Eurocell’s InSite window system, revolutionising construction efficiency in Inverness
Eurocell’s InSite system transformed window installation for a block of four terraced houses in Inverness
Windows were manufactured at Pinefield Glass incorporated the InSite hinge with the cavity barrier
Kirkwood Timber Frame integrated the windows into timber frame panels
The panels were then transported to site and erected over two days; speeding up the process of achieving a weatherproof structure
The only window system suitable for timber frame that has been fully tested to prevent the spread of fire and smoke from, or to the cavity
Approved for use in accordance with the guidelines by NHBC.
Challenge
Affordable housing provider Places for People needed to construct a block of terraced houses near Inverness swiftly and efficiently to control costs and accommodate residents promptly. However, the conventional construction process, with its multitude of stages, prolonged time on site, and diverse specialised tasks, posed significant challenges to meeting tight deadlines.
Solution
The InSite system introduced by Eurocell, comprising a specialist hinge and sealant, a cavity barrier and window, enables house construction to be expedited by manufacturing within a factory environment. The windows were manufactured with the cavity barrier and InSite bracket fitted, at Pinefield Glass, Elgin. These were then integrated into timber frame panels at Kirkwood Timber Frame in Sauchen, Inverurie. The panels were transported to the site and erected over a two-day period (12 – 13th December 2023).
InSite streamlines the installation of fully glazed, finished windows into wall panels during the factory production process, and enables transportation to site easily as the window sits within the frame cavity, reducing damage, movement in transit and the need to pack between the panels.
This innovation also reduces onsite disruption and working at height, reduces Health and Safety concerns, minimises labour costs, and accelerates build schedules – the window sits within the cavity, so when craning panels into place, the panel sits vertical making it easier to place into position.
Once erected on-site, the window is pushed out to its finished position, ensuring the 50mm cavity. The window is then plumbed and squared, locked off, sealed and the exterior of the building is ready to be clad.
The entire panel assembly can then become wind and watertight within one day, allowing interior trades to commence work immediately. Noteworthy features include improved safety, reduced site traffic, reduction in movement of scaffolding lifts and compliance with relevant Building Regulations.
The InSite system has been tested by Warrington Fire [part of Exova Group] to .BS 476 Part 20, 1987 This certifies that when all of the approved parts within the system are used together the InSite system prevents the spread of fire and smoke from or to the cavity. This is the only system of this type to hold this fire certification.
Result
The build was completed 9 days quicker than typical timber frame construction of this scale:
Faster and easier: Reduces on-site disruption and labour costs, accelerates build schedules, and allows immediate commencement of interior trades.
Safer: As the whole commissioning operation of the windows can be carried out from inside the building, this eliminates working at height, moving windows about on scaffolding, enhances site safety and security and reduces site traffic with no separate window deliveries.
Peace of mind: Compliant with Building Regulations, thoroughly tested for air, water, and wind pressure and independently tested for Fire and Smoke resistance, assessed for load-bearing capacity.
Read the full case-study via https://www.eurocell.co.uk/blog/Eurocells-insite-window-system-inverness
Insite Case Study (eurocell.co.uk)
If you have any questions or would like more information then please email: newbuild@eurocell.co.uk or call 0870 120 3003.