Spectus windows deliver for new waterfront development in Edinburgh

Approved Spectus fabricator Sidey has recently manufactured and installed over 200 flush tilt and turn windows for a low-rise, contemporary new apartment block in Edinburgh.  The block forms part of Places for People’s Waterfront 3 development which embraces the best in modern architecture.

Designed by Reiach and Hall Architects, the contemporary project provided 34 homes for affordable rent built using a mix of traditional and timber-framed modular construction. 

Waterfront 3 is the third phase of a high-density development and the wider development provides a total of 89 mixed-tenure homes across a 0.9-hectare site.

Mike Rutland business development manager at ModularWise said: “This was a fairly unusual development in that it mixed traditional build with modular. The ground floor of the scheme was built using traditional construction methods and consists of seven apartments, while the upper three floors consist of 27 modular apartments.”

The windows selected for the project were Spectus flush tilt and turn windows.  Mike said: “The Spectus flush tilt and turn windows were chosen for the project because they combine contemporary looks and large aperture with high performance, including low U-values of 1.4 W/m²K. We also took full advantage of the Spectus design service, which includes wind and barrier loading, ventilation and acoustic requirements.”

Spectus Window System’s SER certification provides evidence that the glazing meets the relevant structural integrity codes of practice, which was needed for the warrant stage. 

The windows were manufactured and installed by Spectus fabricator Sidey, one of the UK’s largest and most experienced fenestration specialists. Sidey has been a market leader in the manufacture, supply and installation of high-quality products for 87 years.   Mike said: “The Sidey team was very flexible and were happy to install the windows of the traditionally built ground floor on site, and the rest to the modules in our factory in Wales.” He continued: “Once the traditionally constructed ground floor was completed, the modules were transported to site by lorry and delivered a floor at a time. The landing sequence was completed over a four-week period – a significant time saving versus traditional construction.”

The impressive project ran smoothly throughout. Mike concluded: “Spectus Window Systems is a pleasure to work with and we look forward to working with them on future developments. Our client, Places for People, is extremely pleased with the project which will provide much needed quality affordable housing for the people of Edinburgh.”