The windows were probably the hardest thing we had to specify for the £250m Pinderfields Hospital (due to open in autumn 2011).

They’re more complicated than the other components because of the security issues, and all the requirements on acoustics, ventilation and thermal performance.

In fact, we had a list of about 25 technical requirements to meet, from the primary care trust, PFI client Consort Healthcare and the building control surveyors, the Secure by Design consultant and to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating as well. The whole process took about 18 months.

The client specified aluminium-framed windows because of their longevity and low maintenance – they had to achieve a 35-year design life. Because the hospital is being built via PFI, if a product had to be replaced every five years it would have made it prohibitively expensive. There also had to be a 15-year manufacturer’s warranty for a complete window unit, and a 25-year guarantee for the factory-applied dark grey powder-coating finish.

We also needed to be flexible on the type of fittings. Throughout the hospital, we’ve used a range of fixed lights and top-hung and pivoting windows, with different types of glass depending on the aspect, the orientation of the building and the type of room.

Architect BDP has designed the hospital with a natural ventilation strategy so in the offices and consulting rooms we have opening windows. In ward areas, ventilation is controlled but you want the patients to be able to feel they can open a window. Psychologically, it means they feel cooler, even though the window only opens 100mm so that they can’t fall out.

Technal was not the only company that could meet all the specifications. But it came down to price and whether the supplier could manufacture the quantity we needed and deliver it on time. Natural daylight, fresh air and outside views are key features for the scheme, and Technal’s FX1 range met all the design criteria.

In total there will be 1,500 windows, manufactured and installed by fabricator Quest Solutions. So far we’re pleased there have not been any delays.

Source

Construction Manager