Steadfast was appointed to deliver a major window refurbishment scheme at Campsmount Technical College, Doncaster using Profile 22’s advanced 70mm system.

The brief involved the replacement of more than 300 original rotted and warped 1950s and 1960s windows and curtain walling on one two-storey and one three-storey class room buildings and the college’s gym with new more energy efficient and low-maintenance PVC-U products.

Challenges:

• Scheduled over a 15-month period, the project was planned for delivery during term time, including summer exams. This made health and safety an absolute priority.
• As part of its agreement with the school Steadfast had to ‘down tools’ while pupils sat exams.

Solutions:

• Using Profile 22’s fully integrated 70mm system Steadfast was able to manufacture and detailed replacement windows preserving the building’s character.
• Steadfast resolved the health and safety challenge by screening all work areas during term time, planning work programmes and delivery schedules around the learning day to minimise disruption to teaching and to safeguard students’ safety.
• This included where ever possible carrying out internal work outside term time, allowing external fixings to be made at a later date.
• Using the Profile 22 70mm system Steadfast was able to install advanced glazing and high performance products making class rooms water tight, draught proof and as a consequence warmer
• New double glazed PVC-U windows also delivered far greater sound and noise installation.
• The project reduced maintenance costs, eliminating ongoing maintenance costs associated with timber windows, for example painting and staining.
• Featuring double glazed glass, advanced frames and new locking mechanisms, security was also improved.
• Prior to developing the project with Steadfast and Profile 22 the college had considered demolition of old buildings and a new build programme. Modernising college buildings with new curtain walling and windows eliminated the need for this spend delivering substantial savings across the sites.

Comment – Dave Lee, Doncaster Metropolitan Council:

“The prospect of having works of any type on site and perceived associated disruption, will no doubt fill many education maintenance and estate managers with a sense of dread.

“The reality is, however, that by adopting a flexible approach to project delivery and working in partnership with teaching teams, installations can be made with minimum disruption to learning.

“Replacement of old curtain walling, windows and doors can inject new life into buildings, delivering substantial savings, especially when compared to the sizeable costs associated with wholesale replacement of old buildings.

“Use of PVC-U also delivers considerable maintenance savings over the life time of the buildings.”