Modern meets traditional for windows at Irish school

Pilkington was faced with the potentially difficult challenge challenge of fitting new, sash windows for a school in Bray, County Wicklow, near Dublin.

It may have proved tough because large timber framed sash windows, although are one of the most recognisable and desirable features of Georgian architecture, are also well known for their poor energy performance.

The glass chosen for the task was Pilkington Spacia™, which ensured it would keep its traditional architectural style, whilst also increasing its energy-efficiency.

Tom Geraghty, the school’s Headmaster explains: “While it is a very beautiful building, it was also expensive to heat, and difficult to keep warm during the colder months of the year – at least, not without intensive heating.
 
“We examined a range of options for improving the energy-efficiency of the windows. The frames were not deep enough to house standard double-glazing, and replacing all of the windows would entail a high cost and potentially impact the appearance of Thornhill House.
 
“That was when we learned from the installer about Pilkington Spacia™, which has the thickness of a single pane of glass but performs as effectively as double-glazing.”

As a result of the refurbishment, heat-loss through the windows was reduced by almost 25 per cent.

Julia Berkin, Brand & Marketing Communications Manager at Pilkington, added: “Replacing the windows of historic buildings can be an expensive project, and – if a different style is used – it can also be very detrimental to the whole look and feel of the space.
 
“By achieving double-glazing levels of energy performance in an ultra-thin system, comparable in thickness to a single pane, Pilkington Spacia™ allows occupants to enjoy modern standards of comfort yet retain the original appearance of the windows – the best of both worlds.”

The school was founded in 1918 and, while it has expanded into a series of more modern buildings over the years, it still uses its original building, Thornhill House, to house its administrative block.

Contact:

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited,
Greengate Works,
Sherdley Road,
St. Helens,
Merseyside,
United Kingdom,
WA9 5 DZ

Phone: 01744 692000
Fax: 01744 692569

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