WHY FENESTRATION MUST BE CENTRAL WHEN SPECIFYING CONSTRUCTION’S NEXT CHAPTER
As UK construction activity enters a new phase of recovery and reform, specifiers face a growing responsibility - to make building component decisions today that will define performance and compliance for decades to come. The latest Glenigan Construction Forecast confirms that while 2025 will still be largely dominated by the aftershocks of inflation and stalled investment, the outlook to 2027 is increasingly positive. Residential construction starts forecast to grow by over a third, whilst healthcare and education are set to rebound. Commercial sectors, like offices and logistics, are also regaining momentum. With all of this in store, it’s clear that the hugely important elements - efficiency, comfort and carbon profile - of thousands of buildings will be shaped by specification decisions made today. And, it’s crucial that fenestration is central to those decisions Windows and doors are one of the most complex components in the building envelope – balancing thermal performance, acoustics, air tightness, aesthetics, security, and reducing whole-life carbon. As specification professionals, we understand that architects are under immense pressure to deliver designs that meet building regulations, exceed performance benchmarks and hold up under scrutiny. Our role is to support them, not just by supplying high-performance PVCu systems, but by making sure they have the insight, data and design flexibility to get it right the first time. The recent changes to Part L (Approved Document L: The Conservation of Fuel and Power) and the continued drive toward the Future Homes Standard, are sharpening that focus. Performance values that might have been acceptable five years ago are Tim James, National Specification Manager, VEKA UK
now inadequate. That’s why we work closely with specifiers at early stages, to offer detailed technical data, BIM models, NBS specifications, and project- specific technical advice. Glenigan’s forecast points to a resurgence in office refurbishments and education sector investment post-2026. There are more projects seeking to upgrade existing stock, meet decarbonisation goals, and enhance occupant comfort, all without triggering costly redesigns. In these scenarios, the right window and door system can be the difference between a compliant upgrade and a compromised solution. Whether it’s heritage-inspired flush casements for conservation settings, or high-spec triple-glazing for future-ready schools, VEKA have a wide product range designed with these exact challenges in mind. Social housing is another area where specification has long-term consequences. Glenigan expects social housing starts to grow steadily to 2027, supported by government funding and a renewed push on affordable provision. Products must balance durability with performance, meet fire and safety standards, and satisfy Secure by Design principles - all within budget constraints. We’re proud that VEKA’s systems are proven across housing association frameworks and public sector developments. Of course, specification isn’t just about compliance. It’s about confidence. Specifiers need the assurance that their chosen components will perform technically, aesthetically and environmentally. That’s why we work in partnership with architects, contractors and consultants from early concept to project handover. The construction industry is entering a new chapter, one where performance, resilience and sustainability are no longer optional. The buildings coming through planning today will be judged not only on their design, but on their carbon footprint, occupant wellbeing, and adaptability to future standards. Windows and doors play a vital role in all of that. At VEKA, we’re here to help specifiers make better choices, backed by data, expertise, and systems that are engineered to last.
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