Around 70 delegates heard speakers from the Construction Products Association, BRE, Hopkins Architects, the Environment Trust and the BWF itself present the case for timber windows within the context of sustainable construction.
Timber windows have “moved forward” almost immeasurably, according to BWF chief executive Richard Lambert, but the public perception that they are low-tech and not fit for purpose in the 21st century has not and should be addressed.
“We accept technology as part of our lives and expect it to move forward, so why does everyone assume that timber windows haven’t advanced? Today’s headlines should read that timber windows are fit for purpose; as technology advances, so timber windows improve; and timber windows are part of a sustainable building.”
Ruth Soundarajah, manager of the BWF’s Timber Window Accreditation Scheme (TWA), said the conference was just the beginning and that the Wood Window Alliance, a new industry initiative to promote timber windows, was imminent.
“The time is right for the timber window industry to come together to promote the qualities and benefits of modern timber windows,” she said. “The opportunities are enormous and by working together we can really make an impact on the market, communicating their outstanding qualities and making them first choice in a world where sustainability, durability and easy maintenance are top of the specification agenda.”
Further coverage of the conference will appear in the next issue of TTJ.
