A huge amount has been learned by building professionals over the past twenty or more years on how to design , build and successfully operate these zero carbon buildings .
Aluprof UK are committed to offering specifiers in the UK the very best systems and design support to ensure that specified aluminium fenestration is not only correct for its application , but designed into the fabric of a building to maximise interface insulation . A poorly installed high thermal performance window will lose much of its insulation properties , especially when used in a refurbishment situation unless the building interfaces are redesigned to eliminate cold bridging . Whilst LETI are targeting that all buildings built from 2030 onwards will be of a zero carbon construction , there is a vast swathe of existing buildings across the UK that we need to bring up to zero carbon by 2050 if we are to meet our climate goals .
EDITOR ' S CHOICE
Aluprof recognises the importance of addressing both embodied carbon and carbon in use within their product ranges . While many manufacturers focus on reducing the carbon content during manufacture , Aluprof goes further by offering Passivhaus-certified , thermally efficient systems . These systems not only reduce embodied carbon but also continue to save carbon once buildings are completed and inhabited , thereby addressing both aspects of carbon reduction .
High thermal performance systems from Aluprof include the MB-104 SI ( Passivhaus Certified ) windows and door system and the MB-SR50N HI + ( Passivhaus Certified ) curtain walling system . The Greenhaus project , recently completed in Salford is a Passivhaus residential construction which uses Aluprof ’ s MB-104 PASSIV SI windows and MB-TT50 curtain wall . The project was designed by Buttress Architects and completed by Eric Wright Construction .
The European group have long been recognised for providing Passivhaus certified products with Aluprof UK being active members of the UK ’ s Passivhaus Trust . Support using these systems is freely available to specifiers and includes design advice and modelling of installations to gain the very best building performance .
A recent addition to the Aluprof portfolio is the MB- 79N system which is available in three thermally efficient variants . The economical version , MB-79N E , features a one component central seal . The MB- 79N ST version is offered with a two component central seal and the MB-79N SI variant is provided with a two component central seal along with inserts of thermal insulation cores . For external doors , Aluprof also offers the MB-79N SI + variant that comes with an internal perimeter gasket and insulation cores inside the profiles . This new system achieves a 0.83 U value with triple glazing and a 1.2 U value with a double glazing option .
" Support using these systems is freely available to specifiers and includes design advice and modelling of installations to gain the very best building performance ."
Whilst high performance curtain walling , windows and doors can greatly assist in thermal insulation , especially when specified with high performance glazed units , it should be remembered that there are also additional products that may be used to enhance thermal stabilisation of a building space . Solar shading , or brise soileil , can offer sun shading of glazing helping to reduce solar gains . Solar shading can take the form of fixed louvres or external Venetian or roller blinds . Enhancing thermal insulation , roller shutters can be added at the design stage to external window reveals , furthermore , shutters can also offer enhanced building security , especially at ground floor level . Aluprof offer a wide range of additional products that can be discussed with the specified options during the early design stages .
Aluprof are proud to be one of Europe ' s largest aluminium systems companies . Specification support is available through the company ’ s website at aluprof . co . uk , directly from their UK head office in Altrincham or from their London office at the Building Design Centre by phoning + 44 ( 0 ) 161 941 4005 .
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