Cantifix Joins the Centre for Window & Cladding Technology (CWCT)
Earlier this year, Cantifix joined the Centre for Window & Cladding Technology. But what is it and why does it matter? Read on to find out.
We are excited to announce that we have officially become a member of the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT). This new partnership will allow us to further enhance our capabilities in delivering exceptional solutions for the built environment.
What is the CWCT?
Formed back in the 1980s, the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) has long been a beacon of innovation, illuminating the path towards a future where buildings are not just structures, but testaments to human ingenuity – a feeling that Cantifix has always aligned with.
In the shared worlds of architecture, engineering and construction, the CWCT is considered a valuable resource of information and shared ideas, where industry and academia can come together and forge a mutual vision of sustainable, energy-efficient, and resilient building envelopes. Its (industry and government-funded) research and guidance help to ensure that buildings are safe, energy-efficient, and durable, while its training programs educate professionals on the latest technologies and best practices in building envelope design and construction. These are then published as standards and (non-regulation) guides on everything from weather resistance and acoustics to fire safety in cladding and corrosion work. It is recognised by over 330 companies within the UK construction industry.
But the CWCT’s pioneering research, rigorous standards, and transformative training programs help not only those currently in the industry. There is also a strong sense of forward-thinking, with much done to empower the next generation of builders, architects, and engineers to design and construct buildings that are not just functional, but also beautiful, inspiring, and harmonious with both the natural world and the humans using them. This comes in many forms, from training courses; to CPD certificates; and even degree-level courses at the University of Bath.
What Does Cantifix Gain From Joining?
At Cantifix, we do all that we can to make our products and services are as technological advanced, aesthetically pleasing and secure as possible, and to do this we need to keep up to date with what everyone else is doing in the industry, as well as any breakthroughs or advice that can be garnered from scientists and relevant research studies. CWCT allows us access to this. But the benefits are more than that, here are some of the other key benefits of membership:
Technical Advice
As a CWCT member, we will have access to expert technical advice on a range of issues affecting the design, specification, and performance of building facades and cladding systems. This ensures that our solutions are always informed by the latest industry insights.
Cladding Forum Access
Our membership grants us access to the exclusive ‘Cladding Forum,’ a password-protected website offering a wealth of resources. This forum is a great tool for keeping up with the latest trends, regulations, and technical developments in the cladding and glazing sector.
Regular Updates and Publications
We will receive ongoing updates on new technical guidelines, training opportunities, publications, and certification work. This helps us stay at the forefront of innovation and compliance within the industry.
Research and Publications
As part of our membership, we will have early access to CWCT’s research and publications. This gives us the advantage of being informed on the latest findings, which can help guide our approach to designing and delivering more sustainable and efficient cladding solutions.
Steering Groups Participation
Members are invited to participate in steering groups for various research and training projects. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate with other industry leaders and contribute to the development of new standards and guidelines.
Exclusive Discounts
CWCT members enjoy discounts on a range of services, including technical courses, publications, advice, and testing. These savings will make it easier for us to continue our professional development and invest in the tools and knowledge necessary to provide top-tier services.
Increased Visibility
As a CWCT member, our company will be listed on the CWCT website with contact details and links to our site. This exposure will help us connect with a broader network of professionals and enhance our visibility in the architectural and glazing sectors.
By joining the CWCT, we have also opened the door for our employees to a wide range of training courses on various aspects of window and cladding technology, allowing them to enhance their skills and knowledge and keeping them up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies. This can then be applied in their everyday work and specific projects in the future.
Championing Changes to Standards
At Cantifix we believe in the power of innovation and adaptability, especially when it comes to meeting the unique demands of specialized architectural projects. One of the key reasons we’re excited to join CWCT is our ability to have a direct impact on the development and refinement of industry standards.
While many current standards are certainly valuable, we have observed that they do not always align with the requirements of today’s modern projects, particularly in terms of sustainability, environmental impact, and the increasingly complex demands of oversized, specialist applications. Some standards have been developed with traditional or standard projects in mind, often overlooking the specific challenges of the more unique or large-scale applications. For these projects cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and environmental responsibility are the key driving forces—yet many of the existing standards fail to account for these factors.
As members of CWCT, we will have the opportunity to actively advocate for changes in these standards, particularly around the design and specification of oversized glazing systems. Equally, we’ve also found that certain consultant guidelines are often unsuitable for these specialised projects ,which inevitably leads to inefficient or unsustainable solutions. By contributing to steering groups -and providing expert input- we will be proactively working to ensure that modern building requirements (especially environmental considerations and sustainability) are reflected in the very standards that shape our industry.
What Does This Mean for Our Customers?
As a member of the CWCT, any client or customer of ours can be assured that we are committed to learning about and abiding by the most up to date advice on all manner of construction guidelines. As the CWCT is a highly respected organisation in the construction industry, membership to it demonstrates that the company is reputable and qualified, with a commitment to quality, technical expertise, and best practices.
Mostly, our CWCT membership will help us to further elevate the standards of the service we provide, ensuring that our projects not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients. We look forward to leveraging the knowledge and opportunities available through CWCT to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the field of architectural glazing.
Why This Matters to Us
At Cantifix, we are committed to delivering the highest quality of architectural and structural glazing solutions. Being a part of CWCT aligns with our dedication to innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement. This membership not only provides us with access to invaluable resources, expert advice, and a network of professionals but also empowers us to help shape the future of the building envelope industry.
We are confident that our CWCT membership will help us continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in architectural glazing, particularly in relation to sustainability and the evolving needs of unique projects. By working with CWCT to refine standards, we can ensure that our solutions not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients and contribute to a more sustainable, efficient built environment.
It is through an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation that it is no small claim to say that the CWCT is shaping the built environment of tomorrow as well as creating a legacy of innovation that will benefit generations to come, and Cantifix are proud to be a part of that journey.
Cantifix Team
