Architects: Dovetail Architects
Fabricator: Anglia Fixing Ltd
Main Contractor: W.A Hills Builders & Shopfitters Ltd
Project value: £131,000
Type of works: supply and installation of Comar 3 framing, Comar 5P.i windows and Comar 7 doors.

Phoenix Place, located in Basildon, Essex, is the headquarters of the local NHS Primary Health Care Trust. Dovetail Architects designed the building, selecting W.A. Hills as the contractor, with Comar approved fabricator Anglia Fixing Ltd to complete the glazed element of the facade.

In this project, the Kingspan Optimo range of cladding panels was selected and at every storey, ribbon windows were incorporated from the Comar 5P.i thermally efficient range. Comar 5P.i tilt-and-turn windows were selected. These can be tilted to allow ventilation and, when unlocked, can be opened in to allow cleaning from the inside. To the perimeter of these windows, Comar’s Kingspan cladding adaptors (CS486 and CS487) were fitted which allowed the window to be directly integrated into Kingspan, without the need for additional flashings or packings. Anglia Fixing Ltd utilised Comar 5P.i corner posts, which allowed the neat corner return as well as maintaining the slim sight lines of the window frames.

To create feature and contrast to the Kingspan cladding, Comar 6 curtain walling was installed. Comar 6 offers a slim 50mm sight line with a multitude of transoms and mullions to cater for all deflection loads and configurations.

In any busy office environment, Comar 7 commercial door sets are a natural choice. Not only are they available in swing, pivot, sliding, auto-sliding and sliding folding, they have been designed specifically for commercial applications where high traffic solutions are required. A fire exit door was also provided, through Comar 7 pivot doors with anti-finger trap stile, Axim panic exit device and an Axim concealed transom closer.

Dealing with two external facade contractors can sometimes be an issue for the timely delivery of projects, but Anglia Fixing Ltd formed an excellent close relationship with Avonsale, a Kingspan approved contractor, and liaised closely, creating design detailing and prompt installation scheduling so the project ran smoothly and hit site deadlines.