Brighton Grand Hotel - Cornwall Glass

As each unit was bespoke this represented a distinct set of challenges but was further complicated because some of the units also required a horizontal white duplex bar.

“In order to replicate the appearance of some of the windows and doors with our compromising performance, the specification included a requirement to introduce an additional spacer bar inside the unit so that when we applied timber detailing outside, it appeared solid and looked like two windows”, explains Joe.

“This required the same exacting detail in the manufacture of the units as the windows as a whole – bespoke design and manufacture and perfect alignment.

“The GGF have quality standards for IGUs but our own go much further, so it was critical that the glass was perfect. Throughout the project we allowed a maximum of five-days for glazing before shipment, which left little room for any remakes, so the quality control on the IGU line was very important.

“The glass is the key feature in a window and it defines the end-client’s perception of the project so we were looking for exceptional relaibaility in supply but also flexibility if we needed it.

“In the final phase we had a couple of remakes, which we ordered on the 31st of January and which were with us by the 2nd of February, which was great.”

Communication played a key part in driving successful delivery. David Salisbury Commercial maintaining a pivotal dialogue with main contractor SEH Commercial and Cornwall Glass. This included shared schedule of works and detailed drawings.

“It was a two-way process”, continues Joe. “Because of the volume we were doing you can imagine that when you take a delivery you’re dealing with a huge amount of glass which has to be matched to the specific sashes because they’re bespoke.  The differences between units might only be a few millimeters but that can still have a significant impact on the product.

“Everything had to be listed and everything had to be accurately labelled so we could match every product and that required a high degree of care and attention to detail from Cornwall Glass.

“That’s what we’re looking for from a supplier. The ability to form that working relationship, to get it right and deliver the high standards that we’re looking for and if required, to deliver the flexibility to put things right on the rare occasions in this case that we didn’t get it right first time around.”