Maple Building Services completed the renovation and extension of two historic semi-detached Suffolk cottages and the construction of a brand new Passivhaus situated in the heart of Snape. The firm is an established, award winning, family-run, construction company, with over 25 years of experience across a broad spectrum of contract types and size. All three properties have Rationel window and door products installed.
Darren Howard, Managing director says: “We have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and sensitivity to the historic styles of East Anglia and we have particularly good experience in the restoration of period properties. We have worked on many interesting and challenging buildings and pride ourselves on achieving exceptional standards of design and craftsmanship due to our ethos of directly employing a large workforce of trustworthy and committed individuals, covering all trades.”
The two cottages were doubled in size through extensions to the rear, to create a very large living space on their one storey footprint. The three bedroomed detached certified Passivhaus, was designed by London firm BLDA Architects. It is finished with vertical timber cladding over a proprietary timber frame system, and boasts an aluminium roof with aluminium gutters and downpipes. Super insulation, includes the triple glazed windows from Rationel’s AuraPlus range and the ventilation system creates an airtight internal living environment with virtually no heating demand, giving an A rating EPC of 104. Solar photovoltaic panels increase the energy efficiency and there’s a car charging port for electric vehicles.
“We specified Rationel windows and doors for these three properties because I had used the product before and was very impressed with both the style and the engineering. Not just that but Rationel’s technical support team was extremely helpful. They helped us on any issues we had, came out to see us on site, and we have had no call backs on these products. They were keen to get it right for us and prepared to listen.”
Rationel AURAPLUS windows
Rationel’s AuraPlus range offers a wide range of colour finishes and the ability to style the window to suit the property. The aesthetics are popular with architects with slim frames and stylish ironmongery.
The cottage windows here at Wadd Lane follow the local style of similar cottages but with superb energy efficient credentials. The aluminium cladding to the external finish requires almost zero maintenance. This range can achieve U values as low as 0.79w/m2k. Argon gas within the glazed units gives the best insulation properties letting in the heat of the sun, (solar gain) and retaining it, without letting it escape. A warm edge spacer bar acts as a thermal break reducing the heat loss around the perimeter of the window. Multiple locking points on the doors and windows enhance security.
Product information
Range: Rationel AURAPLUS – Timber/Aluminium clad
