Lockwood’s solid timber building system offers advantages in thermal comfort and control, indoor air quality, and heating and cooling efficiency. Our exterior walls comprise a tight sandwich of solid timber and insulation that exceeds requirements under the current building code. Timber is a natural insulator, and minimal connections between internal and external elements deliver even better heat retention, especially when compared to conventional building systems.
A well-insulated home will provide comfort year-round, and cost less to heat and cool. Insulation also helps to reduce noise levels and condensation. In addition to being more comfortable to live in, a well-insulated home requires less energy to heat, has less mould and mildew, and is less likely to attract dust mites, which aggravate allergies.
An insulation’s R-value indicates how effective it is. Heat constantly seeks to move from a warmer to a cooler location. Insulation reduces this heat flow, and the R-value measures its resistance to heat flow. Heat transmission is slowed down more by insulating products with greater R-values. Heat will also take the path of least resistance. In conventionally framed homes, the heat will move through the timber framing, rather than the insulation installed in the cavities between.
The Building Code requires new buildings and modifications to existing dwellings to include insulation that meets or exceeds minimal standards. The Building Code also specifies insulation measures to reduce interior condensation. Utilising thermal breaks is part of this, especially when using steel framing and in aluminium joinery.
New Zealand homes need to have enough insulation for their location to be considered fit for purpose. Currently, the New Zealand Building Code requires exterior walls to have an R-Value of R2.0. A recent study by BRANZ has found that in conventionally framed homes, thermal bridging through the framed walls severely impacts thermal performance. Framed timber walls need a minimum of R2.8 insulation installed to meet the R2.0 insulation requirements. The R-Value of a Lockwood wall is consistently R2.1. Unlike a conventionally framed home, no gaps exist due to plumbing or poorly installed insulation where heat can escape.
Click here to see how this works
