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recycled PVC-U

DERELICT WAREHOUSE TRANSFORMED INTO MODERN APARTMENTS USING LOGIK 70MM SYSTEM

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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  • Redevelopment in Leicester transforms a derelict warehouse into new apartments.
  • The Logik 70mm chamfered system in Black Ash specified as a sustainable alternative to aluminium.
  • With a U-value of 1.2, the Logik 70mm system met the aesthetic and acoustic standards required.
  • Logik, which contains 32% recycled PVC-U, helped reduce the project’s environmental footprint.

Challenges Encountered in Redeveloping a Derelict Site

The redevelopment of a derelict warehouse, alongside the construction of three new apartment blocks in Leicester city centre, presented several significant challenges. Initially, brown aluminium was specified to align with the area’s aesthetic. However, the project’s primary goal was to transform the neglected site into modern, high-quality apartments that would contribute to the wider regeneration efforts in the city centre. In response, Nu Openings proposed the Eurocell PVC-U 70mm Logik Chamfered system in Black Ash and Syncro sliding doors as a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to aluminium.

This specification change introduced the need for careful adherence to local planning protocols, collaboration with architects, and compliance with Building Regulations. Additionally, the derelict state of the warehouse added complexity to the project. On-site safety during the measurement of every window was paramount, and the team also had to contend with structural irregularities and environmental factors, such as the presence of pigeons.

Innovative Solutions for Modern Apartment Design

Nu Openings, contracted to install the windows and doors, worked closely with Padmore Construction and Eurocell’s Commercial team to overcome these challenges. The choice of the Logik 70mm system was driven by its exceptional thermal performance, achieving a U-value of 1.2, while offering significant cost savings compared to aluminium. Eurocell’s foiled Black Ash finish provided the ideal solution, balancing the need to match local architectural aesthetics with energy efficiency goals.

Steve Carvell from Nu Openings, who spearheaded the specification change, noted the challenge of ensuring that PVC-U could meet both the aesthetic and functional requirements of the project. Eurocell’s Technical team collaborated closely with architects, providing detailed technical drawings and support to secure planning approval, ensuring the project’s success.

Steve shared:

“Convincing the planners and architects to switch from aluminium to PVC-U wasn’t easy. It wasn’t a straight swap – we had to make sure the new material met all the aesthetic, structural, and thermal requirements.

“Eurocell’s Technical team played a crucial role in this process, providing detailed drawings and performance data to demonstrate how Logik 70mm could deliver on energy efficiency, durability, and design. The team’s expertise helped us navigate complex planning approvals and ensured that the new specifications not only met, but exceeded expectations, ultimately securing the confidence of all stakeholders involved.”

Despite the derelict state of the existing building, which required creating new structural openings for window installations and precise on-site measurements, the installation of over 220 frames has been successfully completed. The project involves more than 1,000 frames, with 90% of the installation carried out internally. This approach has minimised the need for external scaffolding, streamlining the process and reducing the impact on pedestrian safety around the site.

Delivering Cost Savings and Sustainability

Although the project is ongoing, the decision to shift from the originally specified aluminium to the Logik 70mm system has already yielded significant cost savings, while delivering high-performance, energy-efficient windows. The chosen design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding architecture, preserving the city’s identity while offering a modern, sustainable solution.

Kelly Hibbert, Head of Commercial at Eurocell, highlighted the critical role of acoustic performance in the project, with bespoke glazing solutions designed to meet rigorous noise reduction standards:

“This project extended far beyond aesthetics – the windows needed to comply with strict acoustic requirements. The successful collaboration between planners, architects, and Nu Openings enabled us to meet every aspect of the design brief, transforming a derelict site into modern, energy-efficient apartments.”

“In addition to the performance benefits that the Logik 70mm system brought to this development, Eurocell’s sustainability credentials were also a key advantage. Our products, containing an average of 32% recycled PVC-U, contribute to the construction sector’s increasing focus on environmental responsibility and the complex journey towards achieving Net Zero.”

The redevelopment of the derelict warehouse, along with the construction of three new buildings as part of this project, aligns seamlessly with the broader initiative to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the city.

For more information on how Eurocell can assist you in delivering your next project, please contact the team commercialsales.profiles@eurocell.co.uk.

EUROCELL INTRODUCES RECYCLING SERVICE FOR CAVALOK OFFCUTS

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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Eurocell can now recycle the offcuts of Cavalok Cavity Closers it receives from fabricators after investing in new machinery and skills.

The new process, which is part of Eurocell’s strategy to increase the proportion of recycled PVC-U in its products to 40% by 2030, is one of the first of its kind to be introduced for cavity closers by a systems house in the UK.

The new capability means Eurocell can now remove the expanded polystyrene (EPS) core from the Cavalok Cavity Closer offcut, leaving the remaining PVC-U to be recycled for the design and manufacture of its future window and door products. The EPS is then delivered to Eurocell’s partners to be recycled.

The machinery and team to undertake the process has been put in place at Eurocell’s recycling plant in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, and will support all its fabricator partners who manufacture the closers and have their own sustainability and waste management targets to meet.

Benefits of Cavalok Cavity Closers

Eurocell’s Cavalok Cavity Closers enable brick courses to be completed and create an air-tight receiver for windows and doors. Meaning no matter the size or make-up of a wall, installers can quickly and cost-effectively close the cavity at window and door openings – instantly increasing a property’s thermal efficiency and reducing its energy bills. The closers also meet Accredited Construction Details regulations and are compliant with Part L of Building Regulations.

Eurocell’s Commitment to Recycling and Sustainability

Sandra Gaspar, Head of Recycling at Eurocell, says the new initiative is part of its ongoing recycling strategy, she said; “We are continually reviewing all our processes across our PVC-U product range and recycling to ensure we can return as much PVC-U to the industry as possible.

“Our Cavalok Cavity Closers have a EPS core, so we needed this specalised process, skills and capability in place to ensure it can be separated from the PVC-U in the offcuts – so that we can then use the PVC-U in the design and manufacture of future products.

“It means all our fabricator partners who use our Cavalok Cavity Closers can now take advantage and support their own sustainability and waste management goals too, by working with us to ensure their offcuts are recycled.”

Closed-Loop Recycling System and Collection Service

Eurocell facilitates efficient PVC-U recycling for installers and fabricators through its closed-loop recycling system. By offering reliable and timely collections from any UK site, Eurocell ensures that PVC-U waste is managed responsibly. The service includes all aspects of waste management, from collection and transport to documentation, with waste transfer notes provided to demonstrate responsible handling

At present, Eurocell operates the largest PVC-U recycling operation in the UK and it achieved 32 percent recycled PVC-U in extrusion in 2023, up from 27 percent in 2021.

Eurocell recently attended this year’s Resource & Waste Management Expo (RWM) demonstrating to visitors its closed-loop recycling system and showcasing the substantial progress made in using recycled materials in the design and manufacture of its PVC-U building products.

If you need more information or would like to get in touch with Eurocell to ensure Cavakok offcuts are recycled, please contact recycle@eurocell-recycle.co.uk.

 

Eurocell one of the first to supply triple-glazing windows to Taylor Wimpey

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Eurocell fabricator, Rapid PVCu has secured the first triple glazed site for Taylor Wimpey in Sunderland.

National housebuilder Taylor Wimpey will use Eurocell’s Modus windows system at its Herrington View residential scheme in Penshaw, Sunderland.

Doncaster-based Rapid PVCu is a new-build specialist and has worked with Eurocell, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor, and recycler of PVC-U building products for 14 years.

Eurocell’s market-leading Future Homes Ready Modus window system is made from 50% average post-consumer recycled PVC-U and is manufactured using innovative dual material extrusion technology (DMET). The ultimate sustainable option, with a significantly lower carbon footprint than profiles made or recycled outside the UK.

For the new homeowners that will move into the neighbourhood, with U-values as low as 0.86, the triple glazed windows will reduce carbon emissions, use less energy to heat and present higher levels of security.

Eurocell has been working closely with national housebuilders to enable them to achieve energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets that meet the Future Homes Standard.

 

Martin Benn, Head of New Build at Eurocell comments: “Working collaboratively with housebuilders is something we really value at Eurocell, and this project is another example of the demand for our market-leading Future Homes Ready Modus system that ensures housebuilders meet the requirements that will be introduced in two years’ time. We look forward to the scheme completing and for future projects with Taylor Wimpey.”

John Duggan at Rapid PVCu adds: “This has been a fantastic project to work on collaborating with both the Eurocell and Taylor Wimpey teams to provide innovative, triple glazing windows which are the highest quality of their kind. Triple glazing really is the best option for lowering energy consumption and the fact that the Modus window system is made with recycled PVC-U makes them incredibly attractive for housebuilders. The windows will look really smart once the homes are finished and will provide longevity and energy efficiency for the new owners.”

If you have any questions or would like more information then please email newbuild@eurocell.co.uk or call 0870 120 3003.