Steel Window Association members, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) and Steel Window Fittings (SWF) brought their individual expertise together while working on the County Hall project.  Building on its 30-year long association with the former GLC headquarters on the south bank of the Thames, ASWS has provided its unique skillset to a company carrying out an equally unusual style of redevelopment within the property’s long neglected top floor level. ASWS carried out a comprehensive, yet carefully considered repair and replacement contract at County Hall. Level 5 of County Hall had actually been empty since 1994, with little maintenance carried out and a number of the dormer window structures having been boarded up or infilled with brickwork for the past two decades.  Following its completion of a detailed condition survey on behalf of the project consultants, ASWS was duly tasked with repairing and easing a total of 134 faceted bay windows, many of which had suffered heavy corrosion.  Director of ASWS, Kris Bennell, recounted, “The original windows featured Medium Universal suite steel frames, so for the 11 which had to be reinstated we produced close replicas using W20 sections; though across the job as a whole we were asked to provide a ‘light touch’ restoration.  This is very much the ethos of the client which is committed to providing sustainable workspaces; as well as offering help with issues such as funding and recruitment.” “Rather than gutting out the 5th floor, the old parquet floor was cleaned and preserved while many wall areas were left bare.  For the fenestration, new handles were fixed to the original back-plates, while we designed new blocks which were fitted to the heads, for the spring catches to engage with.  Any broken panes were replaced and all of the hinges reset to ensure ease of operation.” Kris Bennell concluded, “This is one of the very first contracts of its type in the country, where interventions have been kept to an absolute minimum – based on sustainability and environmental impact rather than cost – and we have been very proud to be involved.”  James Barrett, from Steel Window Fittings, said, “It was fantastic to see our hardware in-situ on such a prestigious building. The B205N09F is a unique window handle with a sleek, curving lever that complements the Edwardian baroque architecture.” Steel Window Fittings’ duplex system was selected to stay true to the building’s heritage appearance whilst providing functionality to the large, multilight windows. Adding a duplex system produces a tight seal between the frame and sash, reducing weathering and promoting longevity. Along with the handle fittings, the B59KN OG – a classic slide stay with a fitted round knob – was also installed onto the bottom section of the window to allow for fixing of the window position for safety within the building. All hardware was supplied in a matching oil rubbed bronze finish to blend with the traditional window frames throughout level 5 in County Hall. The SWA offers UK wide coverage with member companies able to carry out the full range of contracts from the repair and restoration of heritage windows through to the installation of major fenestration packages in contemporary commercial, residential and other types of developments. For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The UK’s leading manufacturer of plasterboard and plaster-based drylining systems has announced that all of its systems have now been awarded the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark. Earlier this year, British Gypsum announced that its non-loadbearing metal stud plasterboard partition systems, including shaft wall, had become one of the first products on the UK market to carry the CCPI mark. Now six product sets have been validated by CCPI, a method developed by the Construction Products Association’s (CPA) Marketing Integrity Group to provide assurance that the product information is clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous. The six product sets listed cover 23 British Gypsum systems, incorporating 300 products. The six product sets are: non-loadbearing metal stud plasterboard partition systems, including shaft wall; non-loadbearing ceiling systems; structural steel encasement systems; ceiling systems below loadbearing timber joist floors; non-loadbearing wall lining systems and proprietary and non-proprietary lining systems incorporating Gypsum products, such as GypLyner Xternal, linings for timber frames and plastering systems. Dave Robinson, Head of Technical Support at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, which includes British Gypsum, Celotex and Isover, said: “We’re proud to be working proactively with the CCPI and welcomed the initiative with open arms and were keen to be one of the first to get involved. “In essence, it provides a benchmark for manufacturers and signifies to customers that the product information they’re receiving is trustworthy and adheres to the high standards set out by the CCPI.” Dave, who sat on the CPA’s Marketing Integrity Group, added: “In working with CCPI there was very little difference with what we were doing already. We have always set great store by our data integrity and we ensure that our test data is shared openly and transparently, as evidenced by the fact that we have been publishing the White Book for more than half a century.” In order to ensure a ‘single source of truth’ for its test data, British Gypsum created a  sophisticated Product Information Management (PIM) system, which includes 13,000 test reports, with drylining system tests carried out at the independent, UKAS-accredited Building Test Centre. The PIM system means test data is always up to date, which is why British Gypsum took the decision to stop printing the White Book, making it digital to ensure accurate, timely and accessible data. Dave added: “As the construction industry adapts to a new and improved building safety regime, we hope our partners within the industry and the wider sector join us in securing CCPI accreditation and taking responsibility for building better and safer.”   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The adoption of innovative and interconnected door hardware systems can help overcome the challenges associated with building security, explains Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. The security of our built environment and the safety of its people is paramount throughout a building’s lifecycle. While these elements remain a primary focus at each touchpoint of a construction project, today’s design teams are sooner adopting modern access control systems to address this age-old challenge, but why? Where systems were once rudimentary, modern access control has evolved into a revolutionary factor of building design, unlocking various benefits for its many users in the process. The Internet of Things (IoT) has enhanced building security as we know it, and as technology continues to advance, more options enter the market. Following more than a decade of innovation and integration, the access control market is projected to grow year on year, from £7.8 billion in 2023 to £11.8 billion by 2028. Modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements during this period, and decision makers and design teams alike can now choose from a versatile selection of options. Some door hardware products now utilise smart locks, cloud control and even biometrics for example, and most recently, there’s been a substantial change to the way access control systems operate, with focus moving towards end users and ease of use. From an operational perspective, interconnected access control systems gift users with an intuitive network that improves building security through the use of real-time status updates, while also providing them with the ability to grant instant access approval and denial at the touch of a button. Often, users can operate their building’s various access points through their mobile phone, which has led to improved flexibility and efficiency in most environments – whether at home or in a public access property. The security benefits also become clear when compared to the alternative of physical keys. If a traditional key is lost or stolen, the security of a building becomes at risk until it is found or replaced. Intuitive access control systems are designed to build upon the traditional lock and key methods. By seamlessly integrating smart door hardware into both new and retrofit projects, users can manage access points and improve security across the building – without stifling ease of access, stunting future scalability or unsettling the aesthetics. As many adopt Wi-Fi infrastructures, NFC technology and cloud services into their buildings, decision makers must also consider the need for better standards. While the introduction of IoT may advance security, performance and functionality, it can also introduce new risks which must be mitigated by adhering to both localised and international standards, such as ISO 27001 for example. The Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) standard is one of the widely recognised and respected standards for access control products and provides comprehensive requirements for systems by focusing on interoperability, scalability, and functionality. This standard ensures that access control products from different manufacturers can seamlessly integrate and communicate with each other, allowing for greater flexibility and choice when designing a complete access control system. After all, a one size fits all access control solution simply doesn’t exist and decision makers would be remiss in not selecting a product that aligns with their building’s needs while meeting the required standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The versatile W40 window profiles, specifically developed by the Steel Window Association (SWA) for its members, are a stylish and modern solution that suit both new-build and refurbishment applications. While the classic W20 section continues to be preferred by conservationists and many property owners for early 20th century and older properties, W40 exemplifies how steel fenestration systems have kept pace with modern tastes and technical demands, while retaining key attributes such as strength and excellent daylight transmission.  Today’s W40 profiles, manufactured from hot rolled steel, provide greater flexibility than their predecessors, being able too accommodate thicker double or even triple glazing units. They are also capable of creating larger window openings without coupling individual frames together. Doors manufactured using W40 profiles and featuring double or triple glazing can achieve very good thermal performance, while further providing excellent security; with multipoint locking being an option. The preferred IG unit for a building regulations compliant W40 steel window now features a 4-8-4-8-4mm construction, with two soft-coat Low-E panes; plus warm edge spacer bars and argon gas filling.  They can also contain acoustic glass, making W40 designs ideal for many inner-city areas where noise pollution is a common issue.  The SWA represents steel window manufacturers, from expert restorers working with heritage bodies and local conservation officers, to large companies producing W40 frames for commercial offices and leisure destinations as well as modern apartment blocks, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings. Significantly, W40 profiles can be used to fabricate a wide variety of opening formats, including multi-leaf folding/stacking doors, in a full selection of RAL colours.  The SWA offers UK wide coverage with member companies able to carry out the full range of contracts from the repair and restoration of heritage windows through to the installation of major fenestration packages in contemporary commercial, residential and other types of developments. For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals