The installation of the new triple-glazed Passivhaus windows at Passfield Drive is underway. Today, bere:architects visited site to watch one of the last windows being fitted – the precise work involved in fitting the windows can be observed in the photographs below.

In preparation for the installation of the new window a timber support frame was first fixed to the outside face of the wall around the existing window openings. The timber support frame was then wrapped in an airtightness membrane and the existing window removed. The reason for the timber frame is to bring the new window forward of the existing brickwork wall so that it is properly embedded in the external insulation (yet to be fitted) which results in a much improved thermal performance. The contractor has to be very careful to ensure that a complete seal is made between the constructed timber frame and the existing wall, and in turn between the timber frame and the new window, special air-tight tapes are used to make these seals which will result in a draft-free envelope.

Window tapes being applied before installing the window.

To ensure that a continual seal is created around the window, and to prevent the need to cut the tape, ‘rabbit ears’ are made by gathering the tape at the corners – this method also permits the window to expand and contract without breaking the tape.

Ensuring the window is positioned correctly

Expanding foam between the window tape and the external timber frame

Taping the window internally ………..

.... and externally

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