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BENEFITS OF EUROCELL’S LOGIK WINDOW SOLUTION CLEAR TO SEE IN THE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION SECTOR

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Eurocell’s Logik PVC-U window solution has been specified across a number of schemes being developed by student accommodation provider, Study Inn. As an aesthetically pleasing and high performing alternative to aluminium frames, Logik is also delivering sustainability and cost efficiency benefits.

 

Summary

  • Over 3,500 Logik windows specified across five refurbishment and conversion schemes
  • Tangible cost efficiencies using PVC-U alternative compared to aluminium specification
  • Fit for purpose, stylish and Logik PVC-U windows delivering strong thermal performance
  • Greener product choice using PVC-U profile that is sustainably manufactured

Study Inn specialises in the development and design of high-quality student accommodation projects, creating the living spaces that students want to live in at locations that suit them.

Doncaster-based window system designer and installer, Nu Openings Ltd has been working with Study Inn on a series of building refurbishments and conversions that have transformed existing office spaces into attractive, highly specified student accommodation solutions in Nottingham, Exeter, and Loughborough, with new developments currently underway in Leeds.

The right solution

Central to the service Nu Openings offers is its long-term commercial relationship with Eurocell which has been in place for the past decade. With strong knowledge of the performance, aesthetic, and sustainability merits of the Logik window solution, Nu Openings had no hesitation in recommending its specification for the exciting Study Inn schemes.

Gary Driscoll, Sales & Commercial Director at Eurocell, commented: “As a national business, Eurocell can ensure product supply, which helps with planning and timescales.  We also work with a UK-wide network of fabricators, so can provide access to conveniently located resources close to the development sites.  This has ensured operational efficiencies are maximised as the schemes have progressed.”

Steve Carvell, Managing Director for Nu Openings, added: “We have a long-term working relationship with Eurocell and have used many solutions from its extensive product range over the years. They are specified widely in the commercial market and once we were approached to become involved in supporting the build ambitions of the Study Inn projects, we recognised that Eurocell’s Logik PVC-U windows would be ideal for a number of reasons.”

Many architects specify commercial work for student accommodation schemes in aluminium when it comes to the window solutions. This tendency is something Steve and the Nu Openings team worked hard to reverse for the Study Inn schemes. He continues: “We do come across initial concerns from architects and specifiers who opt to choose aluminium for the window frames. However, thanks to our knowledge of the Eurocell solution we strongly advocate the range of benefits clients can access if they convert to a PVC-U alternative. It is fit for purpose, looks stylish, delivers strong thermal performance, and provides the finish they are seeking, whilst the client can also enjoy tangible cost efficiencies when compared to aluminium specification.”

Over 3,500 Eurocell Logik PVC-U windows have now been specified across the five Study Inn refurbishment and conversion schemes and Eurocell’s ability to assist with good lead supply times is helpful in keeping the construction timetables on track.

Leading the way

With sustainability credentials now an increasingly key factor in building material specification, Eurocell’s commitment to delivering product solutions that support a greener future resonates with clients such as Nu Openings and Study Inn.

Thanks to a market-leading recycling operation that enables the company to transform old plastic window and door frame waste into new PVC-U extrusions for the manufacture of attractive and sustainable products, clients who specify a PVC-U product from Eurocell can feel confident about its sustainable approach.

Steve Carvell concludes: “We continue to enjoy an effective collaboration with Eurocell and the success of the student accommodation schemes for Study Inn is an example of the strength of the ongoing partnership within the student accommodation build sector. Aside from the aesthetic, thermal, sustainability, and cost benefits that products such as the Logik window delivers, we also value the all-round support and technical expertise we can call upon from Eurocell when required.”

For more information about Eurocell please visit www.Eurocell.co.uk or call the team on 03301 737 159

LET MORE LIGHT IN – VEGA GLASS PANELS FOR ENVIROTILE

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Innovation that opens up even more opportunity

Natural light is a welcome guest in every home. So Eurocell engineers have developed an innovative new way for homeowners to invite the maximum light levels in.

Named after one of the brightest stars in the northern hemisphere, Equinox Vega floods conservatories with light, creating an impression of more space.

Equinox Vega features large full height glazed areas of up to 1000mm wide and 3000mm high of clear glass, takingthe Equinox roof system to a whole new level in terms of size, strength, efficiency and illumination.

Intelligent design for a wide range of roof options

As Equinox offers variable pitches between 5-35˚, you can now offer a wider range of roof options – including lean-to’s, previously unavailable for tiled roofs. Eurocell now also offer fixed pitch aluminium options for 15˚ & 25˚ making for a simpler roof, which will cater for over 60% of designs.

The sustainable choice

Paired with Envirotile, our precision manufactured recycled polymer tile system with excellent green credentials – you can now have a solution with reduced environmental impact.

Envirotile is manufactured from 75% recycled product and is fully recyclable at end of life.

The lightweight composition and interlocking fixing system means it is quicker and easier to install, saving time compared to traditional tiles. Envirotile offers a complete dry fix system with no mess cutting and at less than 8 kilos per m², it is the lightest synthetic roof tile making it the ultimate choice within lightweight roofing.

Style and colour to suit

Available in four different colours and two stylish finishes, Envirotile has something for every project. The standard tile provides a beautifully textured and contemporary finish, whilst the slate effect tile is perfect for more traditional looking jobs.

Designed for durability

Designed to withstand the worst of weathers, Envirotile is fully guaranteed to perform in severe UK wind loads and has been weather tested up to 147 miles per hour. Eurocell also offer a free replacement service for any tiles dislodged by gale force winds up to 65 mph (subject to our terms and conditions) and can guarantee the product for 40 years.

Commitment to design

Commenting on the updates to Equinox, Head of New Product Design & Development, Ian Kernaghan said: “The latest version of our Equinox conservatory roof shows how committed we are to continually improving and developing our products. As styles change, new regulations emerge and materials technology evolves, installers know they can rely on Eurocell to give them the products they need to adapt and compete.”

What hasn’t changed, Eurocell are quick to point out, are the quality assurance and service support they have always provided. The complete Equinox system is guaranteed for 10 years and carries Local Authority Building Control (LABC) and LABSS certification.

Order from any of our 200+ Eurocell branches across the UK. Your complete ready-to-install kit, including screws and fixings, will be delivered with flexibility to suit you in 5-7 working days. You can then either collect it yourself or arrange for free delivery direct to your site. A dedicated technical support team are on hand to provide the information you need to get started.

For more information go to www.eurocell.co.uk. Call us on 0333 005 6525 or email enquiries@eurocell.co.uk to discuss your requirements.

 

MODUS WINDOWS SUPPORT SUSTAINABILTY OBJECTIVES AT STUDENT ACCOMODATION

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Purpose-built student accommodation developer sees the all-round value of PVC-U window specification at new flagship accommodation project for major university.

Developers of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) solutions are seeking a combination of cost efficiency, sustainability advantages, high performance, and aesthetic appeal when it comes to product specification.

Eurocell has once again worked with Future Generation – specialists in the development and design of exceptional student accommodation projects – to help deliver a stunning new student housing development.

The two organisations had partnered at another PBSA development at Hythe Mills, Colchester for another big university. Such was its success that the two companies have now collaborated on another prestigious project which has been described in the media as ‘the jewel in the crown’ for the UK’s fast growing PBSA sector.

The newly completed £40 million Guilden Village development in Guildford opened in August 2021 after a three-year build timetable and has now welcomed its first students for the 2021/22 academic year. It showcases modern, spacious, and affordable accommodation in which tenants are happy to live, study and enjoy their much-anticipated student experience.

The specification of Eurocell’s high quality Modus Slim Sash Windows in within the 533-student room development, provides an aesthetically appealing option for the exterior and substantial sustainability benefits – all based on MODUS Slim Sash’s unique ability to deliver an aesthetically very similar window to aluminium whilst improving thermal performance at a significantly lower cost.

The new purpose-built student accommodation uses the Eurocell Modus solution across all the bedrooms, and it complements the holistic visual appeal of the entire development which also includes a state-of-the-art gym, cinema room, multiple study rooms, and off-street parking.

Gary Driscoll, sales & commercial director at Eurocell explains: “Having successfully worked to specify the window solution at the Future Generation Colchester project, Eurocell were delighted to be invited once again to work alongside the company to create an appropriate and high-performing PVC-U window solution to support the exciting plans at the larger Guilden Village site.

“Future Generation directed the development’s design team that the Eurocell product should be considered and after discussions around desired aesthetics, performance versus cost, sustainability ambitions and safety, we collectively agreed that the Modus Slim window profile was the best choice.

“By using PVC-U instead of aluminium, not only did the project gain technical performance advantages against cost, but it also gained important long-term benefits through the specification of a highly sustainable product solution that is a tangible answer to counter today’s environmental challenges.”

Sustainable window solutions

Eurocell uses its own recycling plants to transform old waste PVC-U window and door frames into new PVC-U profiles through a closed loop recycling scheme. By doing so it is supporting sustained efforts by the construction industry to increase the prevalence of greener solutions to help build a more sustainable world.

Preventing discarded PVC-U frame waste from ending up in landfill and using it to create new PVC-U profiles is Eurocell’s proactive response to the climate crisis, and one that is finding real traction with like-minded companies looking to do the right thing when it comes to making sustainable product choices. This approach has been employed on the Guilden Village project, with the installed Eurocell Modus Slim window profiles emanating from a recycled source.

Eurocell worked with the fabrication and installer team at Astraseal Ltd to ensure the profile and fabrication process maintained the required momentum and supported the construction timetable. Planning approval for the window specification was obtained without any issues, with the authorities satisfied that the Modus Slim Sash PVC-U solution provided a seamless match to the overall design vision.

Building on the positive experience of the Hythe Mills project, Guilden Village is another strong example where project collaboration has identified an alternative product solution which matches design aspiration, drives the vital sustainability agenda, guarantees high performance and, ultimately, saves the client money.

Gary concludes: “Eurocell and Future Generation are delighted with the outcome of our ongoing collaborative partnership within the PBSA sector. The developer’s Guilden Village and Hythe Mills PBSA projects are helping to answer the ongoing and pressing need for high standard student accommodation to support those pursuing their education ambitions. Eurocell’s great looking, sustainable and high-performing PVC-U window solutions aim to assist developers such as Future Generation ensure market demand in a booming sector continues to be satisfied.”

If you would like to speak to us about how we can help on your next project email us at enquiries@eurocell.co.uk or call on 0333 005 6525 to discuss your requirements.

A WINDOW ON SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION

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Eurocell’s market leading PVC-U window profiles, technical expertise, and commitment to a sustainable future, is helping to underpin the success of a major ongoing property maintenance and refurbishment project in Birmingham. 

As a result of the work undertaken in tandem with project lead, construction company, Wates, and fabrication partner, Shelforce, many of Birmingham’s social housing tenants are now benefiting from improved property insulation, lower energy bills, and aesthetically pleasing building exteriors, thanks to the specification and installation of new attractive windows with a minimum design life expectancy of 35 years.  

Wates, one of the UK’s largest construction and property services companies won the tender to deliver a programme of property refurbishment for Birmingham City Council in 2016.  The programme is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of over 31,000 low- and high-rise properties currently under the control of the council.

Among the primary elements of the overall project – which has now run successfully for over five years – has been to address the need to replace a large volume of windows in properties across some housing estates, as well as refurbish those situated in tower blocks around the city.

From a technical perspective, some of the key challenges Wates faced were to ensure that the window replacement solutions would overcome issues such as wind driven water access and have the proven ability to withstand wind pressures generated by the height of the tower blocks, as well as being able to meet the council’s aesthetic and sustainability objectives with a flexible, proven, and long-lasting window replacement solution.

Wates brought in its long-term fabrication supplier, Erdington-based Shelforce to oversee the manufacture of the window solution required to support the extensive and ongoing refurbishment programme.

To ensure the secure supply of the quantity, quality and finish of profiles as stated in the council’s original window specification, Shelforce joined forces with Eurocell in what has been a highly successful material supply and technical collaboration that has supported the overall refurbishment works in recent years.

Gary Driscoll, sales & commercial director at Eurocell, explains how the partnership works: “Eurocell supplies Shelforce with the Logik70 profile in an anthracite grey colour, as well as in standard white, in line with its material orders on a weekly basis.  We also collaborate on technical aspects of projects around the window design.  This, for example, can often be due to the challenges of dealing with the wind pressures exerted on high-rise tower block building windows that necessitate the inclusion of additional reinforcement within the window design.  We supply all items to Shelforce in PVC-U apart from the reinforcement components or couplers which are provided in either aluminium or steel dependent on requirements.”

The joint desire of Eurocell and Shelforce to work together to create solutions to some of the technical challenges on the maintenance programme, has resulted in the development of a hybrid system, as Howard Trotter, business manager at Shelforce, highlights: “Any window runs over five metres need expansion joints, which is not something that is readily available in PVC-U.  We have therefore developed a hybrid system using aluminium and Eurocell PVC-U which has been tested to BS 6375 for weather proofing and passed all regulatory standards.”

Building for the future

With much focus on the delivery of sustainable construction solutions that reduce the impact on the environment, having a green perspective has also been important for all partners as the refurbishment project has unfolded in recent years.  With the original tender secured by Wates stipulating sustainability objectives such as the need for zero non-hazardous waste going to landfill, it is clear that caring for the environment has been crucial to the success of the programme.

Eurocell has been able to make a significant contribution in this regard.

With its own recycling plants that transform old waste plastic products into new and reusable PVC-U profiles, all extrusions sent to Shelforce for fabrication come from a recycled source.  In addition, the partnership approach across the programme now sees Eurocell work with Wates to collect and recycle the old windows being replaced.   Such waste materials are then reused for making the new window profiles that Shelforce fabricates, which can also support the future needs of the ongoing maintenance and replacement project across the city.

Howard Trotter concludes: “Without doubt, we have seen a lot of benefit from our relationship with Eurocell across this important and significant city-wide refurbishment scheme.  It has provided excellent technical support when required, including the provision of in-house training, as well as maintaining material supply despite the operational difficulties brought on by the pandemic. This has enabled Shelforce to continue to optimise fabrication production and supply to Wates and kept the project on track.”

Birmingham’s residents are enjoying improved housing conditions as new high performing window solutions remove draught-related problems and help to better insulate their living spaces.  Not only are the Eurocell-profiled windows underpinning the practical benefits the refurbishment programme is designed to deliver, but the subsequent attractive aesthetic appeal of the newly installed windows is also making a positive contribution to local community landscapes across Birmingham.

Finally, all stakeholders recognise that important sustainability objectives are also being met through the specification of the new windows that emanate from a recycled source and are set, according to the Building Research Establishment, to deliver long-lasting design life expectancy into the middle of this century.

Modus – Getting you Future Homes ready

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Bloor_Homes_Bath_Modus_street_shotWith the Modus profile system, you can create a whole range of different fenestration types and aesthetic styles from a single system.

Coming with a 12-year guarantee, Modus is available in nine solid and woodgrain-effect colours, all of which are available with white internal finishes to create a light and airy living environment. A further range of more than 40 solid and woodgrain effect finishes are available, including colour both sides.

Modus_Window_DETAIL_TNT_Section_PC-HR (002)BBA certified to function satisfactorily for more than 35 years, the Modus range has a U-value of 1.2 W/m² using 4/20/4 mm sealed double-glazed units. This effective thermal performance is due to the 75mm six-chamber profile system used in the Modus that enables the range to achieve a U-value as low as 0.7 by installing triple-glazed units. This ensures that Modus can be used to help you get ready for the Future Homes Standard in both 2022 & 2025.

Consisting of 50% post-consumer recycled PVC-U as standard, this range of doors and windows has a smaller carbon footprint than products made or recycled outside of the UK. Eurocell achieves this by employing dual material extrusion technology (DMET) that layers post-consumer recycled and ‘virgin’ material simultaneously, so the recycled material is concentrated in the central core of the profiles where it cannot be seen once the door or window is installed.

For more information on Modus visit: https://www.eurocell.co.uk/pvc-u-trade/windows/modus

EUROCELL’S ALL-NEW, BESPOKE CONTEMPORARY CONSERVATORIES AND ORANGERIES

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Eurocell has extended its range of market-leading conservatory and orangery solutions with the launch of new contemporary designs that create desirable extended living spaces or can modernise existing and traditional conservatory structures.

Contemporary Image Set 01 - Townhouse Dining Room

Responding to increased consumer demand for 21st century conservatory designs that include greater use of glass, reduced brickwork, superior thermal insulation, and a contemporary build aesthetic for shape and colour, Eurocell has added a raft of new quality-led features that improve liveability and reflect changing homeowner tastes, which will create business growth opportunities for fabricators and installers.

The latest conservatory designs bring together a combination of Eurocell’s exclusive pilaster and slimline roof systems, with a modern highline gutter solution, to enable the creation of cutting-edge and desirable living spaces that connect the house and garden.

Requiring low maintenance and designed for ease of fabrication and fast installation, the sleek and attractively designed options will ensure the swift and cost-effective completion of projects.  They also offer peace of mind with a 10-year guarantee on product performance once installed and provide all year-round comfort through superior thermal performance.

Flexible pilaster options 

The new features include innovatively designed pilaster solutions providing strength, durability, high insulation performance, and varied decorative options.  Using corner posts with reinforcement, the pilasters provide a robust construction solution.  They are also the foundation for stunning cladding options such as Coastline and Ecoscape that are available in a range of colours, including anthracite grey, moondust grey, silver birch, spiced oak, and midnight black.

For homeowners preferring an internal plastered finish, the new pilaster options provide the perfect backdrop to help deliver stunning interior spaces that can include striking lighting effects and the increased specification of automation and technology.

Slimline roof system to enhance light and space

The contemporary visual impact of the new Eurocell conservatory options is reinforced with the addition of a slimline roof system solution.  With a thinner ridge system and reduced sightlines on conservatories, the slimline roof system enhances the feel of light and space.  The system’s colour range includes white, anthracite grey, smooth aluminium grey, and matt black to provide a modern look.

Highline gutters – easy to install with advanced aesthetics

To further support the creation of visually appealing conservatories, Eurocell’s new contemporary highline gutter perfectly complements the slimline roof system.  Available in white, anthracite grey, and black, the highline gutter is suitable for internal and external 90-degree corners.  They have been designed to make the installation process quicker by allowing increased space for installers to fix to the conservatory structure. The bottom of the gutter has been designed  to allow better aesthetics over full height brickwork and pilasters.

The range of features are suitable for new conservatory structures or as a cost-effective method to modernise existing and traditional conservatories. Easy to install, they can quickly transform favourite internal spaces and enhance the connected experience of indoor and outdoor living.

Sean Bunyan, Head of Commercial Operations for Eurocell, says: “Our further enhanced range of conservatory solutions is designed to help create ideal living spaces for homeowners.  The impact of the pandemic and the work from home rules have made many people reappraise their living and working environments. As a result, we expect to see continued strong market demand for newly realised modern conservatory solutions, as well as projects where homeowners are looking to transform traditional conservatories. We have also ensured that customer feedback has been used as part of the design and development process for the exciting new features.

“The contemporary pilaster, slimline roof system and highline gutter options are fantastic quality-based additions to the conservatory solutions we offer.  They are now available for fabricators and installers looking to work with their clients on the development of attractive and welcoming spaces that connect the indoors with the outside.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.eurocell.co.uk/homeowners/conservatories

Eurocell is leading the sustainability agenda with recycled PVC-U

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  • Eurocell has now proven that significant carbon savings can be achieved from the reuse of post-industrial and post-consumer waste to create new PVC-U solutions
  • Estimates to establish lifecycle impact of using recycled PVC-U window frames independently verified by Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Eurocell’s recycling strategy delivered saving of over 25,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2021

MicrosoftTeams-image (59)A research whitepaper has supported the positive environmental impact of using recycled waste materials for the manufacture and fabrication of new PVC-U windows and doors.

Existing data sets and modelling have been verified by Manchester Metropolitan University, with the findings set out in The Environmental Impact of Using Post-Consumer PVC-U Waste to Create Today’s Windows and Doors.

The paper estimates the lifecycle environmental impact of creating new recycled PVC-U from post-industrial and post-consumer window frame waste.  The waste comprises of both off-cuts and rejects from the manufacturing process (post-industrial), as well as old frames recovered at their end of their life and destined for landfill (post-consumer). It is also worth considering the impact of BREEAM credits arising from putting steel and aluminium used as reinforcement, back into the circulation.

The study uncovered three key facts:

  1. Significant sustainability savings can be achieved by using recycled waste materials in unseen areas instead of virgin PVC-U on newly fabricated window frames and doors.
  2. Recycling post-consumer waste leads to higher carbon savings thanks to the credits for metals recycling.
  3. Using one tonne of post-consumer PVC-U as part of recycling efforts within a PVC-U manufacturing operation will save 2.056 tonne CO2 equivalent against the use of virgin PVC-U, equivalent to approximately two months’ worth of carbon emissions from the average person in the UK.*

Mark Kelly CEO for Eurocell, comments: “Eurocell is an industry leader producing enough window and door extruded profiles to fabricate over 2.2 million windows and doors annually to meet the demand for high performing, aesthetically pleasing solutions. These design solutions are all focused around recycle content where British Standards allow.

“Like all responsible businesses we have to ensure that our operations are sustainable for the long term and transparent as climate concerns continue to grow.  That is why we set out, with the help of Manchester Metropolitan University, to better understand the impact of our processes, especially around carbon emissions.”

Eurocell operates two recycling plants across the UK.  Each site transforms waste PVC that would otherwise be discarded to landfill into recycled pellet.  This is then extruded using dual material extrusion technology back into its popular new windows and door systems.  Based upon the study’s conclusions, which have been independently assessed and validated by academics at Manchester Metropolitan University, it is calculated that 12,000 plus tonnes of post-consumer waste extruded by the company in 2020 led directly to a saving of over 25,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent by replacing virgin PVC-U with recycled post-consumer PVC-U.

Mark continues: “The study’s conclusions clearly show the positive impact our strategic decision to use waste PVC-U to drive our recycling operations is having. Not only have we significantly cut the carbon emissions that result from our manufacturing processes, the use of recycled materials in our windows and doors enables housebuilders and consumers to make more informed and better environmental choices.

“For instance, housebuilders constructing 2,500 units will save around 627 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year by specifying Eurocell windows and cavity closures with recycled content over full virgin PVC-U windows.

“It is vital that businesses play their part in helping to reverse the current climate emergency.  We are now able to provide our customers, housebuilders, and homeowners with an accurate and verified carbon saving statistic associated with the reuse of waste materials in our manufacturing operations.   This means they can specify and buy with confidence and know their choices are environmentally positive.”

Copies of The Environmental Impact of Using Post-Consumer PVC-U Waste to Create Today’s Windows and Doors are available by visiting: https://www.eurocell.co.uk/pvc-u-trade/resource-hub/whitepapers

 

EUROCELL’S SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT HELPS TO CREATE THE ZERO CARBON HOME OF THE FUTURE

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  • Eurocell’s high performing and recycled window and door solutions selected for industry-leading construction research project led by Barratt Developments
  • Academics and construction industry working together to develop a zero-carbon house and test the home living experience
  • Barratt Development’s ‘Z-House’ showcases and monitors sustainable living by combining modern construction methods, home technology solutions and green building product answers

The Z House Project, an eco house at Salford University by Barratt Homes.

With efforts intensifying to deliver the sustainable living solutions needed for a greener future, Eurocell has collaborated with housebuilder Barratt Developments on a unique and innovative construction project based at the University of Salford campus.

The ‘Z-House’ is a zero-carbon concept home that aims to showcase the future of sustainable living in the UK.  It is the first home in the country to be built by a major housebuilder that goes substantially beyond the Future Homes Standard and has brought together the latest thinking and technologies.

The home is designed to test and monitor the most modern sustainable housing technology. This includes an air source heat pump, infrared panels, plaster that eliminates pollutants, a fridge that keeps food fresh for longer, heated skirting boards, air-powered showers, electric vehicle charging points, PV solar panels and battery storage.

Importantly, the house will also be home to one of Salford University’s academics so that the project can better understand the customer experience of zero carbon living.

Driving sustainability

Eurocell was asked to contribute its sustainable window and door solutions as part of the Z-House concept design.  The company’s own recycling plants transform post-consumer and post-industrial waste PVC window and door frames into new and reusable PVC-U profiles through a closed loop recycling scheme.

The positive contribution a sustainable approach to window and door solutions can make has also been verified by Manchester Metropolitan University.  It concluded that the use of post-consumer waste plastic window frames to create new PVC-U profiles will enable a housebuilder constructing, on average, 2,500 units of semi-detached houses, to save around 627 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year by specifying recycled Eurocell windows and cavity closures over full virgin PVC-U windows.

The Z-House has used the high thermal performance, attractive aesthetics, and sustainable benefits of Eurocell’s Syncro sliding doors for the garage space that houses the critical system monitoring equipment for the project. In addition, the Logik window solution was specified on both the ground and first floors of the 3-bedroom property.  The selected Eurocell products for the Z-House are constructed from a recycled source which helps to drastically reduce their environmental impact.

Angus Cowie, business development manager for Eurocell, comments: “This is a really important project for the construction industry and its collective efforts to build the sustainable houses our population will require in the future. By bringing together current and evolving construction expertise, innovative thinking, emerging technologies, and practical solutions from a wide range of suppliers, the Z-House is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through active collaboration.

“It was vital all project partners had early engagement to fully understand the aims and ambitions for the concept and this has been the case with the Z-House. We look forward to seeing the results of the work being undertaken at the University of Salford and are excited to be part of this significant piece of practical research driven by Barratt Developments.”

The Z-House has been created using modern methods of construction. It is part-funded by the UK Government and has been developed in partnership with over 40 leading organisations from across the housebuilding, sustainability, and technology sectors, helping to broaden knowledge with lessons learnt shared across the industry.

BUILDING BUSINESS TOGETHER

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2021 saw increasing demand for many of Eurocell’s window, door, and roofing products. High performing, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable products have helped trade partners secure business building opportunities amidst a turbulent year.

Now, with newly expanded warehouse and manufacturing capacity, and a list of exciting products about to be launched, 2022 will see Eurocell’s collaboration and support for its network of valued fabricators and installers go to the next level. 

Nickel with treeEurocell’s wide range of innovative and sustainable window, door, and roofing solutions has continued to offer the trade the products answers they need to meet consumer expectations and shifting trends.

Whilst the impact of the pandemic has continued to challenge everyone, the past 12 months has seen restrictions loosen and with it, a return to more normalised operating environment. It is, however, important to acknowledge the supply issues that have afflicted many sectors this year for a variety of reasons and the construction industry has been no exception.

Eurocell has worked hard to try to overcome the impact of such issues around material supply for the company’s network of fabricators and installers at a time when demand for Eurocell’s solutions has accelerated.

Homeowners – who have spent more time in their properties than ever before – have reappraised their living surroundings and many have decided to embark on projects to enhance, change, or simply improve their living spaces. This has helped to fuel increased activity for fabricators and installers with calls for window, door, and roofing options on the rise throughout 2021.

2021 product highlights

Some of the company’s window, door, and roofing product stars of the year highlight the wide array of options Eurocell continues to deliver to the trade. Each have been long-standing and popular choices as consumers have opted for eye-catching, proven, high quality, and sustainably produced products that add real value to properties.

  • The Syncro sliding patio door system has helped property owners co-ordinate interior and exterior design ambitions, whilst offering unbeatable home security and natural light benefits.
  • Modus – the UK’s first fully integrated window and door system – has continued to deliver the looks, performance, and cost effectiveness the trade seeks. With clean lines and contemporary aesthetics, the system offers an alternative to aluminium and timber product choice, giving customers yet another market-leading option from the Eurocell product portfolio.
  • Logik – the range has been extended to provide the flush casement that appeals in both heritage and contemporary settings
  • Eurocell’s Aspect panoramic profile has provided a concertina door solution to connect the indoor with outdoor spaces. The designer folding door has again seen strong demand throughout the year as developers look to enhance new-build designs. Aspect has enabled specifiers to deliver a real ‘wow’ factor thanks to the ability to create a glass wall up to 6m tall!
  • The Dales Collection of premium composite doors are hardwearing and pleasing to the eye. With a multi-point locking system and an extensive range of styles, colours, and glazing options, the Dales Collection has provided the trade with a bespoke and highly popular door solution.

Equinox and Envirotile have also each made a significant contribution to enhancing the look and performance of UK roofscapes and outdoor living spaces. Already a market-leading product, Equinox has continued to deliver all year-round comfort and useability for conservatories and the roof system was further enhanced to offer additional choice for homeowners and commercial success for installers.

With an eye on increasing interest in sustainability around the home, a new technical addition to the tile range has helped to satisfy growing consumer environmental concerns connected to product impact on the world.

As such, the ability to now specify Envirotile – a precision manufactured recycled polymer tile for a solid tiled roof solution with reduced environmental impact – has been an attractive offering to the conservatory installation market. The importance of making a sustainable product selection is also matched by aesthetics, and here 2021 enhancements to the Equinox range have added even greater homeowner choice.

To provide further options, a 25° fixed angle soffit ring beam option on the Equinox range now offers a traditional overhang soffit appearance that can match homeowners’ properties to create seamless integration. The additional soffit surface area also allows the option to be specified with external downlighters.

Driving the industry’s sustainable future

Underpinning all Eurocell’s exciting product success has been a continued commitment to a sustainable future across the company’s design and manufacturing operations.  This is underscored by a central belief in recycling-led processes that are a focus of the company’s strategic environmental direction.

Eurocell has been driving forward its ambitions around recycling for more than 20 years. Recognising a corporate need to do what is required to minimise PVC-U waste and reuse materials across manufacturing processes, the company has moved from externally purchasing recycled PVC-U to the establishment of a nationwide waste recycling system. This is now used to furnish Eurocell’s manufacturing operation with recycled plastic raw material.

The recycling service called Eurocell Recycle meets two primary objectives: it helps to prevent fabricators having to send their PVC-U frames to landfill by removing a waste handling issue for them, and, secondly, it enables the recycling of old PVC-U frames no longer of any use into new PVC-U material.  Such has been the success of the service; the newly created plastic now accounts for around 30 to 45% of all the material Eurocell’s manufacturing business requires to generate the extensive range of brand-new dual material extruded plastic products.

The company’s two waste PVC-U recycling plants at Ilkeston and Selby are at the heart of the Eurocell Recycle service and their combined efforts are delivering real benefit for the trade.  It uses a ‘closed loop’ recycling system to deal with both post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste and the two plants currently handle approximately 40k tonnes of input PVC-U waste material annually – a figure that has been steadily rising as demand for recycled product solutions has escalated in recent years. 

Without the service, a high proportion of the PVC-U waste generated by fabricators and installers would simply end up in landfill and contribute further to the waste disposal challenge the UK continually faces.

2022: Expanded capacity and exciting new product solutions

The company looks ahead to 2022 with much anticipation.

The recent successful opening of the new and award-winning warehouse, manufacturing, and design headquarters in Alfreton means Eurocell is better placed than ever to meet growing market demand from fabricators and installers as supply chain issues subside.

With customer service excellence also key priority for the business, the company’s strategic investment in the expanded facility will further support the trade and help to optimise the business building opportunities that will be created over the coming months.

In line with the commitment to continually enhance Eurocell’s extensive offer to the trade, even more new, innovative, high performing, and sustainable products are set to be launched into the market in 2022 and trade partners should look out for exciting news in the new year.

 

Eurocell Aids Asset Management in Build-to-rent Scheme

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Orbit Housing’s Fordham House in Stratford-upon-Avon aims to raise the bar for rented accommodation. Although initially a social housing provider, Orbit now refers to itself as a “developing housing association”, and Fordham House is designed for private rental by key workers in the town.

Fordham House Orbit Homes 30-10-17 (31)The 82-apartment block provides enhanced protection against noise, a superior maintenance and repair strategy and additional facilities such as secure internal bike storage rooms. Much of the budget for these above-and-beyond features has come from the specification of Modus PVC-U windows from Eurocell in place of the aluminium frames originally specified.

The result was a significant reduction in costs, with no compromise on building design and performance. Despite the building being located on the busiest road in Stratford, residents have been satisfied with the noise suppression provided. Confirmation of the Fordham House project quality came with major award wins in the 2019 Inside Housing Development Awards – Best Build for Rent Development and RICS Residential Property of the year (West Midlands).

Fordham House was also awarded Residential Property of the Year at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) awards, West Midlands in 2019.

Constructed from dense concrete blocks with hollowcore flooring, the three- and four-storey building is clad in a mixture of curtain walling and green wall – sections of planted walls which will be automatically fed and irrigated. The Modus windows, supplied and installed by Unique Window Systems, are tilt-and-turn so that they can be cleaned internally, avoiding the potential hazard and traffic issues of accessing them from the elevations by the two busy roads.

Picture 1With many tenants expected to come from expanding local hospitals, acoustic improvements were high on the menu of potential value enhancing features. Orbit has beefed up the acoustic barriers between floors with a layer of insulation and screed with suspended ceilings added to the deep hollow concrete slab. It has also added fitted blinds within the reveals of the windows to provide an additional noise cushion for shift workers who need to sleep during the day.

BBA-certified to function satisfactorily for more than 35 years, the Modus range achieves a U-value of 1.2 W/m² using 4/20/4 mm sealed double-glazed units. This effective thermal performance is due to the 75mm six-chamber profile system used in the Modus system that also enables the range to achieve a U-value of 0.7 by installing triple-glazed units.

This led to Modus becoming one of the very first systems to achieve the BFRC Window Energy Rating (WER) of A++. This is only awarded to windows with an energy index value equal to or greater than +20; and Modus A++ designs include casement, reversible and tilt and turn.

Additional budget gained from savings on the window costs has also gone into upgrading the flooring material. Ceramic wood-effect flooring has replaced lino to provide a longer life and hence lower maintenance costs and down-time for Orbit.

A re-think of the building’s layout produced space for a substantial ‘spares room’ which will house items such as cookers and kitchen units. With all the apartments kitted out identically, this will enable faster repairs and reduce the time required to spruce up homes between tenancies.

To find out how Eurocell can assist in delivering private rental schemes that are lower cost, sustainable and desirable to private tenants, call our customer services team on 0800 988 7300 or visit www.Eurocell.co.uk

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