System Products
Alu-clad
Timber Systems
Timber warmth inside, maintenance-free aluminium outside. Engineered for contemporary architecture and exposed locations.
Alu-Clad Hero
The System
Timber inside. Aluminium outside.
Factory-bonded aluminium cladding protects timber from weather while preserving natural warmth and character internally. No external painting. No staining cycles.
How it works
Alu-clad systems combine solid timber frames with powder-coated aluminium cladding. The aluminium is bonded to the timber during manufacture, creating a weather-resistant barrier.
Inside, you see and feel timber—natural grain, warmth, traditional detailing. Outside, durable aluminium in any RAL colour protects the timber from rain, UV, and coastal exposure.
Ideal for contemporary builds, exposed locations, and projects where low-maintenance performance is essential.
System Detail
Benefits
Long-life performance
Timber warmth inside
Solid timber frames visible from the interior for traditional detailing and natural insulation.
Aluminium protection outside
Powder-coated aluminium cladding shields timber from weather, extending life and reducing maintenance.
Long-life performance
Factory-bonded aluminium capping eliminates regular external painting and staining cycles.
Colour flexibility
Wide RAL colour range for aluminium exterior while keeping timber character inside.
Applications
Where it works best
•Coastal exposure—salt spray, high winds, driving rain
•South-facing elevations—intense UV exposure
•Rental or second homes—low maintenance requirements
•Contemporary architecture—powder-coated RAL colours
•Large sliding/bi-fold systems—aluminium strength
•50+ year lifespan projects—zero external maintenance
When to choose pure timber
•Heritage buildings—conservation approval required
•Traditional architecture—authentic timber character
•Owner-occupied homes—capable of routine maintenance
•Lower initial budget—20–30% cost saving
•Repairable detailing—individual component replacement
Comparison
Timber vs Alu-Clad vs uPVC
Pure Timber
Pros
- +Heritage character
- +Natural insulation
- +Easy to repair
- +Lower initial cost
Cons
- −External painting every 8–10 years
- −Higher maintenance
- −Less suited to coastal exposure
U-value: 1.0–1.2 W/m²K | 60+ year lifespan | £1,200–£1,800 per window
Alu-Clad Timber
Pros
- +Zero external maintenance
- +Excellent coastal durability
- +Timber warmth inside
- +80+ year lifespan
Cons
- −Higher initial cost (+30%)
- −Slight thermal bridging
- −Lower repairability
- −Rarely approved for listed buildings
U-value: 1.1–1.3 W/m²K | 80+ year lifespan | £1,800–£2,600 per window
uPVC
Pros
- +Low maintenance
- +Cost-effective initially
- +Widely available
Cons
- −Lacks timber character
- −Limited colours
- −Thermal expansion issues
- −20–30 year lifespan
U-value: 1.2–1.4 W/m²K | 20–30 year lifespan | £800–£1,200 per window
Gallery
Alu-Clad Examples
Detail Shot 1
Detail Shot 2
Detail Shot 3
Lifestyle Context
Start Your Project
Is alu-clad right for your project?
Book a consultation to discuss exposure levels, maintenance expectations, and system recommendations.