VSs mimic timber for school
2nd February 2016

Bellerive FCJ Catholic College in Sefton, Liverpool, has been given a new lease of life with 94 bespoke PVC-U vertical sliders, manufactured by GLAZERITE and installed by Network VEKA member, K2 Aluminium, in Birkenhead.

The 170-year old school is in a conservation area, so a key part of the renovation was to convince planning authorities that it would be possible to produce a modern, energy efficient PVC-U window that could mimic the appearance and style of the school’s existing timber.

The installation at Bellerive was made all the more complicated due to the sheer size of some of the windows, which also included a variety of twin sash, triple sash and arch designs, as well as the time constraints put in place in order to minimise disruption for staff and pupils at the school itself.

According to K2 Aluminium’s Liam Bird, the installation might have presented a number of hurdles: “The planning officer not only wanted the replacement windows to replicate the original timber appearance they had to reproduce the period features as well. The support we had from Glazerite was fantastic though. They always produce a great window and always on time, which is why we have such a great working relationship with them.

“It was a difficult project for a number of reasons, such as ensuring that we protected all the original internal timber works, but the end result has not only helped to improve the appearance of such an established school, but provided a much better environment for its pupils to learn in as well.”

www.glazeritewindows.co.uk