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 | | NEW OPENINGS IN NATURAL VENTILATION | | | Securistyle | | 29/05/2008 | | | With the increased cost of energy use and environmental impacts of mechanical air conditioning, natural ventilation is providing a real alternative for architects and specifiers. Natural ventilation can help to achieve sustainable buildings and maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor climate for building users.
Leading window and door hardware manufacturer Securistyle has launched the Parallel Plus hinge, which allows the parallel opening of a window to provide ultimate balanced natural ventilation in buildings such as schools, hospitals, offices and apartments. It is a product that can make a significant difference to a building's performance.
Nigel Thompson, Director at Securistyle, says: "Parallel opening windows are becoming more popular in a growing number of commercial buildings around the world due to an increased awareness of the benefits they offer. Fitting windows that open parallel to the building façade is the most effective way to achieve the ultimate naturally ventilated solution. And as the hinge allows the parallel opening of a window, the reflectivity of the façade of a building is preserved, which maintains the look of the architecture. It can also incorporate openings other than rectangles and squares, for example triangles, heptagons and octagons, in keeping with the individual requirements."
Securistyle's Parallel Plus hinge allows the parallel opening of a window and provides effective natural ventilation by ensuring a balanced air flow around the entire opening. It also allows vents of up to 200kg in weight and 2.5 metres in height to be manually operated, cutting out the need for motor operators. In the past, windows weighing 60kg required motorisation so the Parallel Plus has more than trebled the weight that can be operated manually.
Nigel Thompson explains: "Choosing natural ventilation over mechanical alternatives means substantial space savings. The extra space needed to house the plant for air conditioning could be more suitably used to provide services for the building's users or as more let-able space in commercial office buildings."
Securistyle's Parallel Plus hinge achieves effective, balanced and relatively draught-free ventilation at very small openings compared to any other type of window opening. This increases the security of the building, particularly in hospitals and schools, where personal safety is such an important factor. Parallel opening windows also provide excellent potential for smoke egress and can be combined with a building's management system.
Windows incorporating Parallel Plus hardware offer designers and architects the most effective means of secure, natural ventilation into buildings whilst also allowing them to design and create interesting structures for the future. | |
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