Monthly Archives: January 2024

Windows to the Past and Future: Solid Clear Polycarbonate in Restoring Architectural Heritage

In the tapestry of architectural history, the glazing of windows in railway stations and historic commercial buildings has undergone significant evolution. Traditionally, glass held a monopolistic presence, embodying both the elegance and fragility of a bygone era. However, as time unfurled, the drawbacks of traditional materials became increasingly evident, paving the way for the ascendancy of solid clear polycarbonate in the restoration and revitalisation of these structures.

A Glimpse Into the Past

For decades, the transparent face of architecture was predominantly adorned with glass. Its delicate translucence captured the essence of classic design, allowing daylight to filter through, illuminating the interiors of historic railway stations and commercial edifices. Yet, this emblem of tradition carried inherent vulnerabilities that, over time, became apparent in the face of modern challenges.

The Disadvantages of Tradition

While glass held a certain aesthetic allure, its fragility posed a myriad of challenges, particularly in high traffic areas like railway stations. The propensity to shatter under impact not only compromised safety but also demanded frequent and costly maintenance. Additionally, the poor thermal insulation properties of glass contributed to energy inefficiencies in historic commercial buildings, detracting from both comfort and sustainability.

Solid Clear Polycarbonate: A Beacon of Progress

Enter solid clear polycarbonate, a contemporary marvel that gracefully addresses the limitations of its traditional counterpart. Boasting unparalleled durability, polycarbonate stands resilient in the face of impact, offering enhanced safety without sacrificing transparency. This robustness translates into long-term cost savings, a crucial factor in the meticulous restoration of historical landmarks.

Preserving the Future Through Sustainability

Beyond its strength, solid clear polycarbonate champions sustainability—a quality that resonates with the modern ethos of eco-conscious construction. Fully recyclable and requiring less energy to manufacture than traditional materials, polycarbonate aligns with the imperative to reduce environmental impact, contributing to the preservation of our architectural legacy for generations to come.

Harmony with Tradition

In the quest for modernisation, the risk often lies in compromising the authentic aesthetic of historic structures. Solid clear polycarbonate, however, emerges as a seamless bridge between the past and the present. Its transparency pays homage to the classic elegance of glass while mitigating its vulnerabilities. Moreover, the material’s adaptability allows it to be moulded into shapes that honour traditional architecture, creating a visual harmony that resonates with the soul of these historic landmarks. In conclusion, the transition from traditional glazing materials to solid clear polycarbonate represents more than a mere upgrade; it embodies a commitment to preserving our architectural heritage in the face of contemporary demands. As we look to the future, solid polycarbonate stands not as a departure from tradition, but as a thoughtful evolution that ensures the windows to our past remain clear, resilient, and inextricably linked to the timeless beauty of historic architecture.

 

Cheswick Green Primary School – Case Study

In a recent project, Twinfix displayed their commitment to excellence through the installation of eight free-standing semi-curved canopies spanning 302 square meters at Cheswick Green Primary School in Solihull. Tailored for functionality and aesthetic appeal, the canopies feature the innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile roofing system glazed with 10 mm clear multiwall polycarbonate. The aluminium structure, ensuring both durability and a sleek finish, is meticulously powder coated to RAL 7040, imparting numerous benefits to the canopies.

Powder coating enhances the durability of the aluminium, providing a robust protective layer against weathering, corrosion, and UV radiation. This not only ensures a longer lifespan for the canopies but also minimises maintenance requirements, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice for educational institutions like Cheswick Green Primary School.

Beyond their structural integrity, these barrel-vault canopies offer a multitude of benefits. The Non-Fragile roofing system enhances safety, meeting stringent standards. Simultaneously, the 10 mm clear multiwall polycarbonate glazing fosters inviting covered outdoor spaces, flooded with natural light.

Their design not only adds a touch of modernity but also elevates the visual appeal of the school. Twinfix’s canopies seamlessly blend functionality with elegance, creating structures that are both safe and aesthetically pleasing.

The recent installation at Cheswick Green Primary School exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation and delivering top-tier solutions. Collaborating effectively with E Manton Ltd, Twinfix has created structures that not only meet the highest standards of functionality but also stand as symbols of excellence in both design and execution. As Twinfix continues to set new standards in canopy solutions, this project stands as a testament to their ability to create transformative and visually captivating spaces.

All stations go!

Great Malvern

At Twinfix, we have been working with the Rail industry for over 30 years. The latest Control Period (CP7) is due to start in 2024, seeing Network Rail invest £44 billion in the UK railway over the five-year period (2024-2029). Network Rail has made public it’s priorities for CP7, and along with the targets and key performance indicators (KPI’s), there are a lot of values that align closely with Twinfix and the work in which we are already engaged.

We have written extensively about the environmental and sustainable nature of our products here at Twinfix. The Polycarbonate and Aluminium which forms the backbone of our product range can be recycled, reused, and can work to reduce the other materials required due to the inherent strength and lightness.

Network Rail are the proud owners of an infrastructure dating as far back as the 1800’s. They recognise the importance and significance of these structures and are keen to preserve the heritage and history. Working with construction companies they are returning these edifices of public transportation back to their original splendour while adhering to modern building regulations. We supply transparent, translucent, and opaque polycarbonate to mimic historic glass features for station refurbishments, but which require minimal maintenance, and which are significantly more durable than glass. We can add period features such as a Georgian wire effect and due to the lightweight properties, we are able to keep structural elements to a minimum while retaining strength.

We are a family firm and very much a part of our local community, yet we can work collaboratively with Tier 1 construction companies and sole traders to help them deliver the best outcome for their client.

Whilst we can provide off the shelf products, our team of experts take great delight in designing and manufacturing bespoke solutions. We can assist with faithful historic renovations; however, we have the skills, expertise, and experience to offer something modern in technology and compliant with all the latest safety standards. We are also capable of identifying historic problems and solving them. Access hatches to allow cleaning and maintenance being a more common problem we solve on many stations rooves.

Of course, working in the modern construction industry means we have a duty of care, something we take very seriously. Our commitment to health & safety, not only for our team but to those who will use or interact with our products is second to none. All our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they comply with modern building regulations.

Examples of our work can be seen across the country, including Aberdeen, Victoria Station in London, Sutton in Surrey, and Llandudno in Wales. For the most part they go un-noticed, which is exactly the point. What people do notice is the light, the aesthetics, and the restoration.

Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix said; “We have been playing our part in the Rail industry for the last 30 years and align with Network Rails values, and we hope to be part of the solution for many years to come. Playing our part, working collaboratively to help protect the history of the railways while making them future fit, resilient, and sustainable, Twinfix are your trusted partner in rail.”

Great Malvern

Embracing Festivity: Twinfix’s Remarkable ’12 Days of Christmas’ Celebration

The holiday season at Twinfix was more than just a day; it was a twelve-day jubilation filled with cheer, laughter, and heart-warming moments. As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s reminisce about the joyous and spirited ’12 Days of Christmas’ celebration that lit up our workplace.

From donning our quirkiest Christmas jumpers and pjs, to winning our Christmas dinner, engaging in festive quizzes, and indulging in the sweetness of Christmas goodies, each day was a delightful testament to the festive spirit that unites us.

The excitement soared with our Christmas raffle, where prizes added an extra sparkle to the season. Creativity flourished during our Christmas card competition, showcasing the artistic talent of our team’s children.

Wrapping up with our Christmas work event, these twelve days showcased the strong unity and shared joy at Twinfix. Laughter, shared moments, and a sense of togetherness defined this special celebration.

As we embrace 2024, let’s carry forward the warmth, unity, and shared successes from this celebratory season. Here’s to a year ahead filled with collaborative achievements and continued camaraderie. Cheers to the wonderful memories of the ’12 Days of Christmas’ and to the promising journey that lies ahead!