Modular - as easy as ABC: S&J’s ABC concept could benefit installers and customers

The ABC conservatory that sits on S&J Marketing’s shop floor in Dunston, Northamptonshire has been put up and taken down some 60 times. Whilst showing very few signs of wear and tear, the model is being used as a training workshop. So far, reaction from even the most reluctant installers has been very positive. The benefits of the concept for installers and customers are clear: it means less mess, easy, one-day installation and a top quality conservatory for the customer; and the potential for high profits for the installer.

Available in white, rosewood and light oak, the ABC conservatory is fully factory-finished, pre-fabricated and ready to assemble when delivered on site. It can then be installed in one day by the use of simple lock-and-bolt technology.

Base sits on screwpiles

The ABC concept doesn’t need conventional foundations; it can sit on screwpiles that provide an easy and cost effective alternative. Among the advantages of this type of construction method is the ability to reach the required depth in difficult conditions such as clay or soft sand. Because there is no need for conventional trenches, there is no need to hire skips to dispose of waste and, with no need for foundations, the cost and timescale of construction is dramatically reduced.

S&J’s intention was to provide the highest quality modular conservatory product on the market. The roof is designed to take polycarbonate or high performance glass. The windows and doors are glazed throughout with toughened safety glass and include Low E as standard. The fully insulated walls and floors have exceptional thermal and acoustic properties, well in excess of any new Part L Regulations.

ABC’s base is made of extruded aluminium, which can be easily levelled, once complete. The installed floor simply drops in between the joists.

The structural composite walls, made from Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS), have a brick-like appearance on the outside with a paint-ready surface on the inside. The walls are attached and assembled by means of cam locks, each of which has a five tonne load capacity.

No need for de-glazing

The window and doorframes are installed with a locking nut system eliminating the need for de-glazing and re-glazing. S&J’s sister company John Fredericks Plastics supplied the frames and they come with high security hardware. The roof can be assembled in under an hour.

Paul Smith, general manager of S&J, said: ‘The new concept is the result of a year's dedicated research and development culminating in extensive testing at the Building & Research Establishment (BRE). We are delighted with the response so far and know we have a product that will benefit both the public and installers alike!’

Although a patent for ABC has been applied for, Paul doesn’t think it will be long before competitors try to get in on the action. If they establish a strong distribution network over the next few months, S&J should have a real advantage. They are currently marketing the ABC conservatory through a network of distributors on a nationwide basis and there are currently some distributor vacancies still available. The company is offering Saturday morning training sessions at its Northamptonshire headquarters and at selected distributors throughout the UK, where installers can learn how to assemble the conservatory in just two hours. Full marketing and sales support will also be provided by S&J.