In sustainability terms, one of the biggest advantages of aluminium windows and doors is that they are 100% recyclable. In the current construction market, around 90% of all the aluminium used has been recycled at least once.

At the London College of Fashion building at the heart of London’s Oxford Street, AluK saw that process in action, as the building’s 1960s aluminium windows were removed and recycled in line with ISO14001, only to be replaced with new, fully recyclable frames in AluK’s 58BW system.

The removal and installation was carried out by AluK fabricator Hazlemere Commercial, working closely with the Estates department at the University of the Arts.

AluK’s 58BW Tilt Before Turn TBT windows were originally specified on the project but, after a pilot installation, Hazlemere recommended adding bottom opening windows in the 58BW casement system windows with bespoke Teleflex safety winding gear to provide the necessary levels of ventilation.

They provided a full working sample to the University complete with butt hinges and this was approved ahead of the installation which took place during the Covid restrictions.

As well as the window installation, Hazlemere’s team also oversaw concrete repairs and pointing works, delivering a complete overhaul of the 1960s landmark.