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28th January 2021
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Bespoke screens designed by SWA members are gracing the best bathrooms
Exploiting the strength and slim proportions only steel can offer, bespoke internal glazed partitions, screens and shower enclosures are increasingly being designed and manufactured by Steel Window Association members for high-end commercial and residential projects.
Visually, steel has an innate solidity without being overpowering, a look no other material can really replicate due to the slenderness and robustness of the steel sections. Unlike the potentially chunky proportions required with timber or aluminium, a steel T-bar or glazing bar (a mere 25mm wide) is enough to ensure maximum strength while providing the greatest possible area for glass.
Traditional W20 steel window sections are frequently used to form screens. These may be configured to create three quarter height and full height panels with 90 degree returns or curves and to take large or small glass panes.
Screens can include windows or doors up to a height of 2.4m with fixed glazing above where extra height is required. Most screens are single glazed but when needed for acoustic reasons, for example when creating corporate boardrooms, double glazing with acoustic glass may be employed. A fixed screen with no doors or other opening sections can be designed to achieve a 30 minute fire rating. When used in wet rooms and as shower screens, weather seals can be employed to ensure a fully waterproof enclosure.
To provide for the highest durability and to achieve the aesthetics required, screens may be hot-dip galvanized and factory finished with a high quality polyester powder coat applied in any RAL colour. Alternatively, an industrial raw steel finish can be provided that shows up the details of the manufacturing process, including the welded joints. This is achieved either through a clear powder coating or with the application of a high quality factory applied lacquer.
For further information on the Steel Window Association:
T: 0844 249 1355
W: www.steel-window-association.co.uk
6th February 2015