Windows that insulate like Walls

Tuesday, October 07, 2014

Paarhammer windows are already known for their excellent insulation performance but a new glass technology brings this performance to a completely new level. Heat Mirror Glass is relatively unknown in the Australian market, but has been used for years overseas. For example, New York’s Empire State Building was refurbished in 2010, including the use of Heat Mirror glazing throughout – changes which were projected to save US$4.4M per year and 105,000 tonnes CO2 emission in 15 years. Heat Mirror (HM) insulating glass units (IGU) contain one or more clear, low-emissivity films suspended within the sealed airspace of a dual-pane IGU

What makes a Window a Good Window

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

At recent home shows this question was asked often, so I will try and answer it here: A good window consists of 5 parts: glazing, frame material, seals, locking points and installation Glass Double glazing is now quite common but it is important to consider the width of the air gap between the glass. Anything from 12 to 20mm is ideal as it is the air or gas which is between the two panes of glass which provides energy efficiency. Triple glazing should have two 12mm air gaps to increase the efficiency even more. Frame Look for a material which

10-Star Challenge

Friday, August 22, 2014

New houses in Australia have to meet 6 stars to comply with the Building Code. This requirement is quite easily reached. A movement for higher star ratings – and with it more energy efficient and comfortable buildings – is being undertaken by a number of architects and designers. The front runner is the BDAV (Building Designers Association of Victoria) which runs a 10-Star Challenge, giving Victoria’s building design fraternity the opportunity to design 10-Star energy efficient homes and be recognized for their design abilities and expertise in sustainable design responses. Already in its fourth year, the challenge is for conceptual

Award for ECO-Facade

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Featured at Designbuild 2014, the Eco Façade by Paarhammer wins the Selector Best New Product Award 2014, sponsored by Selector and Architectural Product News, and Designbuild. The award encourages innovation, development and improvement of products for use in architectural projects, and the product must have been released to the Australian market during the 12 months prior to Designbuild 2014. The judges for 2014 include Clare Cousins, founding director of Clare Cousins Architects; Jeremy McLeod, founding director of Breathe Architecture; and Nick Deans, project professional at Woods Bagot. The energy efficient and sustainable glass façade, with a low U-value from 0.8,

U-value of 0.8

Thursday, September 05, 2013

Hot off the press! The latest energy efficiency test for Paarhammer achieved a very low 0.8 U-value. Testing is performed for the whole window system which includes the frame, glass, seals and spacers. All components make a difference to the energy used in your home. A lower U-value number indicates better energy efficiency. Tested by Ian Bennie & Associates, an Australian Fenestration Rating Council - AFRC – accredited organisation, the results are: PAR-009 Fir Timber Fixed Window rated with SuperSpacer – TG ID Name Glazing Name Glazing ID Uw SHGCw Tvisw 2 PAR-009-001-01-4-12Ar-3-12Ar-4 4-12Ar-3-12Ar-4 10400 1.7 0.52 0.56 3 PAR-009-002-01-4PThrm-12Ar-3PThrm-12Ar-4PThrm

Energy Rating Certificate

Friday, August 09, 2013

When you talk about the energy efficiency of windows, it is not just the glass but the whole window system, which includes the frame, glass, seals and spacers. All components make a difference to the energy used in your home. Tested window products receive a rating called the U-value. A lower number indicates more energy efficiency. The U-value can be as high as 7.5 in some windows and doors and as low as 0.8 for extremely energy efficient products (0.8 is Paarhammer’s latest and best rating). The testing of energy efficiency must be performed by a rating organisation which is

BDAV's 10-Star Challenge

Thursday, March 14, 2013

The Building Designers Association of Victoria's now famous 10-Star Challenge is in it's third year. Ambassador this year is James O'Loughlin of 'The New Inventors' fame who officially launched the Challenge on Wednesday night. Paarhammer is a proud sponsor. The 10-Star Challenge is for conceptual projects that combine admirable architecture with energy efficient planning solutions and materials utilisation. There is increased interest and commitment by consumers to reducing their carbon footprint and minimise ever-increasing energy bills. The campaign helps the design community to focus on the benefits of sustainable design for dwellings. Last years winner of the 10-Star Challenge for