The tough polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer sandwiched between two panes of glass prevents a laminated glass window breaking apart when it is accidentally damaged or there is a deliberate attempt to break in. But security and safety can now be accompanied by colour and pattern too. PVB supplier Solutia has come up with a range of coloured and patterned interlayers for laminated glass.
Solutia's Vanceva Design comes in eight coloured interlayers and nine patterns, superimposed to create different effects in a range of over 600 colours. There are also three whites, which offer different light transmission values (80%, 65% and 7%), bringing different levels of privacy in different colours.
The interlayers are made with heat and light-stable pigments rather than dyes for truer, longer-lasting colours. While coloured glass traditionally sacrifices functionality, Vanceva Design offers all the performance of laminated glass in terms of acoustic insulation, safety, security, ultraviolet screening and strength.
Enquiry number 207
Star of the silver scene
A chromium VI-free silver coating for hardware has been developed as an environmentally friendly replacement for traditional yellow passivation.
Window and door hardware manufacturer Siegenia-Frank has come up with the high-performance silver finish, called TS-Look. Available for a wide range of Siegenia window and patio door hardware, it is designed to complement PVC and timber systems.
Tested to BS 7479, the coating offers 72 hours protection against white rust and 480 hours against red rust.
Enquiry number 210
Spinning in space
An all-glass revolving door, the KTV Atrium from Dorma, allows designers to build all-glass facades. The fine framing of the door gives maximum transparency.
It comes in three and four-wing models, is available as a manual or semi-automatic door, and can be fitted with a nightshield. The frame has a powder-coated anodised finish, and comes in a choice of satin or polished stainless steel.
A bespoke product, the KTV Atrium is supplied and fitted by Dorma. It can be tailored in terms of size, drum type and operation.
Enquiry number 208
Designed for safety
Andersen's Tilt-Wash sliding sash window makes it as safe and easy to clean the outside as the inside of the window. The sashes slide down and tilt inwards by means of simple wash-assist guides.
A low-maintenance vinyl protector on the outside prevents the window frames from chipping, rotting or blistering. On the inside, the timber window frame can be varnished, stained or painted. Low-E argon-filled double-glazing is supplied as standard with a U-value of 1.68.
The Tilt-Wash comes in 99 standard sizes and four colours: beige, earth, green and white. Options include Georgian glazing bars, pine extension jambs, removable insect screens and a range of hardware.
Enquiry number 209
Bring in the sky
Velux has launched a remote-controlled rooflight called Skylight. Skylights are not aimed at loft conversions, but at bungalows and the tops of stairs where there isn't a lot of light. Skylights can be fitted into all types of pitch roofs, even shallow pitch.
Because the Skylight windows are electrically operated by remote control, they can be placed in inaccessible areas. The electrical motor is pre-fitted into the window frame and there's just a single power cable for the installer to plug in or wire up to the mains.
Enquiry number 211
Fingertip protection
Hormann has modified its entire range of industrial doors to comply with the BSEN12604 and 12453 European safety standards 12 months before they become statutory requirements.
The new safety features in Hormann's Series 40 doors include finger-trap protection between door sections that is effective on both sides of the door, a fail-safe self-monitoring safety edge, enclosed side frames, internally guided carrying cables and an anti-fail latching mechanism.
Series 40 doors can be tailored to different installations. The low-headroom track can accommodate roofs inclined at under 10 degrees. The system increases reliability and allows manual and shaft-operated doors to be fitted into spaces with 200mm headroom.
Enquiry number 212
Sleek lines for glass doors
Dorma has launched a new range of door handles designed for fitting onto glass doors.
Developed in Germany, the Valli Valli range of lever handles offers avant garde and classical looks. They are available in chrome, stainless steel and brass, and with a satin or polished finish. Possible combinations include standard studio locks with designer lever handles.
Enquiry number 213
Opening up the roof
The Visionvent from Glazing Vision is a rooflight that opens at the flick of a switch rather than the more usual laborious operation with a pole.
A control system hidden in the slender aluminium framework makes the rooflight open and close.
Because the Visionvent's frame is powder-coated, builders can match the colour up with almost any curtain walling colour scheme in use.
Glazing Vision is about to move on from test models to full working production of the window, and the Visionvent should be available in January.
Enquiry number 215
Opening up the roof
The Visionvent from Glazing Vision is a rooflight that opens at the flick of a switch rather than the more usual laborious operation with a pole.
A control system hidden in the slender aluminium framework makes the rooflight open and close.
Because the Visionvent's frame is powder-coated, builders can match the colour up with almost any curtain walling colour scheme in use.
Glazing Vision is about to move on from test models to full working production of the window, and the Visionvent should be available in January.
Enquiry number 215
Hot windows and doors
Aluminium systems manufacturer Kawneer has launched its AA 600 Series windows and door system to meet the 2.0 U-value required by the updated Part L. It consists initially of casement and tilt-turn windows and a swing door.
Like the AA 500, the AA 600 uses a continuous, single-piece gasket. It offers dual-colour options and colour co-ordinated hardware, and achieves Part L compliance without the need for high-performance glass.
Designed for direct fix to masonry, window/door composites and ribbon windows, the AA 600 can hold glazing panels from 14mm to 38mm and comes in 130 standard and 31 metallic polyester powder paint finishes. Anodised finishes are also available.
Enquiry number 216
Source
Construction Manager
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