Composite timber and aluminium systems are increasing specified across a range of sectors from schools and educational buildings to residential blocks of flats; from municipal buildings – civic centres or libraries to sports and leisure centres; office buildings to hospitals and health centres.
There are a number of benefits to using a composite system. The most obvious is the ability to use a complementary system for the window, doors and curtain walling. This helps with specification detailing, to achieve performance or aesthetic requirements. But, it also reduces installation issues. A single fabricator can install the system on site, saving time and money.
As the demands on projects grow to achieve high BREEAM ratings and increase thermal efficiency of building the timber/aluminium combination can be used to provide the following:
- The visual ‘warmth’ of using traditional timber internally
- The durability of PPC aluminium with a guaranteed paint finish externally.
- Lower maintenance requirements than a traditional all timber solution.
- Long life expectancy.
- The thermal efficiency of timber combined with the latest glass technology. This give U values well below building regulations.
- An engineered solution that provides a stable material through a wide range of temperature and humidity ranges.
Things to consider in the selection of a composite system are:
- FSC® or PEFC chain of custody for the timber element of the build up
- Thermal performance of the product – what can it achieve?
- Acoustic performance of the product, especially when used in schools and hospitals
Find out more about composite systems or read the project information on Frensham Heights School.
