Raising the game: How an ageing clubhouse became a modern, thermally efficient venue
Local rugby club Bridgnorth RFC in Shropshire had long battled the challenges posed by its old clubhouse at the Edgar Davis Ground. Nestled on the banks of the River Severn, the ageing clubhouse contended with frequent flooding and structural deterioration and was no longer fit for purpose.
Determined to revive the venue and secure its future, the rugby club tackled an ambitious redevelopment project. This involved demolishing the outdated structure and replacing it with a brand-new clubhouse and function room that would better withstand the elements and offer a welcoming space for the wider community.
‘Flood-proofing’ the clubhouse
Frequent floods led to regular and expensive repair work, so several measures were put in place to help prevent similar issues with the new building. One such measure was building the new clubhouse on stilts, which raised the structure 2.5m above the ground. A void ground floor was also added to future-proof the venue from further flooding.
The rugby club appointed main contractor BFG Groundworks to oversee the build, with RTS Door Systems commissioned to design and install high performance door and window systems by Kestrel Aluminium Systems.
Enhancing thermal efficiency
RTS Door Systems utilised a suite of Kestrel products to improve the thermal efficiency of the building and create a unified, modern look.
“We specified Kestrel for this project because they supply quality high performance systems that met the U-value requirements for the building,” said Richard Smith, Managing Director of RTS Door Systems. “As the clubhouse is a public space, it was also important to ensure that the systems met the current security requirements, so knowing that Kestrel products are PAS 24 tested gave us great peace of mind.”
To meet the thermal and design requirements, RTS Door Systems incorporated a range of advanced solutions, such as thermal framing, bi-fold thermal doors, thermally broken commercial doors, and sliding patio doors. These elements work together to minimise heat loss, improve energy performance, and help modernise the appearance of the venue.
Trying something new
The clubhouse project was the first to use Kestrel’s thermally efficient 75mm window system, which launched in autumn 2023. Designed to meet high performance requirements in both commercial and domestic applications, the window system can be specified to provide a U-value as low as 1.2W/m2K.
“We were delighted to be the first to try out the new window system. It met the thermal requirements of the building thanks to its low U-value, and it seamlessly integrated with the thermal framing and other systems we used on the project,” continued Richard.
The 75mm window system is fully compatible with all Kestrel products, offering a complete glazing solution.
A reliable partner
RTS Door Systems have worked with Kestrel for many years and have built a strong relationship with the company.
“Kestrel has excellent products and brilliantly short lead times, which means we can get the job done without any supply delays.
“Working with Kestrel is easy and straightforward, we provide them with the details, and we receive the products in less than ten days from point of order,” explained Richard.
“Typically, we work on the designs and technical specifications using our own software in-house. However, because the 75mm windows were a new product at the time, we got in touch with Kestrel to make sure everything was as it should be, and they were so helpful.”
Additionally, all the systems were powder coated at Kestrel’s Birmingham plant, which ensured fast turnaround times. “It was a fast and easy process, and we’re extremely pleased with the results.”
Together with Kestrel Aluminium Systems, RTS Door Systems successfully delivered a secure, thermally efficient, and visually cohesive building. The new clubhouse is now a fully functional, modern facility that supports Bridgnorth RFC’s growth and creates a welcoming environment for the community.
