BUILDING ENVELOPE


i sart ae fi rst


Paul Higgins at TuffX explains why glazing should be considered early in a whole-house strategy.


F


or self-builders, glazing is one of the most exciting elements to specify in a new home. t helps defi ne the


architecture, draws daylight deep into the plan and can transform everyday rooms into spaces that feel more considered and connected. But glazing also plays a much bigger role than many people realise. As part of the building envelope, it affects heat loss, solar gain, comfort, compliance and long-term running costs.


THINK FABRIC FIRST


The best self-build homes are designed as complete systems, with the walls, roof, fl oor, airtightness, ventilation and


glazing all working together. It can be tempting to choose glazing mainly for its appearance, but performance matters as much. Poorly specifi ed glaing can undermine an otherwise well-insulated home, while the right products can help create a comfortable, effi cient building fabric.


That point is becoming even more important as standards continue to evolve. The Future Homes Standard is expected to come into force for most new homes in England from March 2027, with an ongoing emphasis on improved fabric performance. At the same time, Approved Document O has made overheating a key consideration in


the design of new residential buildings. For self-builders, making early glazing decisions is more valuable than ever, rather than leaving them until the end of the project. The earlier glazing is considered, the easier it becomes to balance daylight, heat retention and solar control as part of the wider design. arly specifi cation can also help keep the build programme moving. Standard sizes can simplify ordering and make costs easier to predict, while bespoke glazing can unlock the design freedom many self-builders are looking for. Making those decisions at planning or detailed design stage gives architects, contractors and suppliers time to


Heated bi-fold doors and glass infi ll for roof glazing are opening up even more options.


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