One of the enduring attractions of steel windows, forhomeowners as well as designers, is their visual appeal.Their slender sight-lines and elegant frame details enhance the appearance of many new buildings and are considered essential to preserve the appearance of classic1930s architecture.The beauty and practicality of steel window systems aredisplayed on the stylish website of the industry’s representative body, the Steel Window Association.Combining simplicity, clarity and attractive architecturalphotography with technical advice and the latest newsfrom member companies, the new website containseverything that designers, specifiers and contractors needto understand what today’s steel windows can achieve.These key design features are still retained, even whenthe windows are glazed with modern energy-efficientsealed units. In fact, steel windows can achieve up to 1.5W/m2K 'U' values using W40 steel profiles with tripleglazed units; W30 window profiles with double-glazedunits achieve a BFRC-accredited 'B' energy rating basedon the standard reference window measurement.The site employs a straightforward layout with clearpointers for users interested in either domestic orcommercial applications.The history of steel windows, their place in Britisharchitectural history and their evolution into today’shigh-quality, high-performance products are all briefly andconcisely explained in the section focusing on domesticapplications. Here, users will also find a guide to SWAmembers in their area as well as an enquiry form forfurther information and advice.Indeed, Conservation Officers often insist on steelwindows where other materials would be inappropriate.Since today’s steel windows are all made from recycledsteel and are themselves recyclable, they are one of thegreenest building products available.Membership of the SWA is open to all manufacturers,installers and suppliers of steel windows or doors. Besidesenjoying the advantages of belonging to a recognisedtrade association, membership provides access to sales enquiries, keeps companies abreast of product development,provides a voice in the drafting of building regulations andmuch more.The member companies of the Steel Window Associationare able to provide clients both comprehensive repairservices, as well as ‘replica refurbishment’ for ageing metalframes, depending on condition and planning or listedbuilding status.Many specifications and orders received by members ofthe Steel Window Association are prompted by a project’sneed for strength and security - physical characteristicswhere steel frames are unmatched amongst fenestrationsolutions – yet there are countless others where the clienthas been attracted by the distinctive sightlines and anappearance that is synonymous with certain architecturalstyles.For more information, visitwww.steel-window-association.co.uk.Indeed, steel window frames are integral to the Art Decoera properties when designers rarely detailed any alternative fenestration option; while those fortunate enough toown warehouse apartments anywhere from the Thamesto the Tyne are likely to look out at the river trafficthrough steel frames.The slender sight-lines also translate into the maximisation of natural daylight which pays dividends in the energyequation and motivates many architects seeking that linkbetween indoor and outdoor space. So, the large spanscreens which can be produced using steel sections oftengrace bespoke dwellings.The manufacturers which the Steel Window Associationrepresents are able to finish their frames in the full rangeof RAL colours, though they can also look stunning intheir raw galvanized coating.Fully weather stripped and protected against thelong-term effects of even the most hostile environments,steel windows remain relevant to new build as well asrefurbishment contracts, while contributing their own,unique styling.iiConservation & Heritage Journal37
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