership with fabricator Dempsey Dyer, Deceuninck’s technical team ensured our Tilt and Turn windows met the highest energy and weather requirements both off-site and in installation. Once assembled, the windows passed the most stringent CWCT water testing, normally only used for curtain walling. Deceuninck’s technical team worked with Dempsey Dyer to successfully cut the windows’ decibel rating down by RW35db to RW40db and RW43db, helping to minimise the impact of noise on workers and make a quieter, healthier environment.

The Woodward Building at Imperial College London is another example of Deceuninck’s strong ties with developer, contractor and fabricator. Despite the complex requirements for aesthetics, weather performance, acoustics and safety, Deceuninck and fabricator Dempsey Dyer successfully broke the original specification for aluminium, bringing a 30% saving for the client. Our 2500 Tilt and Turn window impressed developer Berkeley Group with outstanding performance: Class 4 Air permeability; Class 8A Water tightness and Class A5 2000Pa exposure. The windows delivered U-Values of 1.5 and G-Values of 0.27 to prevent overheating in the building. Safety and durability were also important factors, and Deceuninck’s Tilt and Turn window is ideal for high-rise and student developments because it can be locked in the tilt mode for added safety and unlocked by maintenance teams when cleaning is required. The installation process included full EPDM shrouding and on-site water testing, and was completed on time and in full. Due to the success of this project, Berkeley Group has awarded Dempsey Dyer further contracts, and Deceuninck is now an approved supplier for the developer.

Call 01249 816 969 or visit the website to see more exciting commercial case studies and learn more about our commercial work. You can also download Deceuninck’s full product portfolio from the NBS National BIM Library at www.nationalbimlibrary.com/deceuninck-ltd.

 

www.deceuninck.co.uk

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