VELFAC composite windows and doors were used throughout a 270 unit development in Cambridge.

Ninewells comprises 270 family homes and apartments built to a deliberately high specification, VLEFAC was chosen to maximise natural light, enhance countryside views and provide a window-waling solution.

As preferred glazing supplier for Hill (a housebuilder working in a joint venture with developer Bushmead Homes), VELFAC was specified early on in the development of Ninewells.

Denis Devane, Senior Technical Coordinator at Hill says: ‘The slender VELFAC composite window and door frames result in large glazed panels which are ideal when you want to install window (and door) sections up to 2.4m high.’

Larger windows are used to increase solar gain, improve already excellent energy performance, and flood the spacious interiors with natural light, further enhanced by a white paint finish to the internal timber frame.

Externally, large, pitched-roof town houses feature full height (and width) VELFAC sliding doors on all three floors.

The resulting façade highlights the slim external aluminium VELFAC frame, finished in bronze, and is an ideal complement to the natural timber, pale brick and bronze cladding used throughout the development.

‘Projecting bays are also a feature of many houses,’ adds Denis: ‘These were to be installed by a curtain walling specialist, but they could not offer an opening light narrow enough for the side of the bay, so we specified VELFAC instead.’

Ninewells showcases innovative architecture and sustainable design, and is a positive enhancement to the semi-rural landscape in which the development sits.

As a result, Ninewells has won a number of prestigious awards including ‘Best Out of London Home’ from the London Evening Standard New Homes Awards, and WhatHouse? ‘Best Development’ Award.