Sustainable, affordable low energy performance
VELFAC triple glazing delivers ‘phenomenal’ performance
This beautiful four-bedroom Oxfordshire home, built by owners Tom and Frances Edwards, combines impressive sustainability with innovative design. The two-storey timber-frame house features VELFAC composite windows throughout, installed to deliver maximum daylight, excellent insulation, and a stylish and contemporary finish.
From the start Tom and Frances knew they wanted triple glazed composite windows: “As an engineering director with many years’ experience I knew of the benefits of aluminium / timber glazing,” says Tom. “When researching potential suppliers we looked for the ideal balance of budget, performance, quality and design. As the house is built to Passivhaus principles, airtightness and insulation were also key priorities. The slim VELFAC frame design immediately stood out from the competition, as did the uniformity and symmetry of every VELFAC window, even when fixed and opening lights were combined in the same unit. Thermal values were also very good and the VELFAC system was within our budget.”
VELFAC triple glazing floods open plan living spaces with natural light, with VELFAC SUN glazing (featuring a clear reflective coating) helping to minimise solar gain. “Around 35% of wall area is glazed,” says Tom, “and VELFAC was the only supplier able to deliver triple glazed units in larger sizes without mullions. This meant we could install an extra-large 3m x 2m fixed glazed panel in the living room, and I have to say that the performance of the windows is phenomenal. They are draught-free and the internal pane never feels cold. As a result the house maintains an internal temperature of around 21º all year round.”
Tom and Frances were also able to specify different frame finishes inside and out (dark grey externally, white inside), with navy VELFAC doors adding the final touch. The house was completed in 2018.