The Architect's Guide to Specifying Aluminium Glazing Systems
For architects specifying aluminium glazing systems, a practical guide to performance standards, Origin's product range, and what to include in your specification.
Architects specifying aluminium glazing systems for residential and light commercial projects face a consistent set of decisions: performance standards, thermal targets, security accreditation, colour and finish, hardware, and the relationship between the glazing system and the rest of the building envelope. This guide addresses each of these in the context of Origin's product range, the system SmartaView supplies and supports.
Performance Standards: What to Specify
Thermal performance, Part L and Building Regulations
For new dwellings and extensions in England and Wales, Part L of the Building Regulations requires door and window assemblies to achieve whole-unit U-values typically in the range of 1.4–1.6 W/m²K or better (check current Approved Document L for the most recent targets, which are periodically updated). Origin's thermally broken aluminium systems with quality double glazing comfortably meet these targets. Triple glazing is available for projects targeting higher energy performance standards, Passivhaus-adjacent specifications, or north-facing elevations with significant heat loss exposure.
Security, Part Q and PAS 24
For new dwellings in England, Approved Document Q requires that externally accessible doors meet the requirements of PAS 24:2016. This standard requires independent testing of the door assembly against a defined set of physical attacks. All Origin bifold, sliding, and entrance door systems are PAS 24 tested. For projects where Secured by Design accreditation is required, increasingly specified by housing associations, social landlords, and some local authorities, Origin systems carry this accreditation.
Acoustic performance
Where acoustic attenuation is a specification requirement, adjacent to transport corridors, in dense urban settings, or where planning conditions specify minimum dB performance, acoustic laminated glass within Origin frames can be specified. Confirm the required Rw value and specify accordingly, the frame system does not change, only the glass build-up.
NBS Specification Clauses
For NBS-based specifications, Origin glazing systems can be specified within the relevant work section for doors and windows. SmartaView can provide product data sheets, performance certification, and BRE Green Guide ratings for inclusion in the specification. We can also provide example NBS clauses for review and adaptation by the specifying architect.
Colour and Finish Specification
All Origin products are powder-coated to any RAL Classic or RAL Design colour, with dual-colour options (different internal and external finishes) available. Specify by RAL number for precision. For projects where a bespoke or non-standard colour is required, confirm with SmartaView at the specification stage, custom colour matching is possible but affects lead time.
Finish quality: Origin's powder coat is applied electrostatically and cured at high temperature. The result is a Class 1 powder coat finish to BS EN 12206-1, the appropriate standard to reference in a specification.
Hardware and Threshold
Specify the handle finish (brushed stainless, black, or matching the frame colour), the locking standard (multi-point, PAS 24 compliant), and the threshold type (low, flush, or rebated) based on the floor level relationship and access requirements. SmartaView can provide hardware schedules for larger projects.
Working with SmartaView on a Specification
SmartaView provides specification support to architects from RIBA Stage 2 through to construction. We can review drawings, advise on product selection and sizing, provide product data for planning submissions and Building Regulations applications, and coordinate with the appointed contractor for programme and delivery. We're experienced in working within architect-led procurement processes.
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Author at SmartaView, writing about aluminium glazing, home improvements and the buying process.
