Crittall Windows Ltd

Crittall Windows Ltd
Nothing looks better, nothing lasts longer

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Old Meets New With Crittall


The Granary in Barking is a stunningly imaginative architectural combination of old and new, and to help with the overall visual impact, Crittall windows have been installed extensively throughout the whole development.

Work to restore the Granary on Abbey Road in Barking began as the first phase of a wider regeneration programme with the Granary and neighbouring Malthouse at the heart of a new quarter for Cultural Industries. The restoration work was undertaken by the Rooff Group, who acted as both developer and principle contractor, and involved the total refurbishment of the building and the design and construction of a new contemporary extension. The building is now the new headquarters of Rooff Ltd as well as providing additional space for other building users. The original concept design was by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, with detailed design by PTE Architects.

The traditional brick facade of the Granary led the architects to specify Crittall W20 profiles, in a design involving multipane horizontal pivot windows with fixed lights. These were suggested to complement the character of the original building. The profiles offer extremely narrow sightlines, minimising appearance whilst providing the required thermal, acoustic and energy efficient performance.

For the new extension, inward opening side hung Corporate 2000 windows were suggested, together with Corporate 2000 doors, which act as a perfect complement to the striking and unusual bronze clad exterior. The slim, elegant rigidity of the steel provides minimum coupling, with no obtrusive transoms or mullions, and is a favourite option for use with curtain walling, as it does not detract from the impact of the facade.

The aim of the design was to preserve the ‘ gritty ‘ character of the site, utilising the appearance of the existing brickwork and enhancing it with harmonising fenestration. The new buildings are of varying heights and scales and the variety of sizes of window profiles correspond to this design, reflecting the urban context and the landscape.

A spokesman from Rooff commented “The existing windows that were replaced on the Granary were also steel, so the Crittall profiles fitted perfectly in context but with updated performance. Using the company’s windows in the new extension shows the versatility of the steel window product range and the ability of the Crittall profiles to blend into any environment.”

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Landmark Council Building Restored With Crittall Windows



Grade ll Sessions House in Maidstone, Kent, the headquarters of Kent County Council, has recently been transformed with the replacement of all existing windows with Crittall steel profiles.

The building has recently undergone external refurbishment designed to maintain and enhance its visual appeal while at the same time updating its thermal and environmental performance to meet today's standards.

The existing windows were original single glazed Crittall medium Universal profiles and the Kent County Council's conservation department specified a complete like-for-like replacement. According to Allan Cox, conservation architect responsible for the specification, the decision to retain the same company that manufactured the original was twofold.

"We wanted enhanced performance from the windows," he explained. "Thermally and
acoustically, the profiles had to meet the demands of contemporary legislation but at the same time, there was a keen aesthetic appreciation of the product, in keeping with the history and character of Sessions House. Crittall windows fitted the bill perfectly." The specification took into consideration weather tightness and reduced maintenance costs, and with over 100 years experience in the fenestration market, Crittall recommended its Corporate W20 profiles as the ideal solution. Combining strength with minimal sightlines, the profiles are unobtrusive yet highly efficient and match the originals in terms of style and appearance.

"As headquarters of the local county council, the building is a dominant and important landmark in Maidstone," continued Allan Cox. "The window replacement scheme, which was undertaken in two phases, has rejuvenated the appearance of the structure without compromising or detracting from the original architectural style and we are delighted with our new energy efficient window system."

Carnival Time in Witham

Crittall Windows are pleased to support Witham Carnival, and Witham Kids Club, by providing a lorry to be used as a float in this year's Carnival Procession.






The members, parents and organisers of Witham Kids Club did such a great job of transforming our lorry into Never Never Land, that they won the award for the Best Decorated Trade Vehicle.





Congratulations everyone for making our lorry even more attractive than it usually is!!