Making the case for modular

In the conservatory sector there has never been a one-size-fits all product. And nor should there be. Every home is different, as is every homeowner. However, clearly there would be benefits to the trade if such a thing could exist; simpler to sell, no specification headaches, easier to install….. there's certainly a case to be made. And with the launch of its new Modular Range, featuring the groundbreaking K2 Konnect framing system, it's a case that K2 has made very eloquently.

Explains Sally Fielding, Managing Director of K2: ‘What we wanted to do was simplify the whole process of selecting and constructing a conservatory and by so doing, provide an entry level product that has all the design values and structural integrity you'd expect from K2, combined with off the peg convenience.'

If the reaction to the K2 Modular Range when it was launched at Glassex is anything to go by, K2 has already succeeded in opening the industry's eyes to the benefits of a modular approach. K2 customer John Finch, Managing Director of Finch and Ingman is already listing the product, and comments: ‘Modular products have been around on the market for a while, but the finished installation has always looked like a low cost alternative to a bespoke conservatory. With the K2 Modular Range, there is sufficient choice within the range to suit most house types and the finished conservatory can actively compete against any individually designed 25mm system. Best of all, from an installer's point of view, the clever design of the K2 Konnect system makes the Modular Range very quick and easy to install, helping us make best use of our installation teams.'

Three designs

Offered in three designs, Edwardian, Victorian and Traditional, the K2 Modular Range is available in a total of 18 configurations (dwarf wall/full height options) and two colourways, White or foiled Mahogany. Each conservatory is supplied with all fixings, finials and crestings as well as two opening casement vents (with an option to upgrade to four). ‘We wanted to keep it simple, but we also wanted to avoid a situation where installers would end up saying to customer ‘you can have this one or that one and X, Y and Z will cost you extra'' comments Sally Fielding. ‘Instead we have developed a modular product that installers can sell in the conventional way, by finding out about customer preferences and offering them appropriate choices in design, size and colour. The big differences are in the cost of the installation and the ease and speed with which the installer can build it.'

K2 estimates that the average installation time of the window frames is cut by around 75% thanks to the clever simplicity of the K2 Konnect framing system. All cills are pre-routed and cut to size and cill support blocks are used to locate panels onto cills for easy assembly. Once engaged with the cill, the panels slide into position and the installer slides aluminium connectors between panels to hold them together. No screws or drilling are required at any point in the panel installation process and the installer simply uses the Allen key provided to rotate special buttons to secure the panels. The fixings ensure that the panels are always the correct distance apart and, once locked into position, the buttons are used to locate the cover strip so that the conservatory can be finished.

John Finch adds: ‘We saw the system being demonstrated and assumed that K2's team had made it look easy, but when we tried it for ourselves we found that it really is a simple as it looks to install.'

Stronger offering

The K2 Modular Range spells the beginning of a stronger entry-level focus for K2. ‘We have done with the Modular Range at the entry level what we aim to do across the board', comments Sally Fielding, ‘thrown down the gauntlet for product innovation, quality design and installer-friendly practicality. The K2 Modular Range is an important addition to our portfolio, but we will continue to invest in product development to ensure we can always offer the sector excellent products for a constantly evolving market.'