How to achieve a traditional timber look
The benefits of choosing aluminium to build glass structures are vast, and thanks to advances in technology, it is now possible to flawlessly emulate the style of a traditional timber building using aluminium. Here, Nick Bashford outlines how the expert team at Alitex and Marston & Langinger are able to faithfully replicate the much-loved timber look.
TECHNOLOGY
The profiles and extrusions of all Alitex and Marston & Langinger structures are carefully selected and designed to mirror that of original timber built glass buildings. To emulate the exact style of classic Victorian conservatories and greenhouses, the team use CAD software called Solidworks to make accurate drawings to compare elements and ensure accuracy.
Alitex recently invested half a million pounds in a 5-axis machine to cut aluminium to exacting specifications. This allows the construction team to join the pieces together in a way that carefully emulates timber. The Emmegi Satellite XT machinery allows for a level of detail not possible using just the human hand. This mechanical attention to detail makes it possible to replicate the tiniest of details and allows jointing to be similar to that of a traditional mortise and tenon joint.
EXPERIENCE
Spending a lot of time working with conservation and listed building officers, both Alitex and Marston & Langinger know exactly the conditions of repairing and restoring classic Victorian timber structures. Furthermore, the companies’ vast library of classic profiles and extrusions means that there are lots of designs to work from. For inspiration, Alitex’s Messenger greenhouse is a perfect example of a classic Victorian design made from aluminium.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
The hardest section of a timber glass structure to imitate is the fine glazing bars found in the glass panes. With garden room structures now used all year round, customers need double-glazing, which is unable to be supported by traditional thin glazing bars. Alitex overcame this by bonding glazing bars on to a double glazed glass unit and strategically placing a special bar in between each pane to make it look single glazed. This process creates a faithful replica to original style and gives the impression of individual bars.
QUALITY
Using the highest quality materials throughout the building process also makes it easier to create the appearance of timber. For example, using a satin finish powdered coating can create the look of hand painted timber. What’s more, Alitex’s aluminium greenhouses and Marston & Langinger’s garden rooms can be finished in almost any colour a client specifies using its unique colour matching service.