 This month’s front cover features Monkfield Park School in Cambridge, which makes extensive use of the Domus range from Rationel Windows and Doors. The striking appearance of this school has been accentuated by the use of Rationel’s window façade system, with the windows and doors complementing the beauty of the wood used in the rest of the structure. The body of the windows and doors are made from 60% heartwood – the strongest part of the tree found at its centre – with 100% heartwood used on all external facing components. The decision to use Rationel was influenced by the clean lines of the products and the high quality of manufacture and performance in use. The specification included double entrance doors, side-hung and fixed light windows, and combined units with bespoke shapes showcasing Rationel’s manufacturing flexibility.The glazed screens to the gable end of the extended school building are a key design feature to allow natural light into the teaching areas. Each glazed gable has an extended canopy area adjacent to ensure that there is a covered area for children’s play and to provide shade on sunny days. Safety and energy glass has been used in the windows and doors to meet the requirements for Secure by Design and energy efficiency to reduce heat loss during winter months. where a longer maintenance cycle is desired.
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