THE NEXT STEP IN FACADES 

The best of wood and aluminum in one innovative window frame

In high-rise projects, there are high requirements regarding 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," explains director Oene Wassenaar. "But also with the innovative KLIMAATKOZIJN, which combines optimum thermal insulation and an excellent MPG and LCA score with high occupant comfort and great design freedom. When both systems are combined, clients and contractor parties are also assured of a one-stop shop with one point of contact, one manufacturer and one warranty party for the complete facade system."

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 founding in 1961, we have had only one goal in mind, and that is to make well thought-out products," says Wassenaar. "We are constantly looking for ways to make our products and processes even smarter, prettier and better." For the engineering of its precast elements in recent years, VIANEN still depended 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 LOCATION for high-rise projects

"Wood is pre-eminently a circular product," Wassenaar emphasizes. "The raw material is sustainable, contributes to CO2 reduction and is 100% recyclable, provided you use the right joining techniques. This is why, instead of sealants, adhesives and lacquers, we have been using click joints, screws and tapes for some time now and whenever possible. We also work very consciously with dry glazing." Moreover, VIANEN's modular and circular focus has recently led to an innovative new product: the CLIMATE SKIN, which takes the good properties 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, the production, recycling and/or destruction of plastic window frames releases a lot of CO2. Aluminum window frames, while more CO2-friendly and 100% recyclable, conduct heat and cold easily. Our CLIMATE window frame offers a solution to this."

National Environmental Database

The basis of the KLIMAATKOZIJN is a softwood window frame with a unique, warm appearance, optimum thermal insulation and an excellent MPG and LCA score, which will soon be rewarded with a category 1 product card in the National Environmental Database. "By installing an aluminum cover frame on the outside, we guarantee optimum 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 CABINET for years to come."

In house

The KLIMAATKOZIJN is completely engineered and produced in-house by VIANEN. "The aluminum cover profiles are only cut lengthwise, which avoids the transport of loose aluminum frames," Wassenaar said. "Only in our factory does the processing take place, allowing us to guarantee high quality and short, just-in-time delivery times. The KLIMAATKOZIJN is coordinated with our HSB facade elements down to the smallest details. As a result, we can now offer a facade with a guaranteed wind and water tightness of at least 600 Pa."

Wide design freedom

The KLIMAATKOZIJN will be completely modular, allowing architects and clients a great deal of freedom of choice. "For example, in shape, size and color," Wassenaar concludes. "The only condition is that the frame detailing is retained." In the future, VIANEN also plans to add modified wood and/or composite as a cover strip to the frame concept.