BUILDING FABRIC 51
THE OUTLOOK FOR GLAZING TRENDS IN 2022
After some significant recent industry impacts including Covid and net zero targets, John McComb from Reynaers Aluminium UK looks at five key glazing specification trends and how it’s responding to them.
D
uring these undoubtedly uncertain times, it is difficult to make accurate predictions. However,
with recent updates to the Building Regulations coming into force from June 2022, it is apparent that environmental impact and maintaining a higher standard of living will be at the forefront.
BALANCING AESTHETICS WITH PERFORMANCE The continuous trend to invite more natural light into properties has increased interest in aluminium profiles. This has sparked a change in design – with slimmer sightlines and more room for glazing, the whole construction approach is evolving. Developers need to provide properties
that are not only aesthetically better but thermally improved too. The renewed focus
on thermal performance is apparent across both residential and commercial settings due to the updates to Part L of the Building Regulations which relates to the conserva- tion of fuel and power, in particular thermal insulation and energy efficiency. As part of the journey to net zero 2050, the Future Homes Standard legislation and Building Regulations will lead to a reduc- tion in U-values in 2022, and further major reductions in both 2025 and 2050. The lower the U-value, the easier it is to keep heat flow through building structures to a minimum. In order to achieve this, house- builders must ensure that new buildings do
not exceed a maximum CO2 emission rate. This will ensure that new properties are properly insulated and produce fewer carbon emissions. The ongoing trend for properties to let more light in requires more glass and less
metal, however, it is essential this balance is struck with thermal efficiency in mind. Currently, bi-fold doors have a big market as they allow residents to better connect with the outdoor world, while commercial users will continue to rely on curtain walling solutions to create spaces that are productive and pleasant places to work in. Residentially, there has also been a definite move towards sliding doors, as these use a lot more glass and allow more daylight to enter.
UNCERTAINTY As many people were unable to travel during lockdown, trends have shown that many households have spent income on home improvements instead, which has led to extra revenue. However, with the current uncertainty of the pandemic and supply of materials,
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