RSPB PROJECT
“Houdini Marine had the expertise, commitment and flair to make a success of the new window for RSPB through the prototyping phase and into production.”
Patrick Ward - Haysom Ward Miller Architects
SYNOPSIS
Houdini Marine have recently completed the design and manufacture of innovative large opening windows for installation in bird-watching hides for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
THE BRIEF
Working with Patrick Ward from Haysome Ward Miller, Houdini developed an innovative new window set for a new sustainable and accessible reception hide complex which will help to attract the next generation of nature enthusiasts to the site, on one of their most visited reserves – RSPB Titchwell
The challenge was to develop a window that offered both total and partial opening, and could easily be operated from a seated position to allow full functionality for disabled users. The brief also required that the outside of the glass could be cleaned from inside the hide.
WHAT WE DID
Several prototypes were commissioned and tested in our factory and on site by the RSPB until the design was optimised.
The hide windows comprise a lower sliding pane and an overlapping upper hinged pane. The lower pane slides vertically, dropping into the wall beneath the frame to allow low level photography from a seated position. The upper pane hinges out to increase the aperture whilst continuing to provide weather protection.
RESULTS
These new windows are fully accessible for wheelchair users and increase the numbers of birdwatchers who can be accommodated per square meter of hide. They are now being specified for RSPB hides elsewhere in the country. This project demonstrates the ability of our design department to work closely with our customers to match our capabilities to the customer’s requirements.