The best of wood and aluminum in one innovative climate frame

For years, VIANEN from Montfoort has been the address for wooden window frames and facade elements with which clients can build without problems and behind which residents can live carefree. "Since our establishment in 1961, we have had only one goal in mind, and that is to make well thought-out products," says director Oene Wassenaar. "We are constantly looking for ways to make our products and processes even smarter, more beautiful and better. Our innovative climate frame is a great next step in this."

In high-rise projects, there are high requirements with regard to insulation, wind and water tightness. "VIANEN responds to this, for example, with high-quality and façade-closing HSB façade elements that give wind, moisture and drafts no chance," says Wassenaar. "For the engineering of the precast elements, in recent years we were still dependent on how architects design their buildings. What we are seeing now, however, is that more and more parties are turning the process around. They are very consciously including their suppliers' specifications in the modeling. The result is building designs that are already suitable in advance for the participating partners. By designing buildings in uniform grid sizes and detachable, interesting new opportunities arise for modular construction, reuse and closing (part of) the raw material chain."

Climate frame for high-rise projects

"Wood is pre-eminently a circular product," Wassenaar emphasizes. "The raw material is sustainable, contributes to the CO₂-reduction and is 100% recyclable, provided you use the right joining techniques. That is why, instead of sealants, adhesives and lacquers, we have been using click joints, screws and tapes for some time now and whenever possible. In addition, we very consciously work with dry glazing." Vianen's modular and circular focus has also recently led to an innovative new product: the climate frame, which takes the good qualities of both wood and aluminum to the very highest level. "Currently, aluminum or plastic window frames are still often used in high-rise projects," Wassenaar knows. "Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, during the production, recycling and/or destruction of plastic window frames, a lot of CO₂ free. Although aluminum window frames are CO₂-favorable and 100% recyclable, but conduct heat and cold easily. Our climate window frame offers a solution for this. The basis of this wood-aluminum frame is a softwood frame with a unique, warm appearance, optimal thermal insulation and an excellent MPG and LCA score. By installing an aluminum cover frame on the outside, we also guarantee optimal durability and shape retention, while maintenance is hardly an issue. In case of damage, the cover strip can be replaced quite easily, allowing residents to enjoy their climate frame for years to come."

One point of contact and one warranty party

The wood-aluminum frame is engineered and produced entirely in-house by VIANEN. "The aluminum cover profiles are only cut lengthwise, which avoids the transport of floppy aluminum frames," Wassenaar said. "Only in our factory does the processing take place, allowing us to guarantee high quality and short delivery times. Moreover, we can match the frames even better to our HSB façade elements. Thanks to a perfect connection, we can now offer a facade with a wind and water tightness of at least 600 Pa. In addition, clients are assured of one point of contact, one manufacturer and one guarantee party for the complete facade system."

Accelerating innovations

The first projects with the climate frame have already been implemented. For this, VIANEN worked together with MOOS; an ambitious start-up that wants to solve the housing shortage in our country in a responsible way. For example, by producing and assembling industrial housing. "We hooked up with MOOS about four years ago, after which our climate frame was included as a main theme in the modular concept. For example, because of its high sustainability, low CO₂-footprint and detachability of the product, preventing future generations from being saddled with products they can no longer do anything with (anymore)," Wassenaar said. "MOOS's interest has led to accelerated innovations, which other market players can now benefit from as well. Also in high-rise projects."

Wide design freedom

The wood-aluminum frames are completely modular, allowing architects and clients a great deal of freedom of choice. "Both in size and color," Wassenaar concludes. "The only condition is that the climate frame detailing is retained." In the future, VIANEN also plans to add modified wood and/or composite as cover trim to the climate frame concept. To be continued, no doubt....