The perfect partnership Unite Students x Crucial Engienering
Unite Students are experts in student accommodation. They have been providing safe and secure homes for students for 30 years. At one of their sites in London, the timber framework around the windows in part of the building had become tired and in need of replacement. Understanding not only the importance of safety for their residents but also how this could impact the warmth of the building, they began to research for a supplier to restore both the framework and windows in these areas.
The many benefits of curtain walling for buildings such as the Unite Students site, are why increasing numbers of developers and architects are opting to use it as part of their building designs. Unite Students did their research to find that not only does aluminium curtain walling have superior strength and durability, but that it also has excellent thermogenic properties, is highly economical and is an environmentally friendly choice since aluminium and glass can be recycled easily and repeatedly.
Having made a decision about the type of glazing required as part of the window restoration, Unite Students felt that Crucial Engineering were the perfect choice for the work required. As specialists in aluminium curtain walling and with a portfolio of well-respected clients, it was clear that Crucial could fulfil the brief to a high standard.
Upon visiting the Unite Students London site, The Crucial Engineering team quickly identified that the existing timber frame was rotten in various sections and that the glazed units weren’t performing as they should be. Curtain walling would be the perfect choice for the sizes and space of the restoration work required with the benefit of providing light and warmth in open and communal areas of the building. Manufacturing and Project planning of the aluminium curtain walling commenced.
The promise of good quality, safe and warm accommodation that Unite Students provides is one of the reasons why they are a trusted partner of over 60 Universities in the UK. They understand that for many students, feeling at home during their years at university can be the difference between achieving moderate results to excellent ones, knowing that much of a student’s study is conducted within their residence. For this reason, the timeframe for the restoration work to be completed by the Crucial Team was super important to ensure minimal disruption to the students’ home and studying.
The Crucial Team went onsite with a plan to install the aluminium curtain walling to span 4 floors of the building in three separate areas. To stay within the projected timeframe, excellent project management of the task was required. The team got to work and efficiently delivered installation of the aluminium framework and curtain glazing.
The resulting finish is one that is sympathetic to the building’s existing aesthetic and colour scheme. Bringing a wealth of light into the building, the aluminium curtain walling will help create well-being for the students who live in the building. In addition, the spaces with the curtain glazing will be energy efficient and well protected from any adverse weather conditions.
An added benefit of the aluminium curtain walling for Unite Students is that it does not require specialist cleaning or maintenance. Any window cleaner can be used, which reduces any extra hidden costs that comparable materials for this type of work might incur.
Unite Students were very satisfied with the work carried out by Crucial Engineering and with the finish of the aluminium curtain walling. The building has had a face lift and now has a chic, modern feel as well as being secure, warm and economic.
A complete aluminium package for KFC
As specialists in aluminium engineering, Crucial were commissioned by the principle contractor for a KFC in 2022 to provide the supply and installation of a full aluminium package for their new restaurant.
Understanding the many benefits of using aluminium for a shop fit out, KFC appointed Crucial to undertake the project. With many years of expertise and a host of big named brands already under their belt, Crucial were a reliable and well-respected choice.
KFC electing aluminium for a variety of applications within the project was a calculated decision. With a stringent budget, there is much to be achieved with the use of aluminium. As a super strength, yet lightweight material, it is frequently chosen by property planners to form many parts of building projects. Compared with other materials, aluminium is hard wearing and durable, excellently withstanding weathering and high traffic usage.
The brief required Crucial’s dedicated team to install attractive aluminium doors to the ground floor and glazed screens to the restaurant. These not only needed to provide a welcoming feel to the outlet but also be hardwearing to ensure superior longevity in what was to be a high influx area of the build. Floor to ceiling glazed aluminium windows and doors allowed a huge amount of light to enter the building, creating a fresh, clean feeling environment.
In addition, Crucial installed multiple aluminium windows across the 1st and 2nd floor of the restaurant along with full height aluminium curtain walling, spanning both floors. Furthermore, aluminium was an ideal choice for a low maintenance building material here. Virtually impervious to changes in temperature and high levels of moisture, it doesn’t incur a costly preservation schedule or require specialist cleaning.
The final touch to the restaurant, was the drive-thru area. Crucial’s installation of aluminium sliding windows provided a solid, secure and sleek appearance to the building.
Having already completed successful projects for many leading brands, Crucial had a solid grasp of working with prominent business’ like KFC. Being a high profile, household name, it was imperative for the Crucial Team to ensure brand integrity with the colour match and design of the aluminium work provided.
The outcome of the project was a major success. The excellent aluminium work supplied was delivered within highly structured timelines and within budget. The client, KFC, are very pleased with the work carried out, the craftsmanship and the management of the project work.
Crucial are proud to say they are now in negotiation with the principal contractor and KFC about further projects, which highlights a great team effort from everyone involved.
A refurbished entrance for Carnaud Metal Box Engineering
Based in Shipley, Carnaud Metal Box Engineering are part of a global network of metal can manufacturers. They design, develop and manufacture high-performance metal forming and finishing machinery for the production of metal cans for beverages, food and aerosols.
Their office building has undergone a recent refurbishment and approached Crucial to discuss a new entrance. Their previous entrance had become tired including unattractive and unfriendly shutters which made quick access impossible. It also had a tired looking curtain wall with glazing that presented a dark and unwelcoming interior.
The company has ambitious targets and how they present themselves to both staff and customers is important if they are to take advantage of all market opportunities.
The Crucial team worked with them to create a plan to remove the old roller shutters and curtain wall. We created and engineered a new building entrance which included a modern and fresh staff entrance. We added automatic entrance doors to create a welcoming exterior that allows staff to easily come and go. We also installed a new curtain wall with floor-to-ceiling glazing. The new glazing on all sides creates a bright and airy environment by allowing large amounts of natural light to pass through.
We were also able to include their company colour throughout the entrance to solidify their brand personality and professionalism.
Crucial Engineering are proud to work with commercial and industrial customers all over the UK. We’re experts in aluminium and Automation specialising in creating secure and professional access and entrance solutions. From automatic doors and glazing through to curtain walling systems, roller shutters, barriers and gates our team can help.