Most northerly installation of NorDan windows

The project earned a special mention in the RIAS Best Building awards last November and all windows were NorDan NTech 1.2 Standard range.

“This is a very colourful development – you could be mistaken for thinking these high performance timber windows had been installed in Norway where they were produced!” says Graeme Milne, regional sales manager NorDan UK. Grödians is a new build social housing development comprising a mix of 1, 3 and 4 bedroom dwellings in flatted, semi detached and detached housing. In a place where the winter months are prolonged and harsh and daylight hours are minimal, it’s no surprise to see large windows to encourage light in the winter and encourage solar gain when the sun shines, and to complete the air tightness of the buildings. 

“The houses were built close together to create shelter. Reducing energy usage and promoting sustainability were key to the design of the development” says Adrian Wishart of Richard Gibson Architects, the locally based architect and lead consultant to the project. “The distinct colour palette brings a cheerful vibrancy from within and outside the scheme especially during the dark winter months endured so far north in Scotland” he continued.

The houses were constructed using timber frame and are timber clad in softwood cladding. Local contractor E&H Building Ltd completed the project for clients Hjaltland Housing Association, and the project will be home to around 100 local people.

The project was shortlisted for the “richest architecture award” by RIAS / Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award 2011 in November, and earned a finalist’s special mention. (The top prize went to the National Museum of Scotland)

NorDan provided N Tech 1.2 top hung fully reversible double glazed timber windows and sliding patio doors, from Norway for these high energy efficient buildings.  The N Tech 1.2 windows are supplied as standard with a high specification low e glass, and are fitted with durable Spilka window ironmongery. The buildings fully comply with Varying Needs (giving good wheelchair access) Secured by Design, and Building Standards for space, security and accessibility. NorDan windows are particularly strong for security compliance. Key features of the windows for this project include durability, air tightness, and thermal performance, important to areas with high rainfall and heavy winds. “The quality and principles of the design, as well as the high standard of the finish have set new benchmarks for the provision of housing in Shetland. Providing local people with a home in their own area has helped to reduce unwanted relocation outside of Shetland. The Homezone aspect of Grödians, is intended to cultivate more community interaction between residents in a safe and open family environment,” continued architect Adrian Wishart.   

www.nordan.co.uk

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment