Alumen, the Kettering based aluminium fabricator, has received a commendation from Schueco for its work at The Longfords, Teddington, London, in association with customer QDevelopments.
The award, presented for excellence in the design and installation of Schueco systems, is said to be ‘a testament to Alumen’s knowledge and experience as a long-standing Schueco fabricator’.
Alan Robinson, MD of Alumen explained: “The Longfords – a mews development of seven houses and a duplex apartment on a brownfield site in a suburb of Greater London – was designed by 5plus Architects to provide living spaces that have a seamless ’flow’ between the inside and outside. Set amongst Victorian properties, this new build project with QDevelopments demanded a blend of both modern and traditional architectural styles to contrast against its surroundings.
“The large apertures that made the project that much more challenging were perfectly suited to the Schueco product range, with their generous sizing capacity and slim sightlines. To the rear of the properties, Alumen fabricated and installed the ASS70HI Lift& Slide patio and ASS70FD bi-folding doorsets finished in metallic pearl/beige. Using the same finish, AWS75 tilt & turn windows were used throughout but every single window had a different configuration of how it fitted in the cavity; some were forward, others pushed back – there wasn’t a standard way. Furthermore, the bi-folding profile ASS70FD was used to fabricate the single doors which measured up to 2.7m in height.
“The judges appreciated the modesty of the development and its use of a variety of sliding and folded systems. Louise Cotter said ‘It’s nicely restrained’, while Hugh Pearman commented: ‘This is a good example of a young practice revisiting the terrace typology.’”
Alumen’s choice to use Schueco was reportedly based on the range’s ‘clean and contemporary’ appearance, and ‘phenomenal ability’ to offer maximum fabrication dimensions. Alumen, which also manufacturers the Smart profile, has recently launched a range of rooflights that offer trade customers a quality, value for money, off the shelf product. Autumn will see another product launch as Alumen brings to market its own in-house designed and engineered bi-fold doors which aim ‘to take the best of bi-fold systems currently available in terms of aesthetics, ease of installation and operation – and improve on them’.
