Nov 2 2006
New window technology is being pioneered at Whitehills Business Park in Blackpool to cope with salt laden air and the effects of expansion and contraction due to temperature variation. The architects, Croft Goode Ltd, who have offices nearby in Kirkham, in association with contractor RBL Construction both working for Errigal Developments, selected pultruded Samson windows from Octaveward in preference to aluminium or Upvc.
Whitehills Business Park comprises a mixed development of light industrial units and offices designed for small businesses that are expanding. In addition to a high standard of construction and finish, the development includes ample access and parking and is conveniently located at the end of the M55. On a site of 8650 square metres, ten industrial units have been created in three blocks totalling 1500 square metres, along with 11 office units in seven blocks totalling 2400 square metres. Earlier phases of the development have been eagerly taken up.
Despite being some distance from the sea, the air can still be salt laden. Anodised architectural aluminium frames are susceptible to long term damage affecting their appearance and performance when exposed in saline environments. This problem would not affect Upvc frames but on larger windows particularly, Upvc is subject to differential thermal expansion between the frames and surrounding materials. This creates a sealing difficulty and a lack of thermal rigidity.
Samson windows from Octaveward provide a good all round answer. They are made from a pultruded thermoset plastic resin, with embedded glass fibre reinforcement, to ensure the profiles are strong, rigid and weather resistant surface. Factory finished in a colour to match the feature infill cladding panels, the units harmonise with the development.
Samson frame sections are similar to aluminium and slimmer than the Upvc alternative. They will retain their strength and will not be subject to differential expansion when under intense solar radiation. "Reassuringly, from our perspective, the frames have a 35 year guarantee and the finish a 15 year guarantee," explained the architect.