Natural Born Winners

Sash reigns supreme at this year's Glassex Conservatory Design Competition.

When it comes to designing, engineering and constructing awe-inspiring luminatrium structures that truly capture the imagination, Sash UK has certainly earned its reputation for being a world leader in this field. As a company that is committed to continually pushing the technical boundaries and being at the forefront of innovation, Sash is set up to deliver an array of breathtaking structures time after time, each one acting as unique testament to its craft… and it is for these precise reasons that Sash took centre stage at this Year's Glassex Conservatory Design Competition to claim its award as the Supreme Winner for 2007.

Entering into just two categories, Portal and Innovative Design, Sash's submission pieces well and truly wowed the judging panel seeing it storm both groups hands down taking home two Gold, one Silver and one Bronze... as well as the desirable accolade of Supreme Winner!

For the Innovative Design category, Sash entered its spectacular VEKA HQ structure that typifies the size, style and complete commercial versatility its luminatrium range offers. Constructed over 14 days, this gargantuan luminatrium showcased just how a mundane business environment can be totally transformed into a light, spacious business facility that does nothing less than amaze every visitor that comes through its doors – for which they received Gold. Its second entry in this category highlighted Sash's creativity and ingenuity when it comes to fulfilling a brief... for this they entered a luminatrium structure that was built into the existing design of a private home to serve as a fully working art studio, offering 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside – this entry scooped up second place and the Silver award.

In the Portal category, Sash continued its winning streak by entering two projects that the judges deemed illustrated its untouchable adaptability to fulfil both the commercial and private sectors perfectly. First up to meet the critical gaze of the illustrious judging panel was the Diplomat Hotel. Charged with a brief to create a light and airy structure to house a new restaurant and associated reception area for a privately owned Hotel, Sash not only designed, supplied and installed the luminatrium, but also created a striking application that transfers and extends the property’s dynamics, providing an eye catching alternative to traditional build – a Bronze award was given for this project. The second project submitted in this category was the Lake Ontario Project luminatrium that highlighted the construction of a swimming pool enclosure at a private residence situated near Lake Ontario, North America. Tasked with designing and constructing this 2,120 sq ft large span luminatrium, Sash created a tranquil haven for the occupants of the property to enjoy the enchanting views of this world renowned natural wonder, that sits just 30ft from the property, all year round. In fact, this project impressed the judges so much that Sash won two awards for its outstanding craftsmanship... Gold and Supreme Winner, making the clear winners overall.

Commenting on the awards, Sash UK's Joint Managing Director Dave Ruzicka said: "I am delighted with the results of this year’s Glassex Conservatory Design Competition. Not many companies can enter in four awards and win an award for each entry, not to mention picking up the Supreme Winners title too... but I have to say that this comes as no surprise. Every project we undertake has its own unique complexities and challenges to overcome, but we at Sash take these elements and build on them to continually better our products and services across the board. We are a business that is committed to our industry 100%, investing our time and money in the right areas to ensure that our luminatriums are well received worldwide. Of course these awards don't just underline the achievements of Sash, but more importantly the people that make our business work. I would like to take this opportunity to commend all those involved on these award-winning projects... these awards are for you!"

Sash Offers Proprietors an Elegant Smoking Shelter Solution that won’t get confused with a Bus Shelter

As the smoking ban approaches, most establishments will have already begun the onerous task of finding a solution, which provides outdoor shelter for clientele wishing to smoke, without detracting from the aesthetic appeal of their premises. The range of gazebo's from Sash UK offers a unique alternative to the typical 'bus shelter' design, creating an attractive appendage to any property.

More importantly, a Sash Gazebo is safe, durable and low-maintenance. It will not rust, rot or splinter and just an occasional wipe will retain its pristine condition throughout the seasons. By design, it is both quick and easy to install meaning any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.

"Despite the long anticipated smoking ban being a welcomed development for many, we appreciate that many businesses will be concerned about the effect it may have on trade, from smokers opting to stay at home, to others put off by the unsightly gathering of smokers crowding the entrance of the building," said David Ruzicka, Joint MD at Sash. "Our gazebo's were originally developed to enhance garden design but we have found that they also fill a niche in the smoking shelter market, particularly where customers are looking for something just that extra bit special. Why not kill two birds with one stone and create new appeal for your grounds at the same time as making provision for the needs of your valued customers," he added.

For example, at a list price from just £2996 for a 10ft single-tiered roof gazebo, the return on investment period is negligible, given its positive impact on trade. "For the proprietor who understands that a successful business is all about selling an experience, the gazebo delivers differentiation and a unique selling point, at the same time suggesting class and sophistication. The fact that it also overcomes problems posed by the smoking ban is almost just another bonus," finished David.

Super Palma Nova on the Beach

It may not have the exotic location like its namesake, but the Palma Nova hotel in Newquay would not be out of place in Mallorca! Having undergone a complete continental style makeover, the former hotel has been converted into 23 luxury apartments and PVCu windows and doors from leading manufacturer, Sash UK Ltd has significantly contributed to the aesthetic appearance of the development.

"This was a particularly prestigious project," comments Brian Sprake from window installers, Devoran Windows of Truro. "The properties are very individual and have been designed in a continental style, with white walls, timber detailing and large expanses of fenestration playing a prominent role in the design. The location of the complex is ideal, close to the Gannell Estuary and the world-renowned Fistral surfing beach. We chose Sash profiles for both the windows and doors for their durability, particularly in a coastal environment, and for their appearance which perfectly complements the crisp sharpness of the development."

In all, Sash supplied 127 top hung casement windows with centre false transoms, 31 French doors as well as 13 French doors with angled fixed windows on either side. Additionally, the company supplied three fixed windows with curved heads in a tongue and groove finish and two angled fixed windows with mullions.

Sash UK uses only the highest quality components in the manufacture of its profiles, and uses the VEKA Matrix profile within the units. "Our customers demand the best and as a founder member of the Network VEKA scheme, and a long term user of VEKA products, then that is what we deliver," comments David Ruzicka of Sash. "Devoran Windows required definitive bespoke windows and doors for this high status project and we were more than qualified to provide the ideal fenestration solutions."

Sash Doors Open Up in Cornwall

Falmouth is fast becoming one of Cornwall's most fashionable towns with the county's third largest tourist attraction, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, drawing in a record number of visitors since opening. Devoran Windows of Truro was quick to capitalise upon the growing housing demand in the seaside town and a prestigious development involving the regeneration of a former hotel into 28 luxury apartments, saw the company installing a range of French and single doors supplied by leading window profile manufacturer, Sash UK Ltd. Melvill Court was completed four years ago and Devoran Windows was contracted to supply the doors and windows. "We chose Sash UK for quality, reliability and long lasting durability," comments Brian Sprake of Devoran. "The decision to use the PVCu profiles was based on a number of key criteria, including the superiority of the material and the company's standard use of austenitic fixings to withstand the salty climate due to the complex's proximity to the sea. Also, the profiles met the aesthetic requirements, to enhance the appearance of the apartment complex." Sash UK supplied 38 French doors and 20 single doors for Devoran to install. The single doors were commissioned for the Juliet style balconies incorporated into the design, with the French doors opening onto individual patios to allow maximum daylight penetration. Sash UK was one of the first British companies to adopt PVCu windows and doors as its core product and its partnership with leading PVCu profile manufacturer VEKA has seen the firm achieve a reputation for excellence and quality. "All VEKA profiles are extruded to BS7413 for quality and resilience and with this pedigree, they were the obvious choice for the high profile complex," continues Brian. "Melvill Court represents the growing demand in Cornwall for top quality residential construction that incorporates highly durable components for long lasting performance and appearance."

Sash Windows Dual Action

Performance, quality and service were the key criteria for Sash UK Ltd in a recent refurbishment in Herne Bay, Kent. Sash was heavily involved in the seafront refurbishment as part of a Partnering Agreement with Places for People Housing Trust. Sash not only supplied its PVCu Maco Tricot Tilt before Turn window system manufactured from VEKA's Matrix 70mm profiles, but also took on the role of main contractor.

The partial refurbishment of the high-rise tower block included re-roofing, concrete repairs, external painting, new communal entrance door, entrance system and intercom system bird netting. Sash was responsible also for the redesign and replacement of the existing windows and the option to use the Maco Tricot profiles was based on successful 1000 hours salt spray testing to cope with the environmental conditions.

The profile has a unique dual opening action. In tilt position, the window provides excellent ventilation by letting warm air flow out through the top and cool air feed back through the sides. In the turn position, the window opens a full 90 degrees inwards, enabling fast ventilation and simplifying cleaning. With a reputation as one of the most versatile systems on the market, VEKA's Matrix system is used to create virtually any style or design of windows and doors in any kind of building. For security purposes, the locking mechanism is Secured by Design approved and has a corrosion resistant surface coating for longevity.

"As main contractors on the job, one of our major considerations was tenant satisfaction," comments Brian Oxley, Commercial Director at Sash. "Throughout the programme, the residents were consulted at every stage and informed of what was happening, in order to create the minimum amount of disruption to their daily life. At a meeting held on 25th April, the residents awarded the project a very impressive KPI rating of 98.9%, confirming that the work was carried out to the highest levels of satisfaction for all concerned."

The Herne Bay project is one of many undertaken across the country by Sash over a period of many years. The Partnering agreement with Places for People encompasses the entire supply chain to ensure both quality and excellence of service and support for the client.