Recent reports suggest that 80% of all commercial properties in England will effectively be rendered unlettable from 2030 without substantial changes to make them much more energy efficient if planned Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulation changes take effect.
That’s why timber alternative windows and door systems are now viewed as a popular and worthwhile improvement for owners of heritage buildings, which will require work to be done in order to meet the new energy efficiency standards.
Recently, these flush systems have seen significant growth due to their ability to combine the timeless aesthetic of traditional timber windows with the modern performance benefits of materials and engineering.
TIMELESS TIMBER AESTHETICS WITHOUT THE MAINTENANCE
One benefit is that timber alternative window and door systems are carefully engineered to authentically replicate 19th - century timber designs to add beauty and character to customers’ commercial projects.
The combination of traditional design aspects with modern-day manufacturing techniques and materials enables a heritage timber aesthetic to remain, but with the benefit of low-maintenance modern glazing solutions.
Timber alternatives are particularly suitable for conservation and heritage projects where it is important to maintain the historical and traditional aesthetic. Systems such as Residence 9 are suitable for luxury renovations, Georgian and Victorian properties, housing developments and schools or colleges.
Grained White R9 timber alternative windows have been installed in an old NatWest bank to create new apartments, as well as a Grade II-listed college in Scarborough. These commercial sector projects have brought together the heritage-inspired design and modern performance.
IMPROVED THERMAL EFFICIENCY
Property owners are more conscious about being energy efficient, especially with the rise in energy costs these days. Timber alternative systems have aspects including a thermally efficient nine chamber design, modern glazing and an A++ energy rating, all of which help to reduce heat loss and decrease those extortionate energy bills.
The Residence 9 collection offers flexible glazing options to provide amazing thermal and acoustic insulation while maintaining the traditional flush look. With one bead change, 28mm double-glazed windows can be upgraded to 44mm triple-glazing.
Performance figures include:
Scarborough College.
• U-value of 1.2 with standard double glazing
• U-value as low as 0.76 with triple glazing.
THE POWER OF DEPTH: 100MM FRAME
Timber alternative windows have an additional 5mm depth in comparison to the traditional 95mm timber windows, which provides both visual and functional benefits for homeowners and installers. The extra frame enables clean, professional finishes and no need for additional trim work.
ENDLESS PERSONALISATION OPTIONS
When choosing a timber alternative range, there are various choices of colours, hardware, and accessories to suit their style and personality. Detail is everything when creating the perfect timber window design. Whether the style is contemporary or period aesthetic, The Residence Collection offers a range of choices to suit all property styles, including features like Georgian bars, Weatherbars, Radlington Cills and Mullion Stiffeners.
ENHANCED SECURITY BUILT INTO EVERY DETAIL
Timber alternative systems like the Residence 9 range are built to guarantee a safe and secure property. Having the beading on the interior of the window rather than the exterior, and upgrading from double to triple glazing with a singular bead change, can be the answer to having increased security.
Jo Trotman, Sales and Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection, says: “Property owners want windows that look beautiful, perform brilliantly and won’t demand constant upkeep, and that’s exactly why the Residence 9 timber alternative system continues to stand out. They can benefit from the charm and character of traditional timber, but with modern energy efficiency, security and low maintenance built in. It’s a smart long-term investment for any style of home.”
www.residencecollection.co.uk