First, it should be noted that not all glazing undergoes the same thermal performance testing. Our orangeries and conservatories’ windows and doors undergo independent testing to determine their total U-value. to provide performance results for the entire product that are as accurate as possible. Frame and glazing.
In contrast, some businesses choose to test only the center pane, which can lead to false results. This is due to the way that glass moves heat. The portion of the glazed unit with the highest thermal efficiency is located in the pane’s center.
Gradually decreasing until you reach the surrounding framework, where heat loss is likely, where all glass will experience some loss. Your windows and doors may lose a lot more heat than you anticipated during the winter if the U-value is only checked on the center or the glass pane.
Once you know how to measure the U-values in different ways, you can use them to figure out how well your dream orangery or Birmingham Timber windows conservatory will do in the winter. For your home to be energy efficient, it must have a minimum U-value of 1.6 in accordance with current regulations*. Our U-values, on the other hand, ranged from 1.4 as standard to as low as 1.1 for our triple glazing when tested by an independent body. ensuring that every orangery and conservatory remains warm and inviting throughout the winter.
The Princess of Wales Conservatory
At Kew Gardens is referred to as offering “a chance to travel the world within a single glasshouse.” The conservatory was designed by the brilliant architect Gordon Wilson and is regarded as the most intricate of all Kew’s glasshouses.
Although the building is named after the late Princess Augusta, also the Princess of Wales, who established the gardens in 1759, the Diana, Princess of Wales first opened its doors in 1987. Ten computer-controlled microclimatic zones were housed in the conservatory, which took the place of 26 smaller buildings. It is designed to use as little energy as possible and covers almost 4500 square meters, or just over an acre. The cooler climate zones are located outside, while the tropical climate zones are in the building’s center.
The bromeliads, orchids, water lilies, lithops, carnivorous plants, and dry and wet tropical plants make up the majority of the glasshouse. The conservatory is home to more than just these living things. This building is also home to Lord Blechnum, Ruellia, CJ, Augusta, and Mr. Hui, five Chinese water dragons. By consuming cockroaches and other unwelcome insects within the building, they aid horticulturalists. A variety of fish live nearby, including a redtail catfish that is as old as the conservatory itself. The conservatory was awarded the Europa Nostra conservation prize in 1989.
Sir David Attenborough buried a time capsule that contained seeds of important food crops, endangered plant species, and even important conservation publications during the construction of the conservatory. One hundred years after it was buried, the capsule will be opened.