Redcliffe Hotel, Devon

Filed under: Commercial,Production,Trade — Posted by social on May 16, 2011 at 4:26 pm

The Redcliffe Hotel is a prominent building set on the sea front at Paignton in Devon. It was developed and built as a private home in 1856 and in 1904 was converted into a hotel and has been working hard ever since to please the many visitors that have passed through its doors.  The hotel is a popular destination amonst tourists and also cater for weddings, corporate events, themed weekends and large parties.

The current owner and director of the Redcliffe, Steve Twigger, was aware for the need and requirements to shade and shelter his clientele efficiently. Another prestigious hotel within the area had previously had terrace awnings and umbrella systems manufactured, supplied and installed by James Robertshaw, Steve decided that this was what he needed to cover his patio area, at the Redcliffe Hotel. Upon consultation with the Palace, Steve contacted James Robertshaw’s local partner and distributor to arrange a consultation meeting and full site survey service.

After the initial contact, the requirements of application and the budget at the client’s diposal, terrace awnings were advised for the Redcliffe application. Steve was very keen to be able to offer his client’s the flexability of alfresco dining and socilising, whilst protecting them from both moderate weather conditions as well as the potentially harmful UV rays of the sun.

Upon acceptance of the proposal forwarded, James Robertshaw were able to offer a 3-4 week manufacture and installation turnaround, ready for the important spring season. The patio area spanned a massive 15,900mm width x 4500m system projection! 3 x Somfy fully automated Tigress terrace awning systems were installed, with rain gutters to join each system, creating 3 independant fully operation systems with the required weather proof area when extended. Completion of installation took a full day, with the whole project completed and signed off within a 4 week period! 

Steve was very happy with the completed project and how it has improved both the asthetics and functionality of the hotel. He can now offer his guests the alfresco lifestyle required, whilst overlooking the beautiful views the Redcliffe has to offer, as well as being a little competitive with his neighbours!

For further information regarding the Redcliffe Hotel, please visit www.redcliffehotel.co.uk

Improving the thermal performance of traditional windows with internal and external solar shading solutions

Filed under: Commercial,Contract,Production,Trade — Posted by Matthew Garnett on May 11, 2011 at 4:53 pm

Internal and external solar shading solutions can not only save energy from buildings during summer months, they are also very effective at reducing heat loss from a building during cold weather, therefore saving on heating bills.
The guidance notes below summarises a study carried out by Glasgow Caledonian University where research was undertaken to assess how the energy performance of traditional single glazed windows could be improved by the use of blinds, shutters and other methods. The study was commissioned by English Heritage and Historic Scotland and with an estimated 30% of all windows in the UK still being single glazed represents an opportunity.

Introduction

Historic Scotland and English Heritage both commissioned research at Glasgow Caledonian University to investigate improving the thermal performance of single-glazed traditional windows by using blinds and shutters. The objective was to propose an alternative to replacing traditional timber windows with UPVC.

 Approximately 27% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from domestic buildings, so improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock could significantly reduce national CO2 emissions.

Traditional, single glazed windows can often be a large source of heat loss for period properties. In some cases the windows are protected by planning restrictions and/or homeowners wish to keep the traditional windows or cannot afford to upgrade to new glazing units such as double or triple glazing.

Heat transfer through windows

Heat is transferred (lost) through a window by four main mechanisms:

1. Conduction – direct loss of heat through the window to the outside.

2. Convection – heat loss through the warm room air reaching the colder surface of the glass.

3. Radiation – the colder surface of the glass absorbing infra-red radiation and therefore heat from the room.

4. Air leakage – heat lost through cracks in the frame or from around ill-fitting glass.

Results

The reduction in heat loss is relative to the amount of heat lost through a single glazed window. For example 40% less heat is lost through a single glazed window when it has a roller blind covering it than when only the glass is present.

Building Regulations

The 2010 Building Regulations state that windows installed in new buildings, extensions or major refurbishments must have a U-value of 1.6 W/m2K or below.

U-value is a measurement of the rate of heat loss through a material. The higher the U-value the poorer the material is at insulating.

The results table above shows the U-value decreasing when an insulating layer such as a blind is added to the single glazing, helping windows to meet building regulation compliance. This demonstrates that installation of double or triple glazing is not the only way to improve the thermal performance of windows, blinds and shutters can help too! In this study a window with a large amount of frame was considered, typically a small window. It should be noted that U-value will vary depending on the amount of frame.

Summary

A roller blind can reduce heat loss through a single glazed window system by 40% and internal shutters combined with secondary glazing can reduce heat loss by 62%.

Figures from the EU 2011 Energy Efficiency Plan and the Glass and Glazing Federation estimate that 80% of EU and UK homes have single glazing or first generation double glazing.

Reflective blinds – the energy saving solution that insulates the transparent parts.

More information

Baker, P (2009). Research into the thermal performance of traditional windows: timber sash windows. Glasgow Caledonian University and English Heritage.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/research/buildings/energy-efficiency/thermal-performance-of-traditional-windows/

All data in this guidance note has been taken from the report by P.Baker (2009)

Solar Shading Glossary

Filed under: Commercial,Contract,Production,Trade,Uncategorized — Posted by Matthew Garnett on at 12:28 pm

Performance Indicators

g value
The ratio between the solar energy which is transmitted conducted and emitted into the interior and the total incident energy. Expressed as a percentage, the lower the value the less heat gain. For a single sheet of float glass, g=0.87.

gtot
The solar factor (total solar energy transmittance) entering a building through a window and shading device combined. It is the ratio of total energy hitting the building and the amount that gets through the glazing and shading. The lower the gtot value the lower the heat gain to the building.

DET (Direct Energy Transmission)
Percentage of solar energy transmitted directly through the glass with spectral distribution between 300nm and 2150nm

lx
Lux – the amount of illumination on a surface. The light at night from a full moon is about 0.1 lux; whereas bright sunlight is about 100,000 lux (One lux is roughly equivalent to the light transmitted from a standard sized wax candle).

Openness Co-efficient
The ratio between the area of the opening and the total area of a fabric. This is expressed as a percentage.

U value
A measure of a building element’s ability to conduct heat. Usually expressed as Watts per metre squared Celsius (W/(m2 oC)) – the lower the value the lower the heat gain and loss.

Tv (Light Transmittance)
The fraction of visible light transmitted through the shading material – usually expressed as a percentage. Light levels can also be measured in lux or candelas/m2.

Ts (Solar Transmittance)
This gives the fraction of solar energy transmitted through the fabric. A low value means that the fabric performs well at reducing solar energy transmission.

Rs (Solar Reflectance)
The fraction of solar energy reflected by the fabric. A high value means that the fabric performs well at reflecting solar energy.

As (Solar Absorption)
The fraction of solar energy absorbed by the fabric. A low value means that the material absorbs little solar energy.

SC (Shading Coefficient)
Ratio of solar gain passing through a window unit (gtot) to the solar energy which passes through 3mm float glass (0.87). Expressed as a value between 0 and 1. The lower the value the more effective the fabric is at reducing heat flow.

Fc (Shading Factor)
This is the ratio of solar factor of the combined glazing and solar shade (gtot) to that of the glazing alone (g).

qi (Secondary Heat Transfer Factor)
Resulting from heat transfer by convection and long wave infra-red radiation of that part of the incident solar radiation which has been absorbed by the glazing. I.e. absorbed radiation that will not go back through the glass.

SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient)
This is the North American term for g-value (see above).

Visual Comfort
Probability rating expressed as a percentage of the people who will find a window free of glare and excessive contrast. Refer to EN 15251 for comprehensive information.

James Robertshaw or BBSA are not responsible for the content of external websites referred to in this document.

Version 1.1

7th February 2011

The BBSA President’s Charity Ball 2011

Filed under: Trade — Posted by Matthew Garnett on May 10, 2011 at 4:55 pm

This year’s BBSA President’s Charity Ball takes place at the beautiful venue of the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal on Saturday 14 May.

A luxury 4 star hotel set in the stunning Lake District countryside, the Castle Green Hotel offers the height of comfort and sophistication with its 99 rooms decorated in cosy yet contemporary decor. There is a fully equiped gym, swimming pool and the ‘Green Room’ spa and beauty salon for guests to enjoy.

The Castle Green Hotel is situated near to the attractive town of Kendal with easy access to many of the area’s attractions, such as Windermere, Grasmere and Bowness.

The director’s of James Robertshaw will be attending this exciting annual event and look forward to seeing you there!

New Union Hotel, Manchester

Filed under: Commercial — Posted by social on May 6, 2011 at 5:00 pm

The New Union Hotel & Showbar is a lively bar and hotel focused on providing a fun, entertaining place to enjoy a drink as well as a convenient, great value place to stay in the heart of Manchester City Centre. The bar has a truly engaging atmosphere with awesome DJ’s, regular karaoke, drag cabaret, theme nights and amazing drink deals. Situated on the corner of Canel Street & Princess Street, the New Union is a friendly mixed bar.

During the end of 2010 the current owner, Bob Ramsbottom, decided that the building’s fascia required a revamp. As The New Union was built in 1865 (nearly as old as ourselves) and had not had any external cosmetic work for several years so he thought it was about time to do something about it!

Bob contacted the commercial sector  of James Robertshaw and from the initial site meeting, Bob’s requirements for the New Union application became very clear. The guidelines set stated that the solar shading blinds were to be the best quality available, fully automated with sensors, manufactured locally within the UK, whilst remaining stylish and cutting edge. Folding-arm awnings became an option for the lower levels and fixed canopies for the upper. With the specified brief, the Cougar (the strongest full-cassette awning manufactured in the UK) was proposed for the lower level application. The New Union required the versatility for its clients to be able to sit outside enjoying their drinks and atmosphere, whilst remaining protected from both the sun and light rainfall.

Fixed canopies were also advised for the upper level elevation. The canopies required to be asthetically pleasing in keeping with the buildings traditional theme whilst retaining the strong brand that has developed over the years.

Working closely with the client making sure that the design and products ended up exactly how specified, through the initial concept, design, in-house manufacture, installation and sign-off, Bob was very happy with both the product and service James Robertshaw were able to provide.

For further information on the New Union, please click here.

 



Exhibition at the CUBE, Wednesday 18th May 2011

Filed under: Contract — Posted by social on at 9:12 am

James Robertshaw are proud to present and launch our latest energy saving solar shading products at a Construction Needs Innovation event, at the CUBE in Manchester city centre.  The event, which is showcasing both ourselves and two other businesses, will take place on the 18 May 2011, starting at 4.00pm and concluding at 6.30pm.

The host of this exciting event, the Centre for Construction Innovation, are giving the opportunity to three North-West based manufacturing businesses to present their latest sustainable building offerings.  The Centre’s aim is to openly invite clients, architects, engineers, designers and constructors the chance to take a look at and explore new and beneficial innovative carbon efficient products.

Our new energy saving solar shading products are designed to prevent the sun from overheating a room or building, and therefore reduce the need for energy wasting air conditioning by as much as 50% – 70%.  This would decrease the carbon footprint by hundreds or even thousands of kg every year, even in buildings where cooling has already been installed, the solar shading product could pay for itself within a five year period. 

What is the CUBE?

The CUBE is one of Europe’s most exciting art, architecture and design centres, dedicated to broadcasting the ideas and issues that lie behind the buildings, spaces and cultural networks that make up our built environment.  CUBE is the only dedicated space for exhibitions and informal learning related to architecture and the built environment within the North-West.  It’s known for providing the opportunity to highlight economic and social benefits of knowledge transfer and networking between public, professionals and policy makers through a focused and dedicated organisation.

CUBE, 113-115 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6DW

Spaces are limited so register now for free by emailing hannah.kavanagh@ccinw.com

James Robertshaw – ready to help, worldwide!

Filed under: Commercial — Posted by social on May 5, 2011 at 2:19 pm

Who are the Lions?

Lions meet the needs of local communities and the world. The 45,000 clubs and 1.35 million members of volunteer organisation make them the world’s largest service club organisation, they span over 206 countries and the geographic areas are different in many ways, but share a core belief – community is what we make it.

They recently:

  • Brought 3,000 volunteers together to build a playground for children of all abilities in California, USA.
  • Fed 60,000 people in a township in South Africa. It’s something Lions do there every day.
  • Sent a team of eye surgeons to Honduras to treat more than 100 adults and children.

The Lions are led by talented, dedicated volunteer leaders from around the world and are supported by the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), which helps to fund Lions humanitarian projects. Both the LCIF and the International Headquarters for the Lions Clubs International is in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA.

More locally to home John Jones, the Urmston Lions Co-ordinator for Lions International District 105BS, was in the process of the latest Lions project.

John decided that his Lions District would take part in The Eye Bus Scheme. This involved the conversion of an Isuzu Bus that the organisation has fully equipped with medical supplies and plan to send to Uganda as a Mobile Eye Bus that will take Ophthalmic Clinics into the Ugandan outback. John and his team have done this by raising nearly £50,000 from various sources – an amazing feat! With the vehicle near completion and ready to roll to the Kampala Host Lions Club in Uganda at the end of March 2011, John began to enquiry about blind products to shade the bus. The James Robertshaw name soon was recommended and John made contact. The request was presented with the brief as near to blackout or total blackout internal roller blind systems for the bus. Whilst appreciating that the economic climate is very tough and combined with the speedy manufacture and delivery time required, John requested the best price possible.

With the Lions being a deserving charity organisation, setting out to take eye health services to the neediest parts of Uganda, James Robertshaw wanted to show its full support. The blind products were manufactured at reduced rates and supplied in the required time-frame stated. John comments ‘thanks to all at James Robertshaw for your full support and excellent customer service manner. The blinds are a fantastic addition to our bus and will help aid our volunteer doctor’s treat the needy locals who require basic aid – thank you so much!’

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