GEORGE BARNSDALE
FACING THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE
WHY AREN ’ T MORE ARCHITECTS SPECIFYING TIMBER FENESTRATION ON CONTEMPORARY BUILDINGS ?
“ We must recognise the importance of timber in overcoming our climate challenge ,” David Warburton MP wrote to his fellow MPs recently .
Timber is mooted as the best way of achieving net zero , yet a recent survey by George Barnsdale found that most architects are still reluctant to specify timber fenestration for contemporary new builds ; Just 24 % compared with 83 % for historic / conservation projects and 74 % for refurbishment .
The majority of architects in the survey preferred aluminium and steel because of concerns around durability and maintenance and the fact that timber is perceived as a bit old fashioned looking compared to other materials .
In terms of durability , modern engineered timber windows are scientifically proven to last 65 years or more with minimal maintenance if made to approved standards . However , most contemporary designs favour flush windows and doors which isn ’ t ideal when it comes to protecting buildings in a four season temperate climate with wide variation in rainfall and temperature .
So , If a timber window company designed buildings , what would they specify ? Stephen Wright , Chairman of George Barnsdale explains :
“ Where possible , the simple answer is protecting the building from rain and harsh sunlight . From the foundations up , the act of displacing water away from the building helps to prevent damp , extends the life of windows and protects the walls of the building too . For instance , overhanging eaves are great for helping to control temperature inside the building as long as you can avoid cold bridging ”
Whilst traditional details may be at odds with the clean lines of modern building projects , there are lots of ways of achieving the same result using contemporary architectural language and design elements . Peter Barber Architects have mastered the art of combining a British vernacular with the demands of contemporary architecture brilliantly .
What about the positioning of the windows ?
“ Ideally , set the windows back in the reveal – this helps to protect them further from adverse weather . This doesn ’ t have to look traditional though . The Orsi Kaneh building is a great example of how a timber building can be optimised to deal with extreme weather whilst retaining a contemporary feel .”
“ We would also try to set the windows on stone , tile or aluminium and avoid extended cills – much of the damage that occurs to windows starts on the cills and in the bottom joints where water sits and eventually moves up the grain of the timber if they aren ’ t made correctly . Whilst modern engineered windows incorporate precision joints , end grain sealing and modern breathable coatings , sitting them on stone would help preserve them even further .
And doors ?
In order to satisfy Part M of the building regulations ( accessibility ), there is a tendency to create a contradiction in the need for level thresholds and the demands of a sustainable future . There are details that can be used but many architects have a habitual cognitive bias against timber in favour of aluminium . If tweaks to the design could be made like setting the door back from the edge of the building envelope it would make a difference to longevity .
Stephen Wright continues “ building regulations requiring level access alongside high weather and thermal performance would require alterations to the basic laws of physics ! Maybe it ’ s time to rethink this ?”
Whilst there is no perfect solution to the climate crisis , we really ought to be leading the way when it comes to the most sustainable building material available – timber . The creativity and vision that architects possess should enable them to overcome the connotations of “ Old fashioned traditional timber designs ” to create modern , sleek , stylish and contemporary buildings that are also kind to the environment and perform brilliantly .
www . georgebarnsdale . co . uk
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