Natural ventilation in schools. A suitable solution for every situation

Ventilation has been at the top of many school boards' agendas for several years now. However, due to budgetary and technical constraints, a completely new climate system is often not possible, and in addition, waiting times at installers are rapidly increasing. Also, many people feel less at ease in modern, fully insulated and airtight buildings. Why not just open a window and ventilate naturally?

That is also the view of Teleflex, maker of high-quality electric and mechanical window controls. The Tiel-based company, which produces a range of internal transport systems and lifting equipment in addition to window locks, can provide a suitable system for any type of window or roof hatch. "New schools, old schools, gymnasiums, auditoriums: we have a functional and aesthetic solution for everything," says Teleflex Operations Manager Jesse Verheem. "It's just what the customer's wants and needs are."

Two in one

"Recently, for example, at OBS de Spiegel in Maastricht, we fitted 23 windows with mechanical window controls on both the top-hung windows and interior casement windows," Verheem continued. "The client asked if two windows could be linked on one control, and it works extremely well. With just one simple turn of the handle, two windows open or close at the same time." It is just one of many examples of schools equipped with natural ventilation using Teleflex solutions. 

Variants and models

Teleflex has a wide range of electric and mechanical window openers. Verheem: "The choice between these two groups is often an aesthetic one. With an electric drive you don't have a hand crank in sight, and that can be a factor especially with very high windows, but in terms of functionality they are little inferior to each other. Mechanical operation is often used for bottom hung and top hung windows. Electric operation can actually be used on all types and types of windows and shutters, with a wide choice of spindles, chain openers, double chain openers, linear openers for large skylights and domes, and rack openers. The many models and options make it possible to find the best solution for every type and size of window or shutter, from slim and modern to robust and hufterproof."

Control

Electrical operation can be on 24 volts or 230 volts. For control, there are again several options for the client or architect to choose from. Verheem: "The first option is a two-position blind slide on the wall for open and close. The second option is a radio unit with a remote control on which multiple windows can be operated simultaneously. The third option is via wifi. We install a box for that and then one can open and close windows via an app. This is a relevant solution for schools because it allows the janitor to open the windows of several classrooms at the same time to flush with fresh air in the early morning, for example. Or at the end of the day with a few simple actions ensure that everything is safely closed again."

That window controls also go well with old, monumental school buildings is proven by the Koning Willem I College in 's-Hertogenbosch. Verheem: "Last year, we equipped the cafeteria of this beautiful building with its arched interior casement windows with a standard mechanical window operation and crank drive. An elegant system for such a classic school that also provides precise and stepless operation."