Britain’s universities, colleges and schools have a wide diversity of architecture but it’s worth knowing that one fenestration specialist offers an exceptional range of glazing solutions. The most widely specified windows, doors and curtain-wall systems in the education sector are manufactured by Profile 22. For more than 40 years, the organisation has been improving the environments where children and adults study.
Support and expertise
One of the reasons why architects and specifiers repeatedly turn to Profile 22 is its experience in the commercial and education sectors. Profile 22’s structure is designed to support those undertaking projects of all scales and varying budgets. From the refurbishment of a few classrooms to entire refits, from renovation to newbuild, there is in-house expertise on-hand. What’s more, Profile 22 has networks of Approved Commercial Manufacturers and Approved Window Contractors. These specialists have a thorough understanding of construction and have the qualifications and accreditations required to complete work on schedule and with total professionalism – essentials when planning work during term-time or to be carried out in the short breaks in the academic year.
Safe, attractive and thermally efficient
Schools of the past – especially those hastily built in the post-war years – were often prohibitively expensive to heat, cold and draughty, and needing constant maintenance. This drained budgets or left sections of buildings unusable, unsafe, unattractive and even prone to vandalism. Choosing Profile 22’s PVCU windows, doors or its PVCU-clad curtain walling is the first step in creating a safe, aesthetically pleasing and sustainable building conducive to learning.
Profile 22’s range is both comprehensive and versatile. In addition to an industry-leading range of colours and finishes, there are several window styles. Some are suitable for a traditional Victorian schoolroom and others ideal for high-rise blocks or student accommodation.
There are casements, sashes, tilt and turns, fixed lights, with a choice of glazing, and all offer exceptional levels of thermal performance – U-values of up to 0.8W/m2K. Such advanced insulation enables the cost of heating to be significantly reduced, or for areas such as south-facing elevations, which can overheat, glazing can be specified to control the amount of solar gain.
As well as improved insulation, Profile 22 doors, windows and curtain walling offers the benefit of safe and secure glazing. The PVCU systems have been awarded the Secured by Design accreditation and are fully compatible with the latest high-security hardware, safety restrictors and emergency egress requirements.
Sustainable and easy to care for
The burden of maintenance is drastically reduced with PVCU windows, doors and curtain walling. There is no need to paint. Surfaces can be easily wiped clean and handles, hinges and espagnolette mechanisms require only minimal attention. Routine maintenance does not require any specialist skills and because it is so simple, it is easy to keep buildings looking good, year after year.
That long-lasting across-the-board performance is important. Profile 22 believes that sustainability should be a quality of educational buildings and PVCU is one of those materials which is often misunderstood. Its insulating properties are excellent. It’s durable – windows and doors have lifespans of around 40 years – after which the PVCU is fully recyclable. In Profile 22’s case, its raw materials are also responsibly sourced.
If you want to create a better learning environment, follow the lead of countless specifiers and choose Profile 22.
