BUILDING MATERIALS
Fenestration trends for 2014
Fenestration plays a major part of the look and feel of any building. Cobus
Lourens offers an overview of what is driving fenestration trends today.
Between
20% and 30%
of a building’s
heat loss and
gain can occur
through doors
and windows
Fenestration is a fundamental element of
architectural design, defining both the outside
appearance of a building, as well as its interior
atmosphere. Lourens says: “The style of your
home will largely dictate the style of windows
you choose to include. If it is a Victorian-style
home for example, you will more than likely
select wooden windows with a more traditional
feel, such as sliding sash windows for example.
For more contemporary homes, streamlined
window frames, with a sleek, minimalist
appearance would be more suitable. However,
styles aside, fenestration design is being
Swartland presently sets the benchmark
directed by a number of other market drivers.”
with regards to energy efficiency in windows
He offers an overview on the hottest trends
and doors. “Swartland is at the forefront of
driving fenestration today.
performance improvements in South Africa
with regards to composite gaskets, double-
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
glazing, and the use of water-based coatings
As the cost of electricity is increasingly on
on products. Not only are its windows and
the rise, so are more and more homeowners
looking for ways of improving the energy
Sliding sash exploded teak
doors designed to offer the best insulation
qualities currently on the market, but they
efficiency of their homes. Lourens notes that
as Swartland’s wooden windows and doors for
are also manufactured from a very green
windows play an extremely important part
example, can equate to great savings regarding
and renewable material – wood. This ensures
of improving a home’s insulation. “Between
your electricity bills over the long term, as
that Swartland’s windows and doors are an
20% and 30% of a building’s heat loss and
well as being an environmentally responsible
outstandingly environmentally-friendly choice,
gain can occur through doors and windows.
choice, and one that conforms to the current
as well as being some of the most energy
Choosing quality fenestration products, such
National Building Regulations,” he says.
efficient on the market,” he says. In fact, a
HARDWARE AFRICA 2014
Continued
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