A REHAU Heritage vertical sliding sash window has been developed to meet the special needs for protective care areas.

The window, fabricated by REHAU Heritage specialist Roseview Windows, has been manufactured and installed as part of a refurbishment programme at an NHS Trust site in the South of England. The windows were designed and fabricated specifically for this project, as it met its needs as a secure facility for the mentally ill.

The design of the windows includes the following features:

• virtually maintenance free
• special glazing to prevent glass shattering from sudden impact
• manufactured to avoid ligature points
• lower sash restricted opening
• powder coated metal grill to prevent passage of objects
• window destruction test carried out by NHS site personnel

Roseview worked closely with REHAU over a twelve-month period to develop the window in conjunction with the NHS Trust responsible for the refurbishment and management of the facility. An annual maintenance inspection agreement and twelve-year guarantee was also provided as part of the contract.

The window - which replaced timber sashes and was designed in such a way as to make sure it didn't detract from the aesthetics of the building - has been so successful that it is now being examined by other NHS authorities as a potential solution for similar installations.