AL UMINIUM
Looking at the future of
aluminium windows and doors
»»TO GET A FEEL FOR THE LOOK OF
windows and doors in the future for the UK, it’s
a good idea to attend Fensterbau in Germany.
The biggest glazing trade show in Europe
showcases the next generation of products.
Jerry Webb CDW Systems explains how
aluminium was heavily featured at this
year’s event with an eye-watering number of
entrance doors and high-end windows.
The domestic aluminium market is growing
in the UK, with recent statistics from the
Palmer Report showing growth from 5% to
9% in the last year, and in Germany there was
a number of aluminium and hybrid doors,
giving an insight into what the future may
hold for the UK domestic market.
Jerry explains: “Despite its growth,
aluminium accounts for a tiny fraction of
the UK domestic market – with PVCu way
ahead and timber and composite doors not
far behind. But the signs are encouraging for
aluminium, as more and more homeowners
are choosing the material.
“Advances in technology mean that
aluminium can now achieve energy ratings on
a par with PVCu.
“What Fensterbau showed is aluminium
is gaining real traction and it’s now up to
companies like us to showcase them and create
demand.
“The future of the domestic market needs
future proof products. Safety, security and
quality of windows and doors were a key
theme at Fensterbau and aluminium ticks all
these boxes and more.
“Fensterbau has given us a glimpse into
what the future of the UK market will
look like. Increased domestic projects and
profitable, high-end products will only serve
to encourage others to get involved, which
may see aluminium finally have its day in the
domestic market,” adds Jerry.
CDW Systems manufacturer and supplying
a wide range of windows, doors, shop and
curtain walling, using SAPA, ALUK and
Smarts.
A BLOOMING SUCCESS
Welsh aluminium fabricators Dudley’s
Aluminium Ltd has secured a contract
to work on the new development of the
iconic Covent Garden Market in London.
»»THE CONTRACT WORTH
£240,000, will create and install
custom-made shopfronts and
doors at the interim flower
market. The interim market will
open in 2017 and will be located
across from the New Covent
Garden Market site; which is still
in development.
In 2022, the flower market
will be moved to its permanent
position at the front of the
completed New Covent Garden
Market.
Colin Shorney, managing
director at Dudley’s, said:
“Covent Garden is a global
attraction, with tens of millions
of visitors every year, so we are
delighted to be supporting the
construction of the new site.
“We competed with a number
of high-profile companies to
secure this contract and believe
our work at the flower market
will continue to raise our profile
throughout the UK for future
projects. Being able to add this
iconic British venue to our
portfolio speaks volumes for
the progress our company is
making.”
The Flower Market will be
designed with the latest ecofriendly technology and will be
constantly chilled to 14 degrees
centigrade, with additional
self-contained, individually
temperature controlled, units.
This will ensure the new facilities
will be beneficial for both the
environment and also help
traders reduce their maintenance
costs.
Covent Garden Market
initially opened in 1974 and
has become the largest fruit,
vegetable and flower market
in the UK. The site attracts 45
million visitors from around
the world every year, and the
market supplies 40 percent of the
fresh fruit and vegetables eaten
outside of the home in London.
The area is also an important
economic driver, with more than
200 businesses located at the site
employing over 2,500 people.
The existing Covent Garden
Market will pave way for 2,300
new homes and new commercial
buildings, while the New Covent
Garden Market is expected to
attract more visitors and provide
a better working environment for
the hundreds of traders.
C L E A RV I E W-U K . C O M » M AY 2016 » 87