Lomax + Wood, the Essex-based designer and supplier of high performance, made-to-order timber windows and doors, have provided bespoke acoustic products for a prestigious London development. The hotel in the heart of London, combines a traditional exterior with an electric and vibrant interior.
- Timber casement windows made-to-order
- Bespoke sections to match original designs
- Knot-free engenineered timber
- 31 number
- Tested by BM TRADA with a certified result of Rw 40dB to meet BS EN ISO 10140-2:2010
An essential issue with regards to the development was to ensure the peace and quiet required by the hotels guests should they wish to retire for the evening. Too often secondary glazing is used, which is clumsy and ugly, so the architects sought out Lomax + Wood who designed traditional timber windows that meet the sound engineer’s acoustic ratings. Lomax + Wood offer an acoustic upgrade to their standard products and a bespoke service for problematic locations where noise levels are unacceptably high. The company commissioned BM TRADA, part of the Exova Group, a leading UK-based research and test establishment, to independently test and certify products in the Kensington & Chelsea range in accordance with UK and European standards.
Working with BM TRADA EXOVA
“Firstly, having worked with BM TRADA on several projects, including assistance with FSC® Chain of Custody certification, they were my natural port of call,” says Chris Wood, managing director, Lomax + Wood. “Both our standard and acoustic upgrade timber sash and timber casement windows are now fully tested with some great results so our thermally efficient products satisfy all the requirements of our architect and developer customers.”
In this premium hotel project, which is the development of a sophisticated luxury boutique hotel in central London, double glazed Kensington & Chelsea casement windows were specified throughout as like-for-like replicas of the existing traditional timber casement windows. The sections varied from our standard but did not present a problem.
“Achieving authentic aesthetics is where we excel,” continues Chris Wood, “but due to the location an acoustic performance was high on the agenda. With the increase in high density building throughout the UK, especially in the capital, and in addition to mixed this criteria is not uncommon.”
Acoustic performance
The replacement double glazed windows not only had to replicate the existing sightlines of the original windows but meet an acoustic rating of 38dB. Tested by BM TRADA with a result of Rw 40dB, for acoustic performance to meet BS EN ISO 10140-2:2010, was achieved surpassing the specified requirement. Satisfying a traditional, period appearance together with high thermal efficiency and enhanced acoustic performance has been achieved without the use of unsightly and widely unpopular secondary glazing.
Taking responsibility from start to end
Finally, Lomax + Wood provided a full supply and install package for this project acting as sole supplier and a single point of contact for the construction team. “This indeed overcomes the potential for disagreements on sizes or timing issues between installer and manufacturer,” says Chris Wood. “Ultimately the responsibility rests entirely with us.”
Double glazed timber windows and doors in the Kensington & Chelsea range are manufactured from clear-grade FSC® Chain of Custody certificated timber, in compliance with BM TRADA, which is engineered for durability and robustness. They provide excellent thermal efficiency with low U-values while products are internally glazed for improved aesthetics and security.
This fully coordinated range of aspirational timber products are being specified by many award-winning architects and developers throughout the UK and are ideal for new build and renovation projects. A single glazed product is also available for sensitive and Grade I Listed conservation and heritage buildings.
