SEEE Windows and Doors have provided a perfect view for a client on the Isle of Man and, at the same time, offered a glimpse of what can be achieved in terms of energy-efficient design.
The East Sussex-based designer and fabricator has produced bespoke windows and sliding doors for a beachfront house. From a combination of Accoya material, triple glazing and Roto hardware, they’ve created sliding doors that achieve both an unspoilt panorama and impressive U-values.
SEEE puts an emphasis on constant design improvement with the aim of getting the maximum efficiency out of its glazing units and frames and, wherever possible, using natural materials.
“If we can use eco-friendly materials, we will,” says SEEE Financial Director, Cheryl Guest. “In this project, every thermal break is made from cork. All of the timber has a 30mm break along the glazing line.”
In order to give the best possible thermal performance, the cork break is also included in the flush-level threshold.
The full-height sliding doors contain triple-glazed units with an Ug value of 0.7 W/m2K. The use of Infinity glazing to the walls with an Ug of 0.6 ensures the best possible views out to sea from this very enviable location. SEEE has achieved an overall Uw of 0.75 W/m2K.
“In this case we’ve added extra seals to the doors,”, Cheryl reveals. “Roto have already used the standard seals on units tested to Class 4 of EN 12207 for air permeability, but we’ve further improved the weather-tightness.”
“Roto has become our hardware of choice. The best aspect of Patio Life is the fact there’s no ‘lift’ element. You get all the load-bearing strength and ease of sliding, but without having to lift the sash.”
“The gasket system also makes it perfect for energy efficient doors,” she says.
The praise goes both ways. “We’re always impressed by what SEEE are able to do,” says Roto Key Account Manager, Tony Hill. “On this project, they’ve configured their own cills and it all works perfectly.
“They’re always able to take Roto hardware and integrate it into their own designs. SEEE have produced a really unique package of energy-efficient doors. I’m now interested to see their next project in Manchester”.
That forthcoming Manchester contract is the supply of windows and doors on a Lottery-funded community centre, for which the air permeability requirement, in accordance with DIN EN 13829, is 1 to 1.3 m3 h-1 m-2 at 50 Pa. In other words, very close to Passive standards.
For further information, email [email protected]
