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Steel Profile
There is no argument that the high thermal
conductivity of the metal, as well as the initial
capital cost of most systems did greatly restrict
sales into the volume new-build market during
the period Part L of the Building Regulations
has gradually been tightened. Throughout this
The case for the modern steel window by Jenni Turner,
time, however, members of the Steel Window
Association have continued to enjoy healthy
Director, Steel Window Association.
turnover as the Government, local authorities
esign freedom has always been stretched across both Europe and America. and bodies such as English Heritage have
D
one of the hallmarks by which The latter half of the 20th century saw sought to protect the fabric of our urban
steel windows have been judged. window areas generally reduced as tastes environment. It should also be noted that the
Steel sections can quite literally changed, building components became more latest steel windows can meet the requirements
go the extra distance in design expensive and Government sought to cut of Part L.
terms, achieving greater spans as well as energy usage. Now though it is building land ‘Replica Refurbishment,’ as it has come to be
increased glass areas and complex shapes. that is in short supply and occupants want large termed, continues to absorb a lot of production
It is no coincidence then that many of the glass areas to enhance the illusion of outside capacity as it helps preserve the architectural
‘architect designed’ residential properties being space inside a property; using fully glazed integrity and the appearance of many different
built today are revisiting the form and proportion doors to link through with balconies and patio building types. Also referred to as like-for-like
of classical buildings from the first half of the or garden areas. refurbishment this involves installing new steel
20th century. While energy conservation is more critically framed windows into properties from local
A great number of influential architects active important than ever before, changes to the authority apartment blocks and waterfront
during this era of architectural history, including Building Regulations actually make steel framed warehouses to hospitals and industrial buildings.
Walter Gropius who is credited with establishing systems more viable. While the new windows may look very similar,
the radical Bauhaus school in the1920s, were This is because the switch to calculating the their physical performance and life expectancy is
great proponents of steel windows and doors. carbon emissions rate for the whole property greatly enhanced compared to those which
Being attracted by its elegant sight lines and now fully recognises the value of passive solar would have been available in the 1930’s or even
potential to maximise light within their gain through glass area as well as orientation. the 1970’s. For the modern steel window utilises
geometric, mainly concrete structures. Once the sun’s rays have warmed the building’s hot dip galvanizing to guard against the most
aggressive environments, while powder coated
The modern steel window utilises hot dip galvanizing
finishes further improve corrosion resistance.
Turning to security issues, steel windows can
to guard against the most aggressive environments
be fitted with security locks and these,
combined with the innate strength of the
windows themselves, tend to discourage all but
Reflecting social and economic change within interior or thermal mass elements, contemporary the most determined burglar.
Germany between the two world wars, Bauhaus glazing technology in the form of hard or soft For safety in fire, steel provides tried and
became synonymous with minimalism. Then coat low emissivity glass and gas filled units can tested solutions for the design of glazed
when Ludwig Meis van der Rohe took over the keep this free heat from escaping. The use of screens, windows and doors offering fire
leadership of the group, it led to the formation of artificial lighting and therefore electricity resistance for 30, 60 and 90 minutes.
the so called Modern Movement, whose influence consumption is also greatly reduced. Continued on page 09
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