Spectus Elite 70 Completes Townhouse Development

Published: 30th September 2014

Spectus Window Systems’ Elite 70 system has been used to give a traditional new build development in Swinton, Greater Manchester a contemporary twist. Through its fabricator Worsley Glass, windows, curtain walling and bi-folding doors were supplied and installed in seven townhouses.

The development, managed by local business Stablefold Developments is sited on former British Rail land. The developer was keen to create a modern space for the new homeowners while maintaining a traditional build style, one that would complement the Victorian properties on the adjacent Manchester Road.

Designers R.A Fisk of Swinton combined red brickwork and honey-toned, natural stone lintels, with Black foiled finished windows, bi-folding doors and curtain walling to create a striking exterior.

The curtain walling is one of two statement features which dominate the facade; the second is an apex window on the top floor of each property. Appointed by main contractor JJP Design, Worsley Glass had to deliver on these two vital elements of the design.

“We have a good working relationship with Worsley Glass,” said David Houghton project manager for JJP Design, “…but we knew that we had set them quite a challenge. Both the glazed facade and apex windows are focal points of the build so it was crucial that they were able to do justice to this unique design.”

“The glazed facade runs from floor to ceiling offering great views over Victoria Park,” said Anthony Kilbourn sales manager for Worsley Glass. “So we had to ensure that once fabricated and installed it would meet the design criteria in accordance with the relevant British Standards. Working with the technical department at Spectus, and a structural engineer we were able to achieve this.”

The apex windows posed more of a challenge and for this Worsley Glass turned to a specialist arch window company, taking templates of the apex to ensure that the windows were ordered accurately and efficiently.

In addition, Worsley Glass also supplied and installed bottom opening casement windows in a Black foiled finish. Elite 70 profile was also used to create the outer frame for the composite entrance doors. From groundworks through to completion the build took just 12 months.

The sheer volume of glazing within each townhouse means that the five-bedroom properties are filled with light; creating the ideal space for modern living offset by contemporary decor and furnishings. With a guide price of £250,000 the properties are proving a hit with prospective purchasers, with five of the seven selling in just a matter of weeks and positive interest in the remaining two.

“We had a number of goals in mind when we set out to create this site, not least the striking exterior but also building homes that would be comfortable to live in. We paid close attention to the performance of the products specified and the energy ratings that they achieved, and suppliers like Worsley Glass make this process so much easier. The windows, doors and glazed facade achieve a U-value of 1.6 W/m2K, and that’s invaluable to my customers,” finished Tom Murphy, owner of Stablefold Developments.