Bawburgh Golf Club

Pilkington Building Products has supplied a large quantity of its Pilkington Activ™ Blue self-cleaning glass for a conservatory extension to the clubhouse at Bawburgh Golf Club in Norwich.

The course was established in the mid 1970s, set in 120 acres of rolling Norfolk countryside, and the Scandinavian-style Glen Lodge clubhouse was added in the 1990s. With the popularity of the course growing rapidly, the decision was made to extend the facilities.

The conservatory was installed by Taverham Conservatories using the Unicomfort sealed unit design from Uniglaze 2 and frames and roof from Ultraframe. The use of Pilkington Activ™ Blue glass added to the aesthetic appeal of the structure but also offered practical self-cleaning properties. The glass features a microscopically thin unique dual-action coating that reacts with ultra-violet rays and rainwater.  The ultra-violet rays present in natural daylight react with the coating to start a photocatalytic process, which breaks down and disintegrates organic dirt. To further minimise the need for maintenance, Pilkington Activ™ is hydrophilic which means that when rainwater hits the surface, it is spread evenly over the pane and, as it runs off, takes the dirt with it. Compared with conventional glass, the water also dries off very quickly without leaving unsightly drying spot. The coating is applied during the manufacture of the glass, which otherwise is a conventional float product, much in the same way as the widely used Pilkington K Glass™.

Mr Colin Wilkinson of Taverham Conservatories is a player at Bawburgh and is delighted with the results. "We are very pleased with the conservatory," he comments. "This is the largest application of Unicomfort with Pilkington Activ™ Blue Glass that we have ever undertaken. The domestic market has recognised that Uniglaze Comfort Glass reduces the summer heat while retaining the winter heat and that combined with the self-cleaning benefits of Pilkington Activ™ Blue, complies with all aesthetic and thermal requirements. The installation at Bawburgh Golf Club now reflects its value in commercial applications."

The extension to Glen Lodge is to be used for corporate hospitality. Measuring 31m in length, it is split into three sections with a snooker/pool room, restaurant and members private lounge. "The design fits in with the elegance of the existing Lodge and the blue tinted Pilkington Activ™ Blue glass enhances the overall appearance," comments General Manager, Ian Ladbrooke.

Conservatory installed by Taverham Conservatories

Insulating Glass Units supplied by Uniglaze2

Frames and roof from Ultraframe