In early 2004 Broxwood, independent suppliers of Scandinavian timber windows and doors, entered into a relationship which was to lead to a £1.1m deal and the supply of more than 2,225 windows to one of the largest redevelopment projects in Manchester. Quite a coup for this relatively recently established (launched in 2003), relatively small, Scottish-based company.

Ron MacKelvie explains how his firm's independent approach to windows supply is proving a winner in one of the largest redevelopment projects in Manchester.

It began when Rognvald MacKelvie, co-director of Broxwood, and a veteran of the timber frame industry, approached a firm of Manchester based architects. At the time Aedas Architects were part of the design team working with contractors Artisan on a £150m development in the New East Manchester Redevelopment Zone.

As a result Broxwood were invited to price for Phase 1 of the project, a contract of some 600 windows for a block of 104 apartments. Ron MacKelvie recalls:

'Once our quote was passed to Artisan I became involved in discussions with the site. While we had priced on the side hung reversible hardwood oak windows which had been specified, it became clear that we could offer something more appropriate - and more cost effective.'

Broxwood proposed a top hung, double glazed, argon filled window in laminated redwood with a paint finish, which would meet building regulations more easily and be more cost effective.

Further phases

The proposal met with the client’s approval and Broxwood were quickly asked to quote for two further blocks, D and E, on the same basis and for the same specification. Block D was for 550 plus windows and Block E for 250 plus windows.

Intriguingly, the first job quoted (Phase 1) was only supplied in Autumn 2005, while Block D was supplied in May 2005 and Block E in June 2005.

Ron MacKelvie observes:

'It’s key to what we do that we are sufficiently flexible and customer focused in our processes to be able to respond to the variations in build programmes which can arise.'

This is clearly the case and Ron MacKelvie also confirms that to date all deliveries have been made on time.

While Broxwood's management of the 'direct from manufacturer to site' process has been crucial, they are keen to point up the importance of being partnered by a reliable supplier. In this case Broxwood selected Lyssand, a Norwegian firm, as they were able to meet Artisan's delivery schedules, quality standards and site requirements. (It is fair at this point to note that not all imported units will meet NHBC and UK Building Regulations standards).

Non standard specifications

Some of the standards and requirements on this project have proved anything but 'standard.' For example, some of the patio and French doors (which Broxwood were also supplying) were a very non-standard 2.3m.  And because of special acoustic requirements in some blocks, the glazing specification has meant a doubling in the weight of glass in the windows. As a result some of the glazed sliding doors now weigh over a quarter tonne! This has meant rolling gear being reinforced in order to cope and maintain performance standards.

In parts of the development, in order to maximise use of available land, blocks of apartments have been built very close to main roads.

Acoustic challenge

This presented Broxwood with particular challenges when it came to supplying bedroom windows which would meet sound regulations - and ensure future residents got a good night's sleep!

To meet this challenge, Broxwood worked with Bradford-based acoustics specialists Rod Lane Associates, who were part of Artisan's design team. Rod Lane takes up the story:

'In some cases, the apartments have been built within 5m of a main road, where the traffic generates a sound level of 70dba. Normally we would expect a level of 60dB(A), so that extra 10dB(A) created quite a problem, especially when exposed bedroom windows would have to meet a performance standard of 30dB(A). We solved the problem - and met the regulations - by developing timber a window with Broxwood, incorporating, among other elements, acoustic glazing, a special acoustic coating and a wider-than-average gap between glazing sheets. This kind of heavy construction is normally something we would specify for an industrial situation, which gives some idea of the challenges we faced!'

The use of this window will provide a model for other acoustically difficult locations throughout the site

While all this has been going on, the business of securing future work has continued and Broxwood has won the contract to supply windows for a further two phases, Phase 2 and Phase 3, a total of 825 plus windows, and this is currently on-going.