University appeal

Rehau’s Geneo Alu Top windows have been specified on a new student accommodation development in Coventry.

Located in the city centre and just a five-minute walk from the main Coventry University campus, the Cycle Works hall of residence was developed by Sir Robert McAlpine on behalf of the University. The 350-bedroom accommodation block was fitted with more than 500 windows and is the UK’s first major installation of Rehau’s Geneo Alu Top profiles, a cost-effective alternative to aluminium.

The original specification was for aluminium windows. However, the appointed window installation company, Campbell Mason, suggested using Rehau’s Geneo Alu Top profiles as a more cost effective and thermally efficient alternative, which could still achieve the aluminium finish the architects were looking for.

Manufactured from Rehau’s Rau-Fipro, a composite material used in the aerospace and automotive industries, Geneo windows are Rehau’s most thermally efficient window profiles. Stronger than traditional PVCU profiles, Geneo requires less steel reinforcement and can also be used for large elemental spans.  Certified by the Passivhaus Institute and awarded the highest thermal performance standard in the world with a U-value of up to 0.73W/m²K, the triple glazing design of Geneo also delivers on sound insulation up to Rw: (C; Ctr  = 47 (-1;-3) dB and guarantees the windows are break-in resistant to RC 3/RC 2 without steel.

To further increase the versatility of the product, Rehau has coupled its Geneo windows with Alu Top, an aluminium front panel which can be neatly affixed to the front of the PVCU frame. Alu Top panels are available in over 170 RAL colours.

Rehau’s Polytec 50S curtain walling system has also been used on the project, chosen for its strength, aesthetics and thermal properties.

Steve Tonkiss, commercial sales manager at Rehau, said: “This project was a big one for us as we were able to compete in the aluminium windows market, with a solution that actually saved the client money on their development and gave them extra performance benefits.”