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Geordie Verde verdict
April 2018

Some 770 windows from SAPA BUILDING SYSTEM feature on Newcastle’s latest student accommodation addition, Verde. This is the fourth and final phase of the £250 million Downing Plaza development, said to be the largest planning application to be granted in Newcastle for a generation. The same Sapa systems were used on the first phase of the development.

Verde, designed by award-winning architects SimpsonHaugh, comprises 431 cluster beds and 112 studios, making 543 in total, comprising two buildings that form a V-shape.

For the glazing specification, the building was thermally modelled as part of the Part L Assessment, with the performance requirements for the windows generated by its outcomes and outlined by Desco (Building Services Engineer.

Dane Architectural Systems Ltd installed 770 Sapa window units, constructed primarily from Dualframe 75 Si TBT (Tilt/Turn) as well as fixed light Dualframe 75 Si Casement.
SimpsonHaugh’s Project Architect Jonathan Mallinson said: “We are pleased with the simple clean and crisp lines of the Sapa profiles available to us. The window format and arrangement was chosen to align with the horizontal emphasis of the overall façade language. The windows were top hung, so when open, seek to mimic the shingle profile of the terracotta tiles within the façade.”

Ian Bambridge, Estimating Manager at installer Dane Architectural Systems explained: “The windows were required to perform better than current Part L2A building regulations and the Dualframe 75 Si range does just that.

“For acoustic reasons, the high-performance glazing specification changes throughout the building. Various thicknesses of glass were used in different areas, for example to the back of house the requirement was lower than front elevations, which corner onto a busy road and needed higher specification glazing.”

“The tilt and turn windows are locked out of turn and are purely used for ventilation for safety reasons. Sapa systems met the specification for the project and are cost-effective, offering a higher performance window and real value for money.”

Commenting on the on-site installation, Downing Construction Project Manager Vic Spain said: “Verde is a concrete-framed building and the installation was undertaken floor by floor from the bottom of the building upwards to accommodate the nature of concrete construction methods. The SFS wall went in first followed by the windows. We’ve worked with Dane Architectural Systems and used Sapa windows on other developments, so the window installation was a smooth process, taking just 20 weeks to complete.”

As a range, the Dualframe 75mm Si windows offer advanced polyamide thermal break technology, providing high thermal performance without the need to resort to complex and costly sealed unit specifications. Tailed gaskets and centre seal reduce thermal radiation and mean that costly foam inserts into the profiles are not needed. Part of Sapa’s Secured by Design range, Dualframe 75mm Si windows are BS7950 accredited, with external beading requiring no additional components.

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