A team has installed more than 90 Optima windows from Epwin Window Systems at Langton Business Centre, a prominent location in County Durham. The installation was prompted by the fact that the Langton building’s first-generation PVC-U windows had come to the end of their useful life
The contractor selected for the work was the Epwin Window Systems-approved commercial partner Swainstons. For this project, Swainstons used the Optima sculptured window system, which offers sleek sculptured aesthetics. The windows were manufactured in anthracite grey on white, and used bronze-tinted double glazed units to achieve a contemporary finish.
The system features a six-chambered outer frame and a five-chambered sash which can be used with RCM inserts to increase the number of insulating chambers and further enhance thermal performance. The product also has optional centre seals to the outer frame and sash, and a 10mm overlap for improved weatherability. The slimmer frame gives more light and improved solar gain, adding further thermal advantage. These features and more meant the system was comfortably able to achieve the project specification of a Window Energy Rating of A.
As the Langton Business Centre is home to around 25 businesses, the four-week installation needed to be carefully managed. But as a highly experienced commercial contractor, the Swainstons team was able to handle this.
The team undertook comprehensive risk assessments to ensure the safety of the building’s occupants and the Swainstons team throughout the installation. They also planned the works carefully to minimise disruption.
The new Optima windows deliver the more contemporary look that owners of the Langton Business Centre required, and have helped to enhance the building’s envelope. At the same time, thermal performance has been considerably upgraded, helping to reduce the building’s carbon emissions and enhance the sustainability of current and future occupants.
“Optima is straightforward to fabricate and offers the superior aesthetics and performance that commercial projects need,” said Liam McClorey, Swainstons’ general manager.
