Comprising 36 apartments and nine houses in a cliff-top location in Newquay, the Acorn Blue development offers stunning views of the Cornish coast, with the high specification properties boasting balconies to take advantage of Cornwall’s temperate climate and to enjoy the stunning sunsets over the Atlantic.

All good in theory, but the practicalities of completing the structural work required specialised engineering, as, due to its location, the entire front elevation of the property had to be installed without any scaffolding.

The team at Ace General Engineering used the TAPER-LOC standard base shoe from CRL for the secure and efficient installation of the structural glass balustrades. Reducing installation time of glass railings and balustrades by up to half compared to alternative methods, the standard TAPER-LOC system is suitable for 12 to 25.52mm toughened/toughened laminated glass, making it a versatile option. Meeting BS 6180:2011, AbZ and CEBTP requirements, TAPER-LOC has a unique design that uses precision tension to secure the glass in the aluminium base shoe without the use of cement. Using CRL’s exclusive installation and removal tool, the tapers simply slide horizontally in the base shoe before being compressed, where it expands and locks into place. The same tool can be used to loosen the tapers for glass alignment or replacement, enabling scratched or broken glass to be easily replaced.

“The TAPER-LOC system was a perfect fit for the project,” explains David Stephens, Managing Director of Ace General Engineering. “The site team used a harness system, provided by the client, which enabled lateral movement along the balcony. The TAPER-LOC channel was resin anchor fixed to the reinforced concrete balcony structure, with the glass locked into place using the tapers. The entire installation was carried out from the inside of the balcony, without any scaffolding. This was possible due to the fact that the TAPER-LOC system is always installed from the safe side.

“The glass installation using this system was a very quick and easy process, which was all completed from the one side of the balustrade,” Stephens continues. “The TAPER-LOC system saved a huge amount of time compared to wet glazing or wedging. Speed of installation was just one of the benefits of specifying this system though. The structural integrity of the base channel was also extremely important, as it is designed to withstand significant wind loads, which is vital in this location.

“We were also given great technical support by CRL, which certainly played its part in the overall success of the project.”

TAPER-LOC at a glance:

• 50% faster to install than traditional alternatives.
• For toughened/toughened laminated glass from 12-25.52mm thick.
• Dry glaze system, no need for cement.
• Tested to meet the strictest building code requirements BS6180:2011, CEBTP and AbZ.
• The product is completely unique because it uses a horizontal TAPER-LOC design, which allows the system to be adjusted, dismantled and reset.
• Ideal for replacing scratched and broken panels in existing applications.
• Available as bottom and side-drilled base shoe for mounting to concrete, steel and wood substrate.
• CRL has recently launched a new base shoe featuring an extruded structure, making it 30% lighter and more affordable, but even stronger than its previous version. It is available in satin anodised and brushed nickel finishes, removing the need for cladding.

CRL expands its range of the Compact-X Sliding Door system

Compact-X is a new interior decor range of sliding glass door systems offering a compact sliding solution for frameless glass panels. Combining the latest technology with an attractive and minimalist design, the system is quick and easy to install in domestic and commercial applications.

Suitable for monolithic toughened glass panels of 8 and 10mm, and for laminated toughened glass panels of 8.76 and 10.76mm in thickness with a minimum width of 635mm and a maximum weight of 70kg each, the system conceals all of its sliding components within the top track, giving a pleasing aesthetic appearance. It features an enhanced double soft brake system that cushions the glass panels when opening and closing the doors. The soft brake system provides an advanced and pleasing sliding action, whilst at the same time enhancing safety; fingers are protected from becoming trapped on the closing cycle of the glass panel, which itself is also protected from impact damage.

Compact-X is suitable for ceiling, glass and wall-mounted applications and comes in two top track finishes: Satin Anodised and Brushed Nickel. In a unique feature, the distance between the wall and the glass panel can be adjusted between 16 and 24mm, depending on design requirements, thereby adding a useful versatility to the other benefits of the system. It can be installed in three different configurations, all featuring the enhanced double soft-closing mechanism. The options of one sliding door panel, one fixed panel and one sliding panel both include a self-closing mechanism that comes into action when the door is between open and close position. The mechanism pulls the sliding door to fully close it. The third possible configuration uses two fixed panels and two sliding panels, which includes a synchronised system of both doors opening and closing simultaneously. Compact-X has been tested to 100,000 cycles in accordance with European Performance Standards EN1527/EN1670.

Lisa Zebiche, Marketing Manager at C. R. Laurence, commented: “The COMPACT-X Sliding Door system is an excellent product offering great quality and value, with a range of benefits such as double soft-close, an uncluttered design and easy installation. It’s a ‘stand out’ addition to our Door Hardware range.”

For further information regarding COMPACT-X and/or any other products from CRL extensive range, please visit CRL’s website.