Hillcrest Maintenance recently partnered with Perth-based joinery manufacturer James Normand & Son to provide bespoke training for its joinery team. The training focused on the specialised techniques required for a major window replacement project at Hillcrest Enterprises' properties in Rose Terrace, Perth.

The project involves the replacement of 97 windows, including some as large as three metres high, necessitating careful planning and specialised installation methods, such as mechanical lifting. To ensure the successful completion of the project, Hillcrest Maintenance Operations Supervisor, Dean Wilson, organised a training session with James Normand & Son.

Douglas Normand, owner of James Normand & Son, provided hands-on training to Hillcrest staff and apprentices, covering the correct techniques for fitting traditional sash and case windows. The training aimed to enhance the team's technical skills, build teamwork, and boost confidence ahead of the installation work, which is scheduled to take place from December 2024 to March 2025.

Disclaimer: This is a summary based on the provided press release. A full news story would require further research and potential interviews with Hillcrest Maintenance and James Normand & Son representatives to provide a more comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the project.

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Speaking about the training, Douglas Normand said: "We are delighted to be working alongside Hillcrest Maintenance on this project. Their installation team is full of enthusiasm, and it is good to see the apprentices being involved in the fitting of the windows and learning new skills."

Dean Wilson added: "The training provided by James Normand & Son has been invaluable in preparing our team for this project. Rose Terrace is an important part of Perth’s heritage, and we are committed to preserving its architectural significance while delivering high-quality, energy-efficient windows that will transform our tenants’ homes."

Rose Terrace is a historically significant Georgian-style building constructed in the 1800s and sits within Perth’s conservation zone. While the windows are not original, the current single-glazed units are severely deteriorated, leading to substantial heat loss and energy inefficiency. Hillcrest Maintenance is replacing these with slimline double-glazed sash and case windows approved by Perth and Kinross Council, maintaining the building’s aesthetic while drastically improving its performance.

As part of the project, the insulation around the window junctions, reveals and sills will also be upgraded. Sustainable materials such as breathable hemp wool and airtightness tapes will be used to reduce heat loss and enhance living conditions while preserving the building’s breathability.

The new windows will provide significant benefits, including improved comfort and reduced energy bills for tenants, aligning with Hillcrest’s commitment to sustainability and Scotland’s Net Zero targets.

Martin Callachan, Hillcrest’s Sustainability Manager, commented: "This project demonstrates how we can preserve the beauty of our historic buildings while prioritising energy efficiency, sustainability and tenant welfare. By replacing these large windows, which contribute to more than 50% of the heat loss in these properties, we are making a substantial impact on reducing fuel poverty and tackling climate change."