Fentrade secures National Library of Wales refurbishment

Fentrade has been awarded the window manufacture and supply contract for an extensive refurbishment of the iconic National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth. 

Fentrade director, Chris Reeks, said: “As a company proud to be based in Wales, we’re honoured to be playing a role in the refurbishment of one of the country’s most iconic buildings.”

The system selected for the project is the AluK Optio 58BW.

The frames will be manufactured in RAL 8019 grey brown and ‘urbane steel bronze’, which were chosen to complement the existing fenestration and be sympathetic to the building structure. The choice of glazing unit has been equally carefully considered, in order to protect the 6.5 million books and significant holdings preserved in the building from the sun’s UV rays.

Fentrade has worked closely with the main contractor, LEB Construction of Aberystwyth, and the architects, DB3 Architecture, to ensure the products will meet all requirements in terms of design and functionality.

This has included manufacturing and installing pilot windows for approval by DB3 Architecture and the National Library of Wales.

In total, Fentrade will manufacture 283 casement and tilt and turn windows as part of the contract, which will be delivered in stages in line with LEB’s installation schedule. The contract is expected to be complete by Spring 2026.

The contract is part of a wider decarbonisation project that will support the Welsh government’s aim to achieve net zero emissions in the public sector by 2030. The window replacement is part of a package of works that will enhance the building’s fabric and thermal insulation.