No tilt-turn hardware, but tilt-turn hardware for safety reasons

Sleek aluminum window frames with steel look add to facade of new child center

In the spring of 2025, a brand new child center was inaugurated in the Emmen district of Bargeres. Under the motto "Together under one roof," the children of the De Barg public elementary school, the Bargeres preschool, the expertise center for non-native speakers, the Kentalis Tine Marcus School and the Language Train were brought together here. Architectural firm DAT integrated Max Light Steel window frames from Aliplast Aluminum Systems in the color cement gray (RAL 7033). For the safety of the users, the window systems were equipped with tilt-turn fittings.

Inclusive, inspiring learning environment

The Bargeres neighborhood, built in the 1970s and 1980s, is evolving. A fine example is the new child center of Education & Reception Emmen and Koninklijke Kentalis on the Mantingerbrink. This multifunctional building designed by the architectural firm DAT and realized by Hesco Bouw ensures that education and pre-school care in the district are ready for the future. 

This project, launched under the working name Samen Onder Eén Dak (SOED) Emmen, is designed as an inclusive and inspiring learning environment where different forms of education and care work together: obs and pre-school Bargeres, the expertise center for foreign speakers, the Kentalis Tine Marcus School and the Taaltrein for children with language development disorders. The bundling of this expertise and facilities promotes an integrated approach and offers children a safe and stimulating place to learn and develop.

Aluminum window systems with look of steel

The brand new complex replaces the outdated facilities of the various school institutions and stands on the site of the former De Barg public elementary school. That building was demolished in the spring of 2024, and after the summer vacation of that year, Hesco Bouw started the construction of the new building, which is in use from the beginning of this year. The official opening took place on March 6, 2025. This project illustrates how aluminum joinery is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also contributes to sustainability, comfort and functionality in education.

"The architect contacted us in 2022. Indeed, he was looking for a manufacturer who could produce the window systems as he envisioned. Our vertical integration allowed us to respond quickly to his request and propose the suitable window systems, especially type Max Light Steel," states Marc Mulders, sales manager at Aliplast. "Thanks to the ultra-slim profiles, the windows have the authentic look of steel, which is very popular in contemporary architecture. The aluminum profiles are also light and strong, allowing the production of large windows with ample light. The fact that aluminum is very easy to maintain was also an important aspect for application in this school environment."

Max Light Steel has a built-in depth at the frame of 105 mm and at the sash of 97 mm and is suitable for glass thicknesses up to 59 mm. With a Uf value of 1.8 W/m²K, air tightness class 4, water tightness class E1650, impact resistance class C5, burglar resistance class RC2 and an acoustic value of up to 47.2 dB (-2,-6), this system scores highly in all areas. In addition to aesthetics and insulation, fire resistance also stands out. Indeed, certificates for both EI30 and EW30/60 are available for this system. 

Durable windows with exceptional color guarantee

"In this challenging project, the architect and client attached great importance to the height of the window handles. While turn-tilt hardware is used in many applications, here it had to be just the opposite with tilt-turn hardware. If children open the windows, they will only tilt, which means they can never get out. And that, of course, is cru-cial for safety," Mulders continues. "This steel look is often requested in black. But our aluminum window systems are available in endless colors, such as RAL 7033 cement gray. There are also different finishes: matte, textured paint or, as here, glossy. We offer an extensive color range with a 15-year guarantee, some even with a unique 25-year guarantee. Moreover, this paint carries the "Qualicoat Seaside" quality label, giving joinery extra protection against aggressive environments. Finally, the profiles are 100 % recyclable and Cradle-to-Cradle certified, contributing to a more sustainable character of a building."