Archetech Issue 41 2019 | Page 76

REFURBISHMENT OF NEW CHARITY PROJECT TO SUPPORT ADULTS WITH AUTISM INCLUDES BESPOKE NEW CONSERVATORY A project to provide specialist housing for autistic adults in Scotland has opened. New windows, doors and a bespoke conservatory has transformed the Scottish Autism Centre, a residential complex run by Scottish Autism. Scotland’s strongest fenestration partner, Sidey, carried out a scheme of refurbishment work for Marshall Construction – and the results were amazing. The eight-month project at the Scottish Autism Centre has created six self-contained flats, all with en-suite shower rooms. Sidey removed and replaced existing windows with Solartherm ® Reversible and Casement Windows which transformed the old building. As part of the transformation, new specialist composite doors, French doors, patio doors and aluminium doors were fitted. At the back of the residential development, Sidey also supplied and installed a spacious conservatory. As part of the refurbishment, all PVCu profiles were extruded to BS 12608 and all Solartherm ® windows quoted met 1.2Wm2K u-values. To achieve maximum safety, locking systems were fitted to all windows – endorsed by Secured by Design, a Police crime prevention initiative. Window restrictors were also fitted to keep residents safe and secure. Scottish Autism set up in 1968 by a group of parents to help youngsters diagnosed with autism to lead full and enriched lives. At the beginning of 2018, it announced plans to open the Scottish Autism Centre to celebrate its 50th anniversary year. The project took eight months to complete. Paul Watson, project contractor for Marshall Construction, says: “The building was empty before Scottish Autism announced plans to create a new residential complex.