Efficiency without fuss
17th January 2012

The SmartSash window developed by Halo has enabled a new build development in Cwmbran, Gwent, to meet Level 3+ of the Code for Sustainable Homes (CFSH Wales) without the need for bolt-on technologies.

When Melin Homes, a registered social landlord, commissioned the first phase of the Woodland Street development it specified SmartSash because it could cost effectively achieve the 0.7W/m2K U-value it required.

“SmartSash enabled us to construct dwellings where the fabric itself has a good U-value so that we could achieve Level 3 without resorting to renewable technologies such as photovoltaic cells and heat pumps that may fail and also reduces the problems associated with complicated controls,” explained Lee Pickett, head of construction at Melin Homes. The result, he says, is that there is no danger of the homes later falling to Level 2 or Level 1 through any technical failure of renewables in 10 or 15 years and heating bills are kept low from the start.

All white triple-glazed SmartSash casement windows were fitted with Roto TSH30 gearing to so the windows would meet both BS7412, the standard covering the performance of PVC-U windows, and BS7950, the standard specified under the Secured By Design initiative overseen by  the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

“Getting triple glazing at a reasonable price together with security systems that were SBD-approved would have been difficult to achieve,” Lee said.

Midas Mi-Space, based in Cardiff, built the development of four two-bedroom apartments, four two-bedroom house and four three-bedroom houses while the SmartSash windows were fabricated by Remploy, a supported workshop.

The Woodland Street development will give local residents the chance to buy their own homes through the Melin low-cost home ownership schemes. Melin Homes is a major provider of affordable homes in South East Wales and is committed to green and energy efficient housing. It also manages more than 3,400 properties in Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Newport and Powys.

Melin Homes opted for the highest performing version of SmartSash, but the ‘modularity’ of the system enables PVC-U doors and windows to be fitted now to comply with the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) Levels 3, 4 or 5 as required – and then be simply, easily and inexpensively upgraded to Level 6 standard at a later date. It also allows for much larger sash sizes, while maintaining thermal performance. This is achieved through glazing elements, which can be changed and enhanced as budgets provide.