TIMBER CURTAIN WALL – INNOVATIVE STRUCTURALLY GLAZED UNITISED SYSTEM FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES

Abstract

This  paper  presents  the  results  of  research  conducted  within  R&D  project.  The 
primary goal was to apply the current state of the art technology in aluminium to a timber-based 
frames,  but  also  to  improve  the  energy  performance  of  the  building  envelope  and  create 
environmentally friendly product, which physical, structural and aesthetic performances are equal to 
or  even  better  than  equivalent  aluminium  systems.  The  developed  TimberCW  is  an  innovative 
structurally glazed curtain wall system entirely comprised of laminated timber profiles incorporated 
in a fully prefabricated unitised curtain wall design, where glass panes are bonded by the structural 
silicone to timber frames. While most current timber curtain wall systems are stick designs, combined 
with aluminium elements, this new concept introduces timber split mullions and entirely eliminates 
aluminium structural members, whilst maintaining high weathertightness performance. In order to 
retain thin cross sections, as they are common for aluminium design, specialised corner connections 
in timber frame and stainless-steel bracketry has been developed and laboratory tested. Comparative 
energy  efficiency  analysis  and  condensation  risk  assessment  of  the  TimberCW  vs  fully  unitised 
aluminium systems of identical overall geometry and structural performance are presented. Full scale 
laboratory testing has been undertaken and certification obtained, proving the TimberCW concept 
suitable for project application.