We’re in a mature market and many of the new products that are introduced are simply variations on a theme. Genuinely new products that offer something substantially different are rare. So when such a product does come along, there’s very good reason to get excited, not least because of the opportunities it presents for installers looking for a competitive edge.
One example of such a product is the Genesis Vertical Slider from Bison Frames. It represents true innovation and looks set to be the start of a new generation of window design and manufacture.
The challenge that the R&D team at Bison set themselves was to develop a PVC-U window that could be accepted for use in Grade II listed buildings and conservation areas. Bison’s Mark Tetley says, “It seemed unfair that a substantial market opportunity was effectively closed off to our industry, as well as denying the people who live in these buildings the environmental and thermal benefits of using PVC-U. We wanted to design a product that could not be reasonably refused and to do so meant going back to the drawing board quite literally.”
The first thing that you notice about the Genesis is the use of traditional timber jointing methods rather than the usual 45 degree welds that you see on PVC-U. A deep bottom rail as standard, run-through sash horns, an optional Georgian Astragal bar and a complete range of authentic woodgrain and heritage coloured foil options complete the stunningly authentic heritage appearance. Yet features such as superb security, low maintenance high-quality spiral balances, a tilt-open facility and WER ratings of A, B and C make it every inch a modern window.
It is also packed with features that aid installers. The structural joints allow for traditional dry glazing and easy replacement of broken, scratched or failed glass units just like any other PVC-U window and means that expensive, impractical and time-consuming glass bonding glazing methods are not required. The Genesis window can also be supplied in flat pack form, for the ultimate in easy transport.
Mark Tetley concludes, “We call the Genesis the rebirth of the vertical slider because we firmly believe it’s the start of a new era of window design and takes PVC-U to the next level.”
