The first phase of a major window replacement project at Northumberland College has been completed with the installation of nearly 200 Sheerframe casement windows, increasing thermal efficiency and comfort.
Many of the building's components, which were installed when the college was built in the 1950's, were offering little comfort to the college's 12,000 full and part-time students. A refurbishment project started five years ago saw the first major work being carried out on the building since its construction, and has so far included new toilet facilities and internal remodelling, as well as the window refurbishment.
Jim Arden, estates buildings manager at Northumberland College, says, 'Within a
few weeks of having all the new windows installed, we noticed a marked difference in the comfort levels. This time last year we had to overcompensate on the heating to make up for the heat loss through the windows, but it is not necessary now. Once the whole project is completed I'm sure we will notice a significant reduction in heating costs.'
The original single glazed metal windows have been replaced with double glazed Sheerframe System 6000 casement windows. The System 6000 windows are part of the Sheerframe enhanced thermal performance range, which offers maximum weathertightness without compromising on appearance. In order to maintain the character of the building, the new Sheerframe windows closely match the sightlines of the original windows.
