DOORS, WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES FOCUS 35
Steel windows at the core of sustainable design
Russel Ager of Crittall Windows explores how a historic window design continues to find favour for countless commercial and residential projects prioritising sustainability
A
s we edge closer to the launch of the Future Homes Standard, sustainability-focused design has
become a necessity. It means architects must consider every aspect of their projects. It is essential that all building designs achieve optimal thermal performance to not just adhere to UK Building Regulations but to also positively reduce the amount of carbon emissions produced per property. Unfortunately, more often than not, inefficient windows are one of the main reasons a building’s energy is unnecessarily wasted. Poor product design and materials are often the recipe for a disastrous window that struggles to retain heat within a property and maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Ultimately, windows play a fundamental role within a building, so the type specified can ‘make or break’ a project, meaning their performance and sustainability credentials should be carefully considered. One window material which is often overlooked but effortlessly ticks all boxes required from architects looking to work with the most energy efficient, high-quality building products, is steel.
Specifying steel windows in sustainable architecture Originally introduced to the UK in the 1880s, steel windows have a long association with British architecture, and have been installed in properties up and down the country for well over a century. Thanks to steel’s impressive strength, a new era of windows was born when steel windows were launched into the market. With impressively slim sightlines and large expanses of glass, commercial and residential buildings were transformed into light-filled spaces – a style which is now synonymous with the best steel windows.
ADF JULY/AUGUST 2024
Throughout the years, major developments and investments in steel window manufacturing ensure that any products created today perfectly combine cutting edge technology with traditional craftsmanship. For instance, polyester powder coating guarantees an unmatched steel window finish. This evolution in steel window design plays a role in transforming the final products into an incredibly economical, long lasting solution as it provides a layer of protection against corrosion, scratches and chips. What’s more, with the introduction of components like thermally broken steel sections and co-extruded dual weather seals, steel windows today deliver superior weather and thermal performance in keeping with alternative window types. Additional benefits of specifying steel
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