Acoustic Timber Windows and Doors made-to-order by Lomax + Wood

Posted: 26 August 2015

Lomax + Wood, the Essex-based designer and supplier of high performance, made-to-order timber windows and doors, can now provide acoustic ratings on all products as well as offer an acoustic upgrade and a bespoke assessment for problematic locations where noise levels are unacceptably high. The company has 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.

“Having worked with BM TRADA on several projects, including assistance with FSC® Chain of Custody certification, they were my first port of call,” says Chris Wood, managing director, Lomax + Wood. “Both our standard and acoustic upgrade timber sash and 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 a recent project involving the development of a sophisticated, luxury boutique hotel in central London, double glazed Kensington & Chelsea windows were specified throughout as like-for-like replicas of the existing traditional casement windows.

“Achieving authentic aesthetics is where we excel,” continues Wood, “but due to the unexpected arrival of a night club just next door to the hotel 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 use an unfortunate clash such as this is not uncommon.”

Fig 1 - Extract from Lomax + Wood Acoustic Report

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 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.

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 also 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 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.