Partnership forged
The Forge is a newbuild apartment complex in Digbeth, Birmingham, which uses Alutech’s aluminium systems for the windows and doors.
Fabricated by Tech Aluminium Systems, the steel-framed building features Alutech’s SL160 systems for lift and slide doors, and Alutech’s W72 and W62 window systems.
The project was self-managed by the development company, and the specialist trades were asked to design their own interfaces with the structure of the building and liaise with each other to devise workable solutions.
One of the elements incorporated by Tech Aluminium Systems with Alutech was a special seal that was used on the windows to keep rain out while other construction work was being carried out.
Tech Aluminium Systems director Keith Douglas said: “Conventionally, where brick-built newbuilds are concerned, the installation of windows and doors is reliant on the construction of the openings, which can often be delayed. But in this instance, the steelwork of the building went up quickly and the window apertures were created, meaning quick progression of the project.
“We worked collaboratively with Alutech in the UK and Belarus to devise a solution for the project that worked well with the other elements of the building. The result is an impressive-looking project that all parties were very happy with.”
Alutech’s SL160 aluminium lift and slide doors system combines state-of-the-art performance sliding hardware with great aesthetics to provide the perfect effortless sliding door solution, the company said.
The 72mm and 62mm casement window systems have a single chamber thermal break with bonded foamed insert, which was designed to be easy to fabricate and install. It meets challenging requirements for thermal and acoustic performances.