A Grand Design for Kestrel Aluminium Systems

A complete window and door glazing solution from Kestrel Aluminium Systems was specified as part of a carbon-neutral, sustainable woodland house that featured on a recent episode of Grand Designs. 

Tucked away on the outskirts of Brigg, Lincolnshire is Scawby Brook, a carbon neutral, sustainable house created to blend into the surrounding woodland setting.

Designed by local architect Kate Kelly, the dwelling’s connection with nature was a key focus of the client’s brief. The house was specified with many windows and doors to let light flood into the property, reflecting the natural environment and providing the best possible views of the rural landscape.

Local project manager Mike Hill was employed to deliver the project and, as part of his contract, to source materials and labour from the local area. Mike specified windows and doors from Kestrel Aluminium Systems to provide a complete glazing solution for the modern building. He chose Kestrel’s products based on previous experience working with the company, and the knowledge that the systems would offer the best solution in terms of the quality and budget demanded by the client.

Andrew Cross, Marketing Manager of Kestrel Aluminium Systems, says: “We are delighted that our aluminium window and door systems were specified for use at Scawby Brook. The distinctive house sits high up in the treeline to maximise the rural views, and our windows were the perfect complement to the building’s modern, streamlined aesthetic.”

The windows used in the property are a mixture of fixed or opening vents, with multi-point espagnolette locking, PAS24-compliant security to keep the occupants safe and secure.

Safe, secure and energy efficient

Used in conjunction with low U-value double-glazed units that achieve a low U-Value of 1.2W/m2K, they ensure the building is safe, secure and energy efficient.

Part of the house is elevated on stilts so that it sits within the trees, with a bridge separating the living and sleeping quarters. This has been glazed with 2,200mm high units inset with top-hung casement windows to maximise light and give stunning views of the surrounding woodland. The adjacent rooms have matching tall, fixed corner windows that are an impressive feature of the design and let light flood into the building from every direction.

Installed on the first floor are double French doors which provide access to a private roof terrace. Fully compatible with the full suite of Kestrel products, all units use the same profiles and hardware to ensure a seamless, common aesthetic throughout the building.

All windows were powder coated in Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) at Kestrel’s powder coating facility in Birmingham. The finish provides an enhanced colour fastness and coating stability, removing any risk that the profiles will peel, flake or fade. This ensures that the windows will retain an as-installed appearance for years to come.

Sustainability

The installation scores highly in terms of sustainability – another key requirement from the client and part of the reason why Kestrel’s aluminium windows were chosen. 

Aluminium windows are highly recyclable and have a low environmental impact throughout their entire lifecycle. From production to installation and eventual recycling, the window and door systems have a much smaller carbon footprint than alternative material options.

The manufacture and installation of the systems were undertaken by Fabrique Specialist Glazing Systems of Grimsby. Bespoke projects of this type are challenging as there are always time pressures to make sure the build can continue to progress at the expected rate to avoid setbacks and costly time penalties. This project was no different, and Fabrique had a tight deadline to keep to as the installation of the glazing was what would make the house watertight and ready for the second-fix stage of the project to commence.

Fabrique offered bespoke solutions for the project, drawing on its experience in the fenestration industry to add details to the building that created a high-end finish.

Steve Hilldrith, Managing Director of Fabrique, explains: “It is always wonderful working on such projects and seeing a prestigious build realised. I’m pleased we were able to offer our design expertise to help finish the project to the desired specification.”

Kestrel’s aluminium window and door systems have been supporting UK installers and fabricators for more than 30 years. The company prides itself on offering excellent customer service and exceptional quality, reliable products to allow projects to be completed on time and to a high standard. For more information on Kestrel’s systems, visit www.kestrelaluminium.co.uk or call 0121 333 3575.

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