58 HERITAGE & HISTORIC (INCLUDING ADAPTIVE RE-USE) SUPPLEMENT
Tracy Pomfret of George Barnsdale & Sons talks through the benefits of customisation in timber windows, when trying to strike the balance between designers’ vision and planning departments’ requirements in heritage projects
Getting the balance right E
nvironmental concerns among architects have seen timber windows and doors become an increasingly
The best manufacturers will have built and
programmed their systems in such a way that customisation is possible and most requirements can be met
popular choice. In the case of heritage and historic properties, ‘like for like’ replacement is very often specified. In such cases, the need to balance the architect’s vision for a project with the demands of the planning and conservation officer and the current Building Regulations has never been easy. Manufacturers have tried to develop their manufacturing processes to deliver a standard product range that can be easily performance tested and replicated in a far more cost-effective way than those made the old, labour intensive way – by hand. Traditionally, a bespoke joinery company would make you anything you wanted in any shape and size. That was before tested thermal performance data, PAS24 and acoustics entered the arena. Unfortunately, those days are gone. Today, if a developer wishes to convert a Grade II listed building into luxury apartments in the heart of Westminster, they are likely to be told they must retain the original facade, repair the timber windows or replace with like for like. They are also expected to ensure that whatever changes internally, the exterior of the building must retain its original aesthetic. Since the developer will want to sell the apartments at a high price to discerning clients, they are likely to have also asked the architect to ensure the windows incorporate the highest possible thermal and acoustic performance. For manufacturers, this is a real challenge. Most of the leading timber window companies have set up their systems to be fairly standardised, which often means there is little room for customisation. Architects often find themselves being asked to compromise on the vision they have been working up for the last two or three years. The best manufacturers will have built and programmed their systems in such a way that customisation is possible and most requirements can be met. For example, a
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large sliding sash window can be made to accommodate 25 mm single glazed acoustic glass, and adorned with replica sash horns. The data is already in the system to show it will deliver the required security, weather performance and acoustic requirements despite it being a bespoke product. Sometimes a compromise will still need to be made. Single acoustic glazing is never going to offer the same thermal performance as a double-glazed unit, for example. This can lead to discussions between planning and Building Control; and as we know, planning usually wins this one. In terms of sustainability, while manufacturers use FSC certified timber, many still find themselves with a lot of waste since their systems and processes haven’t been optimised to reduce it. A few companies are geared up to use multiple section sizes, meaning they have far less waste as well as being able to offer the customer many more design options and profiles. This means that customisation is possible without compromising on efficiency, enabling more competitive pricing.
For companies are not currently able to offer high levels of customisation, it is possible to do the development work and invest in the external testing, but there is no guarantee the window will pass, and then it’s back to the drawing board. This can really slow down the process and is a risk for the project management team.
Some projects require variation in glazing by facade, such as acoustic performance, different interfaces and varying levels of security. This makes customisation even more challenging for manufacturers used to making a standard tested product. When it comes to commercial fenestration, there is only one thing that can be guaranteed – balancing ever changing Regs, planning restrictions and aesthetic requirements isn’t going to get any easier!
Tracy Pomfret is marketing manager at George Barnsdale & Sons
ADF APRIL/MAY 2020
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