TOTAL70 system utilised to provide natural ventilation at new academy

REHAU’s TOTAL70 PVC-U chamfered profile has been used by Devon-based fabricator Interframe to manufacture an innovative parallel hinged sliding window system.

Installed at the newly opened Steiner Academy in Exeter, the windows were developed to provide almost twice the free air flow of standard top hung or casement windows and can deliver a higher number of air changes per hour.

In comparison with casement windows, parallel windows increase air flow all the way around meaning that fresh air is drawn in at the bottom and stale air is expelled at the top. This creates full circulation of the air within the room whilst reducing the potential for draughts.

Natural ventilation for schools

Natural ventilation is proven to improve concentration and focus in educational environments

Natural ventilation is a key priority in schools, as levels of ventilation are known to have a direct effect on concentration and learning. Therefore it is important for designs to go beyond the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations Part F (Ventilation).

At Steiner Academy, the windows were specified by architects AHR Global. Interframe were contacted to fabricate the windows for the project, working closely with REHAU to come up with a practical and cost effective window solution which could deliver the free air flow required in openings up to 2100mm high.

A key benefit of parallel windows is that they do not impact on the aesthetic of a building and maintain a consistent reflective view, with low G-value glass used to reduce solar gain.

At Steiner Academy, all 150 windows, doors and screens installed were coloured in a contemporary RAL 7016 grey foil

REHAU’s commercial sales manager Steve Tonkiss commented: “Interframe were able to meet the exacting requirements of this project using our standard REHAU TOTAL70C profile. 

This was a huge advantage because it meant that they weren’t holding stock of additional profiles and, because of the strength of the system, they could manufacture the large window sizes required.”

The Steiner Academy was a £7.6 million construction project carried out by Willmot Dixon. The 600 capacity school is a state funded free school built on the 13 acre site of an old Exeter University Grade II listed building.

The listed build has now been refurbished with the new 4,707m2 two storey building where the parallel windows have been installed constructed alongside.

Contact:

REHAU
Hill Court,
Walford,
Ross on Wye,
Herefordshire,
HR9 5QN

Email address: enquiries@rehau.com
Tel: 01989 72600

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