Passive house facades at Zele

At Zele, in Belgium, the joinery Schrijnwerkerij Michiels chose Accoya wood for the facades and the frames of two semi-detached passive houses. These low-energy buildings adapt to changes in temperature through an ingenious ventilation system and numerous openings. In all, 10 m³ of Accoya were used. The material offers insulation 25 to 30% better than the hardwoods and exotic timbers commonly used in joinery, while keeping a contemporary look thanks to knot-free open-joint boards. One of the most stable solid timbers in the world, Accoya guarantees doors and windows that open effortlessly all year round, a minimum durability of 50 years and maintenance costs divided by three. Its negative carbon footprint over the life cycle of window frames makes it an ecological alternative to PVC, aluminium and tropical hardwoods. Distribution by Hout Bois van Steenberge.