Recent studies have shown that installing a self-cleaning glass, such as Pilkington ActivTM, in windows and conservatories is ten times more environmentally friendly than using regular glass.

Independent research compiled by BRE (Building Research Establishment) demonstrates that the self-cleaning properties of Pilkington ActivTM, offer a number of environmental benefits by reducing quantity of resources, including water, energy and cleaning agents, required for cleaning through the year and throughout the life of the windows.

The study looked at two vital issues:
1. Water Savings By installing Pilkington ActivTM self-cleaning glass, the average detached property can expect to save approximately 260 litres of water per year, because of its reduced need for regular window cleaning; once a year to remove dirt associated with Pilkington ActivTM , compared to traditional window cleaning frequency of once a month.

2. The Environmental Impact study looked at four key factors for an average semi-detached house - water usage, energy required for heating water, detergents and transport of window cleaners and expressed as Ecopoints, Pilkington ActivTM  (0.005 Ecopoints) was proven to have one tenth of the overall environmental impact compared to traditional windows (0.06 Ecopoints).

For further information on Pilkington ActivTM self-cleaning glass, see our previous article: The Amazing Pilkington Activ™ Self-Cleaning Glass.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com/selfcleaningglass

Tel:  (01744) 692 000

Jayne and Graham Wren moved to their 19th century crofter’s cottage in Yorkshire eight years ago, as it seemed to them an ideal environment to bring up a family. It was originally a semi-detached building, which had been previously converted into a single cottage.

Although the cottage was roomy enough for the couple to begin with, they went on to have three children and in 2003 decided more space was needed and embarked on an extension for the cottage.

This resulted in the loss of a playroom, so to address this and bring more light into the cottage, a conservatory was agreed as the ideal solution. The Wrens’ conservatory was designed using powder-coated aluminium on the outside and ash hardwood on the inside, giving it all the benefits of aluminium and the beauty of wood.
 
The Roof: It was important for the Wrens to select a glass that needed minimal maintenance, so they chose to install Pilkington Activ™ Blue combined with Pilkington K Glass™ in the roof.

Activ™ Blue designed specifically for conservatories, is a blue-tinted glass that combines dual-action self-cleaning properties with solar and thermal control technology; when combined with Pilkington K Glass™ it also has an aesthetic benefit, by reducing reflection and glare from the sun, providing ultra clear exterior views and improving the outlook on even the greyest of days.

The Windows: The vertical windows were glazed with Pilkington Optifloat™ which, when combined with Pilkington K Glass™ improves energy efficiency, as the heat from the radiators and stove is reflected back into the conservatory, resulting in reduced fuel bills!

The Result: An entirely new light and spacious living area for the whole family to enjoy all year round. The Wrens were careful to ensure the new conservatory was in keeping with the rustic charm of the property, by opting for a cream colour scheme and tumbled limestone flooring; Jayne installed a wood-burning stove to complete the look.

Cost of project: approx. £40,000

Web: http://www.pilkington.com/selfcleaningglass
Tel:  (01744) 692 000

All too often conservatories lie empty in winter, as people believe they can only be used during the summer months.

Pilkington glass has teamed up with leading interiors stylist Alison Davidson, to help you maximise its use throughout the year:

With some careful planning and styling know-how, you can ensure your conservatory is not only warm enough to use all year round, but trendy too.

Using premium products specifically designed for conservatories, such as Pilkington Activ™ Blue Glass* for solar control, combined with Pilkington K Glass™ *, which reflects heat from fires and radiators back into the home, your conservatory will be kept warm throughout winter and reduce fuel bills.

In summer, Activ™ Blue glass allows less heat into the conservatory compared to standard glass, thus reducing heat transference by approximately 43 per cent!
 
That dark brick wall and roaring fire form a great focal point for winter, but can look quite heavy in the bright summer months. To change the feel, hang a large picture of something summery over it, or a mirror to reflect the light.
 
Change the furniture; In our picture dark brown leather was swapped for cream cotton covered sofas; alternatively have a spare set of loose covers made to turn your winter look into summer, or cover them with light coloured throws.
 
Adding different coloured accessories and cushions can instantly change the look.
 
A large dark wool rug looks cosy in winter but swapping it for a white cotton version for summer will give the room an instant summer feel.
 
Add lots of fresh flowers in summer in bright, vibrant colours to bring the outside in.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com/selfcleaningglass
Tel:   (01744) 692000

Barlow Tyrie is renowned worldwide for the highest caliber of innovative garden leisure furniture.

Superior craftsmanship and design, combined with quality materials produces furniture of sumptuous comfort and cutting edge style to cater for the discerning customer.

The Savannah range of woven products is this year’s new addition to the Barlow Tyrie portfolio, designed to add panache and elegance for both outside and inside entertaining.

A choice of two sizes in tables is available, circular for smaller gatherings, or rectangular for a family sized group.

Stunning sun loungers, armchairs, individual chairs and two seaters are also offered in the Savannah range, with a wide choice of colours and finishes to complete the look.

The Savannah beautifully crafted woven furniture would compliment any garden, patio or conservatory setting.

Visit the website to view their comprehensive range of innovative garden leisure furniture.

Web: http://www.teak.com
Tel:   (01376) 557 600

Pilkington the leading glass manufacturer has recently launched Pilkington Activ™ Blue glass, which is specifically designed for conservatories.

This innovative blue glass, combines the latest dual-action self-cleaning properties with solar control technology, to prevent conservatories getting unbearably hot in the summer, or too cold in winter – a common complaint!

The attractive faint blue tinge of Pilkington Activ™ Blue allows considerably less heat into the room, by reducing heat transference by approximately 43 per cent; The blue tint absorbs the heat and re-radiates it back outside.

Glass in standard windows absorbs heat from warm rooms and radiates it away from the outside surface. To retain heat and save energy at the same time, consider combining Pilkington Activ™ or Pilkington Activ Blue™ with Pilkington K Glass™ on the inner pane, which stops the heat escaping and reflects the heat back into the home.

This new glass will help reduce fuel bills, and make double-glazing as effective as triple glazing!

Additional benefits:

Removes the need for conservatory blinds at a cost of approximately £1000.

The attractive blue colour has an aesthetic benefit by reducing reflection, thus providing clear exterior views.

Pilkington Activ™ Blue glass is available now, through all good suppliers in the UK.

Web:   www.pilkington.com/applications
Tel:  (01744) 692000

Architects, home owners and self-builders have for years recognised the flexibility and beauty of glass structures, which enable light to flood in and can seamlessly mix modern and traditional styles to create contemporary lines for all types of homes.

Apropos Tectonic have over half a century of knowledge and experience in the design and creation of bespoke aluminium and glass structures, to both enhance and extend houses and buildings, transforming them into stunning homes of distinction including: Conservatories, orangeries, swimming pool glasshouses and freestanding glasshouses, which provide outstanding architectural features that not only add to the beauty of any property but also to its value.

The perpendicular lines created from aluminium provide architects with the creative freedom they have long desired, allowing flowing streams of light to bring a new dimension to previously dark featureless areas and new life to your living space.

Web: http://www.apropos-tectonic.com
Tel:   (0845) 434 8901

Adding a beautiful bespoke conservatory to your property perfectly complements your home, creating that special place for relaxing or entertaining, while enjoying the beauty of your garden.

Fawsley specialise in designing and building spectacular handcrafted conservatories, inspired by the great tradition of classic British conservatories.

Their buildings are timeless, yet thoroughly modern offering eternally graceful structures.

The manufacturing process combines the latest computer-aided design technology with the skills of their highly experienced carpenters.

The featured cedar and composite conservatory, was designed to enclose a courtyard and is truly a one-off; the gables being purpose-made to match the gothic window detail in the structure.

The owner wished to maintain a comfortable living environment in order to maximise the use of the room, therefore under floor heating and automatic vents were included in the building.

Approximate project cost: £66,000

Approximate size: 6.8m by 8.8m.

Web: http://www.fawsley.com
Tel: (024) 7666 9166