Downer offers a new ‘digital’ HELPING HAND® with a dedicated website

Rainscreen systems manufacturer aims to get architects framing with a new website – www.downerframing.com

Leading UK rainscreen framing systems manufacturer Downer is giving architects a digital HELPING HAND® with the launch of a new website.

Designed to give super-easy access to technical guides, case studies and brochures, and even an online appointment booking system, the new website also enables specifiers and designers to get static and thermal calculations, including guidance and cost advice online, in real-time.

In addition, architects can book CPDs and a personalised tour of the Downer framing factory in Hastings, East Sussex which qualifies it for Made in Britain membership. The first 50 visitors to the new site will also get a special gift.

Downer’s new website explains how the ever-evolving face of architecture demands a supporting cast of rainscreen framing systems that can deliver on energy, versatility, building protection and budgetary requirements, without inhibiting design.

It details how Downer’s portfolio of fully engineered and BBA-certified aluminium rainscreen framing solutions delivers on these challenges and meets the differing needs of the most diverse range of projects, from residential, healthcare and education, to transportation, leisure and retail.

This solutions portfolio includes the original Downer DCS031 HELPING HAND® bracket framing system which is designed to provide vertical support to most rainscreen panels using the principle of a ventilated facade. HELPING HAND® brackets, combined with extruded aluminium L and T profiles, provide the installer with an adjustable system that allows for thermal and structural movement and variation in cavity depth to suit project specific requirements.

As part of the Architectural Panel Solution family, Downer has provided comprehensive, non-combustible rainscreen solutions for more than 50 years. Working both directly and via a respected and robust distribution network, the manufacturer offers a reliable and highly cost-effective portfolio of facade products which can be used in conjunction with APS’ rainscreen panels, or independently with an architect’s chosen facade.

As well as the original DCS031 HELPING HAND® system, the website also provides information on Downer’s other framing systems – DCS041 floor to floor framing system, DCS004 secret-fix cladding system and DCS021 Omega and Zed rainscreen framing system, as well as fixings and accessories. Downer framing’s extensive UK stocks of standard items are typically available for despatch within one to two days.

Additionally, the new website offers 10 reasons why architects should specify Downer rainscreen framing systems:

  1. As they are engineered to perform and manufactured from extruded 6000 series aluminium (Grade 6005A and 6063), Downer systems deliver on all fronts – energy efficiency, versatility, strength, durability and protection
  2. BBA approved for complete assurance, Downer systems have been tested to extremes
  3. As Made in Britain members, Downer delivers strong lead times, with systems manufactured in their UK factory
  4. Easy to install and maintain, Downer framing systems are also cost effective 
  5. Value engineered from the moment go, Downer solutions are project specific and can be combined with a strong portfolio of rainscreen panels. The Downer team supports customers throughout the lifespan of their project, maximising value at every stage with high-performance products that feature as strong a focus on safety as they do aesthetics
  6. Fixings are specified, and stocked, for each system
  7. In-house static and thermal calculations are available
  8. Anodising and powder coating are available
  9. Cutting service is available
  10. Extensive UK stocks of standard items are available for despatch in one to two days

In quick succession, following the release of the new website, Downer will shortly be launching Downer Designer – a next-generation, dedicated, free-to-use platform for the real-time development, creation and costing of Downer framing project designs. Watch this space!

Awards. In the frame…

APS’ Downer framing is also in the running in this year’s Facade Awards 2022, in conjunction with premium quality facade solutions, including Swisspearl fibre-cement cladding panels and Petrarch reconstituted stone rainscreen facade. 

The Filmworks actually features an APS trilogy – Petrarch and two of Downer’s framing systems. 

The Filmworks, in the London Borough of Ealing, which has been shortlisted in the Best Refurbishment Project category, features Downer’s DCS031 HELPING HAND® framing system and DCS004 secret fix system, alongside parent company Architectural Panel Systems’ Petrarch engineered stone rainscreen facade.

Set behind the retained historic art deco facade of Ealing’s former Empire Cinema, the £100 million mixed-use regeneration scheme comprises more than 200 new homes overlooking a central square, lined with bars and restaurants, and featuring a double-height entrance foyer to the eight-screen Picturehouse Cinema, the biggest outside London’s West End. 

The Petrarch panels and Downer framing systems were specified by architects TP Bennett, predominantly for their recyclability, sustainability and high durability, and they were installed by specialist sub-contractor Richardson Roofing.

Richardson Roofing’s contracts coordinator Krissy Dawson said:

“The team really do know their products well and were very helpful. Despite this being a somewhat difficult site with delivery booking requirements, they worked with us to optimise logistics for just-in-time deliveries.”

 Website testimonials

“The Downer framing team, from sales and order through to customer support, offer a dependable and friendly service and are always a pleasure to deal with. As for the product, Downer framing itself is so easy to install and if we ever need any technical support or optimisation calculations, the team is on hand to advise.”
Lee Staniland, Procurement Manager, Intex Facades

“We can’t praise the team enough for their hassle-free, fast service in dealing with our orders and delivering the system to site. The system itself is easy to install and the team carry out all necessary structural calculations for us.”
Ted Walker, Operations Director, KDD Construction

If anyone would like to know more about Downer, or to book a CPD: