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Creative Fenestration
Gary Hutton, General Manager at Black Millwork, discusses the key considerations for specifying
windows & doors for the varied & sometimes intricate architecture of civic buildings & in particular,
why engineered timber can offer a host of structural, aesthetical & environmental benefits.
C
ivic building architecture is as inside is equally important. The windows form a performance and the glazing incorporated is
enthralling as it is broad, primary function in allowing natural light to filter particularly important. Specifiers should look for
encompassing a wide variety of through, opening up a room and effortlessly windows supplied with Low-E4
™
glass that is
styles, periods and materials. creating more space. The amount of light that is highly efficient. Soft coat low E4 argon-filled glass
Civic buildings built in historic allowed through a window can dramatically affect is double glazed and with low emmissivity as
towns and cities typically follow a traditional and the mood and well-being of the occupants. standard. By incorporating a metallic coating to
grand style with intricate features and detail, Utilising the best in design and innovation can the inside of the window, radiant heat can also be
whereas modern structures tend to encompass ensure the desired style is reflected from the reflected into the room and UV rays are absorbed
clean smooth contours with a minimalist approach outside through into the interior. into the material that would otherwise fade
to decoration. In spite of this, in civic architecture, Large glazed areas can be immensely attractive furniture. U-values as low as 1.4 W/m
2
K can be
any design can be built allowing for creative in helping to make the interior of a building appear achieved. Even hard Low-E glass, used by most
freedom within a community. even more spacious than it actually is. The size manufacturers, can produce U-values of 1.8,
Primarily, the architecture should provide a and shape of a room will have an impact on the allowing expensive glazed areas to be
significant visual and physical connection with the specific windows specified. Arched windows can created without compromising the energy
surrounding streetscape and a considered define high ceilings whereas ceiling top windows efficiency of the building.
relationship with the city’s past history. It is also can add symmetry. Many manufacturers offer a Lastly, maintenance also adds to a building’s
intended to encourage and facilitate the interaction structural modular design, which can allow for an overall carbon emissions and windows
of the general community within the civic and infinite number of possibilities for the arrangement manufactured from a protective system offer a
administrative activities of a particular location. and size of windows. real benefit as they never require re-painting
However, due to the age of many civic buildings Manufacturers’ products will vary in profile size. or staining.
and cities outgrowing existing ones, it is becoming Many developers recognise that elegant, narrow Timber windows can offer a host of benefits to
necessary to renovate or build new buildings that profiles give a less obtrusive view, allowing for a building, from the ability to create both
are larger, more aesthetically striking, are energy more light and the illusion of a large, seamless contemporary and traditional designs, comprise
efficient and that have the capacity to expand with outlook. Slim profiles can only be achieved if the superb durability, outstanding performance,
growing populations. structure has the strength to cope with larger whilst being sustainable and energy efficient.
The look and feel of a building, inside and out, spans of glazing. Timber components offer the These benefits are ideally suited to civic
is largely determined by the choice of windows. ability to produce slim frames whilst retaining the architecture where creative freedom is in
This is one of the easiest and most effective natural beauty of wood. Engineered or composite abundance in designing buildings of many
ways to put a unique stamp on a property in timber material, made from a blend of more than different styles and periods that will enhance
terms of character and style, whether this is to 50% reclaimed pine wood fibre, will provide the physical aspect of a community for a long
blend into the surroundings or to create a outstanding strength and rigidity. time to come. Enquiry N
o
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statement. Considering this, creative fenestration Timber windows also boast excellent
still has a fundamental role to play in new and environmental credentials, crucial to building a
refurbished buildings. sustainable and environmentally friendly
Indeed, the specification of fenestration is a community. Specifiers should always check that
complicated task at the best of times, with any timber component is FSC (Forest Stewardship
specifiers having to consider a host of issues Council) approved. Products carrying the FSC
ranging from performance, environmental label are independently certified to assure
capabilities and whether the style of window customers that they come from sustainable
design fits in to the building’s overall aesthetics. forest areas.
It is not just the exterior of a structure that ignites Once installed, a window should continue to
reaction from the community, the atmosphere contribute to a building’s environmental
Enquire via:
Our online database Post using See inside back cover and
at www.cpbsonline.eu Enquiry Card Fax to 01435 863897
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