Essex-based Halo fabricator Masterframe Windows has supplied 220 sash windows for a striking renovation project at Barking Town Hall, for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD).
The long-standing VEKA Group customer worked with Asset Fineline to demonstrate that the company’s PVC-U heritage-style sashes were the perfect timber alternative to replace the original windows of this iconic building.
Masterframe invited the team from Barnes Construction, architects from LAP, and LBBD representatives to visit the factory and see first hand, the company’s commitment to quality products, performance, and aesthetics. A factory tour allowed in-depth demonstrations and insights into the many features that make Masterframe’s products suitable for prestigious projects such as this.
Masterframe’s Managing Director Carol Slade said: “We were delighted that, as a result of the visit, we were successful in persuading all parties concerned in the refurbishment of this historic landmark to specify our sash windows. This is a very prestigious contract for us and we were happy that all stakeholders were convinced that our windows would aesthetically be the perfect replacement for the original sash windows and also satisfied that our windows would provide all the performance factors required in terms of energy efficiency, longevity, security and low maintenance.”
It is estimated that one in four commercial windows in the UK comes from VEKA Group and the specified product, in this case, was Masterframe’s Conservation sash window with a cream outer frame and white inner. These windows provided a ‘like for like’ solution that was sympathetic to the exterior of the building as well as ensuring superior performance and complementing the new, modern interior work spaces. The ‘extra large’ windows featured a slim GRP mid rail, Timberweld® butt-jointed corners and special solar controlled glass.
In 2018, Masterframe was named ‘Fabricator/Manufacturer of the Year’ at the National Fenestration Awards and also won ‘New Product of the Year’ for Timberweld®. (Timberweld is a patented method of jointing frames to create an authentic timber butt-joint effect – on both sides of the window).
The architects, who were initially cautious about specifying PVC-U, were impressed with Masterframe’s products and the team’s attitude. Salvatore Genco, Architect from LAP Architects and Interior Designers said their “passion and willingness to engage was refreshing.”
Salvadore explained: “We’ve always been incredibly sceptical about the use of PVC-U in window manufacture, especially on high profile projects where aesthetics are paramount. [However] the initial factory visit, presentation on Masterframe’s product and readiness to provide technical information/certification changed my perception of PVC-U windows and provided LAP Architects with the confidence to supply the product.”
VEKA Group Sales Director Neil Evans added: “With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, Masterframe is a great example of a VEKA Group customer that meets every new challenge with professionalism and efficiency. Masterframe shares VEKA Group’s thorough commitment to quality and customer service and it comes as no surprise that the company secured this prestigious and challenging contract, as Masterframe was named ‘Best Timber Alternative Company’ at the 2017 National Fenestration Awards.”
