Framing Thermal Efficiency at Springmount Mill

Location	Edgley, Stockport
Fabricator	Euroglaze
Year	2025
Product	Rio Flush Fit SLINOVA

‘Attractive and affordable.’ This was the mantra for developer Carpenter Build when building the new Springmount Mill residential development in Edgeley, Stockport. Situated on the banks of the Mersey on the town’s Brinksway road near the town centre, the development comprises three apartment buildings with 202 flats to rent overall.

With the demand for new housing skyrocketing in Greater Manchester and beyond, Carpenter Build’s aim was to deliver high-quality homes that offer exceptional value compared to other regions. As such, the developer sought to exceed regular standards in every aspect of the build, ensuring superior quality, components and craftsmanship throughout.

Beyond Standard Thermal Performance

The need for quality extended to the windows for all apartments in the development. Indeed, seeking best-in-class frames had become increasingly pressing for Carpenter Build given the increasingly rigorous Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings required for to-rent residential developments, which are set rise to a minimum of C by 2030 for tenancies to be granted.

This was front of mind for Elliot Booth, Commercial and Technical Director for Carpenter Build, during the specification process. “The raise in EPC standards, coupled with our commitment to exceeding standards, meant we wanted to ensure our apartments would reach a B rating wherever possible.

He continued: “While we had previously opted for aluminium frames on project builds, the need to achieve higher thermal performance ratings meant we needed to look for alternatives. Of course, given our focus on quality, we didn’t want to compromise elsewhere – on aesthetics, for instance.”

These objectives saw Carpenter Build look at other frame materials for the Springmount Mill site. With this in mind, Elliot approached polymer solutions manufacturer REHAU for possible options.

“Carpenter Build are known in the North West for constructing high-end apartments, though we hadn’t really considered polymer frames before,” he said. "We used to specify aluminium window and door frames as the standard for all our developments. However, the need to meet higher thermal performance metrics led us to explore new possibilities with polymer.

“If I’m honest, we’d almost been reluctant to do so. However, any assumptions we had over the material were quickly dispersed by REHAU. They were quick to show us how we didn’t need to compromise in any aspect of window specification – we could still get the high-quality aesthetic we wanted while achieving the higher levels of thermal performance that would’ve been difficult with aluminium.”

REHAU SLINOVA New Background Images 1 (002) - 100099945

Prime Polymer Performance

After multiple meetings and taking Carpenter Build’s specifications into account, REHAU recommended Barnsley-based fabricator Euroglaze. REHAU’s longest-serving fabricator, the company’s continuous partnership with the polymer manufacturer spans over forty years. Following collaborative talks between all three parties, Euroglaze and REHAU recommended the latter’s Rio flush fit casement window frame for the Springmount Mill property.

Designed so its opening sash sits flush with the outer frame, Rio benefits from enhanced noise reduction and energy efficiency credentials while offering the visual appeal prioritised at the Springmount Mill development. Each window also held PAS24 security accreditation, which was an architectural requirement on this particular project.

“At Euroglaze, quality, efficiency, and outstanding customer service aren’t just goals – they’re the foundation of everything we do,” says Martin Nettleton, Managing Director at Euroglaze. “Our work at Springmount Mill is a testament to that commitment. Although the Carpenter Build team was initially hesitant to specify polymer frames, our assurance that every REHAU uPVC door and window manufactured by Euroglaze would meet the highest manufacturing standards gave them the confidence to move forward.”

For each building’s ground floor, the developer opted for REHAU’s SLINOVA sliding patio doors. Expertly engineered with a slimline design and discreet 80mm frame depth, SLINOVA helps maximise natural light through its large, glazed area, fostering a spacious, airy interiors in the Springmount Mill apartments. Each installed door frame met the developer’s required EPC rating, resulting in energy-efficient doors throughout the development.

‘Fit Forever’

All 202 SLINOVA sliding patio doors, and accompanying Rio windows, were fitted over two phases in January 2024. Crucially for Carpenter Build, both the Rio and SLINOVA were developed as ‘fit forever’ solutions requiring minimal upkeep post-installation. Unlike aluminium frames, which require regular work to stave off corrosion issues and general wear-and-tear that comes from exposure to the elements, Rio and SLINOVA’s polymer frames are maintenance-free.

This point was especially attractive to Elliot, given that Carpenter Build’s sister company would be responsible for Springmount Mill's upkeep after construction. Indeed, the original mill properties were purchased by Carpenter Build’s parent company, Carpenter Investments, as part of an end-to-end approach to this project. Other companies within the Carpenter group, including local studio L7 Architects and residential property management company Urban Sleep, also contributed to the development’s design and ongoing upkeep upon the project’s completion.

Given this involvement in all aspects of Springmount Mill’s building lifecycle, the fact REHAU’s frames could offer the best of all worlds on thermal performance, aesthetics and maintenance requirements was greatly appreciated by the developer.

“It’s becoming increasingly challenging to meet the thermal performance standards required on residential builds,” say Elliot. “Our commitment to attractive and affordable housing makes it harder still, as it greatly informs our specification process. But we practice what we preach – as we also look after all our buildings after tenants move in, all decisions we make in each project are thought over much more than a regular developer’s.

“To REHAU and Euroglaze’s great credit, they were able to ease any concerns we might’ve had. We were very impressed by both the Rio and SLINOVA’s durability, and that there would be no colour fade on the polymer frames fitted at Springmount Mill. In fact, we’re so confident in REHAU’s product portfolio that we’re looking to engage both companies again for another project this year.”

“We’re delighted to have helped Carpenter Build keep their pledge of high-quality, cost-effective housing at Springmount Mill,” concludes Rob Benn, Commercial Sales Manager for REHAU Window Solutions. "More developers are reaching out following the recent uplift in energy efficiency standards for residential construction, and this is very much a growing, ongoing trend in the market.

“As with Carpenter Build, it's heartening to see them become more aware of the benefits of PVCu frames – that they can offer both aesthetics and thermal performance without compromise. We look forward to working with Elliot and the team on upcoming projects and would encourage other developers to get in touch on what polymer offers.”

Click the links for more information on REHAU’s Rio Flush Fit and SLINOVA frames.

For more information on Carpenter Build, click here.