Low Energy Timber Frame
Ecoframes Advanced Low Energy Timber Frame Wall and Roof Solutions deliver ‘The Code for Sustainable Homes’ level 4 performance every time.
Technical detailing is the key to performance success: Our highly engineered solutions are fully supported by one of the UK’s leading I-Joist based technical design teams, with over 14 years of design and implementation experience.
Code for Sustainable Homes – Achieves Level 4 easily. The Code for Sustainable Homes pushes for a drive towards performance level 6 with levels 5 and 6 being achieved through the provision of services. Up to level 4 is concerned with the energy performance of the buildings external fabric.
BREEAM Status – a simple solution.
Alongside the Code for Sustainable Homes, BREEAM covers non-residential construction, be it a school, hospital or office development. The focus on low energy use and reduction in CO2 emission is just as relevant. Again, our solutions are designed to be flexible and meet the demands of many of today’s construction projects and help you achieve a BREEAM rating of good, very good or excellent.
With building regulations evolving quickly in both residential and non-residential construction, it is crucial to employ systems and solutions that meet, and indeed exceed, the stringent performance targets being set for Low Energy Performance and the reduction of CO2 emissions.
One of the main causes of CO2 emissions from a building is from the generation of the heat required to keep it warm or at an ambient temperature – therefore one of the best ways to reduce CO2 emission therefore is to increase the thermal efficiency of the building envelope, reducing heat loss and the subsequent requirement to heat and produce CO2 . Greater thermal efficiency can be achieved through careful specification of the correct products and systems, but when it comes to the walls it is the intelligent application of well engineered, robust details that makes the difference. A poorly designed wall will allow the build up of condensation and compromise the integrity of the building. Attention to detail is crucial – our intelligent timber frame detailing gained from years of experience means our details perform not just in terms of thermal efficiency but also in terms of preventing cold bridging, condensation and moisture build up, resulting in an all round better performing building.
- Exceeds energy performance targets and reduces CO2 emissions
- Achieves wall, floor and roof requirements for Code for Sustainable Homes up to level 6
- Achieves the required BREEAM status
- Intelligent detailing increases building integrity
Timber – “a natural saving”
Low Energy Timber Frame walling provides a cost effective solution delivering greater thermal performance and ensuring minimal heating requirement. Timber is a strong, effective natural insulating material as well as possessing important benefits to the environment in terms of consuming CO2. As a building material, timber requires very low energy during its production, generating less carbon dioxide than alternative building materials. Providing it is sustainably managed, timber is the ideal material on which to base a Low Energy Timber Frame Solution.
Attention to detail prevents cold bridging.
Warm air can store much more moisture than cold air. When warm and moist air make contact with a cold surface the moisture condensates which in a building can lead to mould and therefore a deterioration of the building fabric. With the use of this I-Joist system, and intelligent detailing, thermal bridging is all but eradicated – avoiding condensation and thus preventing any potential for moisture to build up within the building envelope, preserving its integrity and extending its life span.
Planning is essential as each building is different. Attention to detail and the support of our technical team at the start of any design is crucial. Our Low Energy Timber Frame details can be adapted for your building type to deliver the energy performance rating required. Involvement of our expertise at the planning stage will help alleviate any need for retrospective and remedial design work.
Other things to consider in the design is the recognition of other technologies that help deliver low energy efficiency. Specification of the appropriate windows and doors are essential, as is air circulation. Not only does an efficient ventilation system help keep the internal environment stable but it will prolong the life and integrity of the building itself.
