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Zero Emissions Centre Selects Steel Windows

18 January 2006

Crittall steel windows have been incorporated into the design of Beaufort Court, the former Ovaltine Egg Farm in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire

Crittall steel windows have been incorporated into the design of Beaufort Court, the former Ovaltine Egg Farm in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. Beaufort Court is the new zero-emissions (or environmentally friendly) head office for the Renewable Energy Systems Group (RES) and the conversion of the site needed careful planning.

The existing buildings had to be radically altered and extended, but the views of the outside of the building had to remain largely unchanged under the planning guidelines for the site. Both the coach house and the horseshoe building had to be converted for modern office use, as well as for exhibition, catering, conference, meeting and main plant spaces. The aim by Studio E Architects, was to make the building entirely energy self-sufficient, producing zero carbon dioxide emissions. All of the building's energy and cooling is produced on-site through a wind turbine, solar panels which generate heat and electricity, biomass crop, a heat store, and groundwater cooling systems.

The installation of the 90 Crittall steel profiles followed the planning considerations and matched the steel courtyard enclosure. A mixture of Crittall Homelight, and Corporate W20 double glazed units were specified for their strength, durability, and appearance. Corporate W20 steel frames typically offer sightlines that are a third slimmer than comparable fenestration materials, enabling designers to incorporate the glass itself as a design medium in the overall design scheme.

The strength of the steel is assured and its very low coefficient of expansion reduces thermal movement and the risk of perimeter sealant failure, thus ensuring long-term durability. The Homelight residential range offers a light and airy appearance, allowing the incorporation of larger glass areas than any other window of a similar size. Slim sightlines are of major aesthetic appeal, enabling the glass, rather than the frames, to become a design feature in its own right. Cosmetic glazing bars, again manufactured and supplied by Crittall, were bolted to both inner and outer surfaces of the outer pain for an intricate small-pane design. The unobtrusive slimline sections do not detract from the architectural style of the building, yet provide the high performance demanded of contemporary window frames by modern construction practice.

Beaufort Court represents a uniquely constructed project, which will provide an education resource for local schools, community groups and other organisations wishing to learn more about renewable energy.

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