Windows & Doors: Let there be light and fresh air

 

The array of window and door technology available is surging as manufacturers address the changing shape of demand for products. Unsurprisingly, energy efficiency is one key driving force. Another, suppliers say, is that the consumer is now savvier to how significantly the right window selection can improve the function and comfort of a building. New regulations are also forcing change, like the legislation for windows at heights being introduced in the building code, while the introduction of building energy disclosure is spurring on growth in the replacement window market. 

The future looks bright for performance framing systems like timber, uPVC, composite and thermal break systems. Windows are set to keep getting physically bigger and stackers and bifolds continue to be popular. This is made possible with increasingly efficient glazing systems like insulated glass units (or double glazing), and low emissivity product in clear, neutral and tints. 

Australian Window Association (AWA) marketing manager Gary Smith observes a number of trends in the market, including that sliding stacker door systems are increasing in popularity, including corner stacker units leading to outside functional areas, while "anodised finishes have also increased in demand in the architectural arena". The hot topic though, Smith points out, is preventing heat transfer. 

"There are increasing amounts of thermally broken aluminium systems being released to the market to cater for energy efficiency requirements," he says. 

Murray Chaloner from Architectural Window Systems (AWS) claims thermally broken technology is the most significant movement in windows and door design in the Australian market today. 

He describes the level of interest in their new thermally broken commercial range - Thermal Heart - as "extraordinary" and "overwhelming". 

 

Looking at its Australian, American and European markets, Jeld-Wen's research and development team captures information from builders, architects, designers and homeowners about the types of windows and doors they want.  

Jeld-Wen Australia's director of marketing Bruce Tosello says: "By far the biggest influences we are seeing now in home design are automation and regulation and this will be the driver for the introduction of new windows and doors." 

Homes are incorporate bigger windows with a better quality glass in their homes and these windows are well positioned to capture light right across the day and frame views. 

"Bi-fold doors as always continue to be popular with the open plan style of living we enjoy in Australia, while pivot entry doors are transforming the street appeal of a home by creating a bolder more contemporary statement," Tosello adds. 

Stegbar windows and doors new ranges released in the last 12 months address bushfire ratings, design trends, weatherproofing, low-maintenance and new insulated glass technology. 

Trend Windows & Doors national marketing manager David Richardson confirms the trend is for larger doors and windows to allow for light and views. 

"This is from both consumers as well as from architects and builders," he says. "Al Fresco areas are a large trend that is developing and will continue. This allows for outside rooms to be joined to inside living areas." 

For Richardson, the products seeing the biggest increases in demand are "larger sliding and stacker doors as well as large fixed lite windows, as well as commercial looking product that has substance and presence". 

Image courtesy Trend Windows & Doors

The environmental advantages of timber windows and doors have recently led to a new surge in demand. 

Australia's Edith Paarhammer says sustainability issues are definitely influencing window trends, "Some of our clients wish to build high-star rated houses (up to 10 stars instead of the required 6), others need high performing windows just reach their 6 star designs, some want to know exactly where the timber comes from (FSC certification), and others again just plainly want to save energy and have a comfortable house." 

Bronwyn Foord is general manager of the Window and Door Industry Council (WADIC), a national membership of predominantly owner-operated timber joinery businesses. She says the nature of these businesses allows them to respond quickly to design and fabrication trends. 

Foord says demand for different solutions is as diverse as Australia's different regions, and that timber is seen as a good choice thanks to its flexibility 

"High performance glass and insulated glass units (IGU) have opened up possibilities not entertained a decade ago," she says. 

However, Foord also points to a minefield of issues that need working through, including discrepancies in the different state government's interpretation and application of Bush Fire Standards; and Australian native hardwood timbers being specified with little awareness of availability, sectional size and workability. 

WADIC offers free access to a comprehensive Timber Manual on its website (www.wadic.org.au), designed specifically to assist architects and specifiers when deciding to select timber for window and door application. The manual was funded by Forest and Wood Products Australia, authored by the University of Tasmania. 

 

The rapid development of louvres and sashless double hung products is catering to the desire to create the feeling of open space as well as to let fresh air in. 

Sashless windows provide the unobscured views that many people are after. Not only is the glass technology improving but costs are coming down, making them more affordable and more increasingly specified. These are now available in many variations, including with timber or aluminium frames frameless, from a wide variety of suppliers such as Jewel Windows, Hafele and Aneeta Windows to name a few. 

 

Smith from the AWA predicts ventilation will become increasingly important in all buildings as we continue to learn more about the benefits.  

He adds: "Automated window operating systems will continue to grow automatically utilising the benefits of natural ventilation without having to manually operate the systems." 

Products like Monarch's frameless glass bi-fold door come motorised as standard, the control system also eliminates health and safety issues that can occur with manual operation and reduces the risk of product misuse and damage. 

Suppliers such as Breezeway and Diamond Louvres offer motorised louvre options that can be integrated into building management systems. Potentially ugly, industrial looking external motors are concealed within the window frames in the case of the Altair Powerlouvre Window. 

The louvres are also available manually controlled and with glass, timber or aluminium blade options. 

Many experts recommend automating the operation of the windows and air conditioning systems in offices with multiple occupants so that changes in outdoor conditions can be anticipated and responded to maintain indoor comfort. And many of the recently built classrooms and multi-purpose halls are designed to make use of natural ventilation for cooling. 

Bill Cloumassis, national sales manager at Breezway, says a trend that is currently gathering pace is to design mixed-mode conditioning systems where a combination of natural ventilation and mechanical cooling is used to keep building occupants comfortable.  

The upside is that "turning air conditioning systems off periodically can result in massive savings on electricity". 

Breezway's newest window system, Stronghold, has been designed to offer increased strength and safety in multi-story buildings, addressing the safety for windows at heights issue. 

Predicting the major future trends, Jeld Wen's Bruce Tosello says: "Energy efficiency, BASIX and Bushfire are all playing a much larger role in window and door selection and placement and ultimately raising the minimum acceptable standard." 

Trend's David Richardson adds: "Al Fresco areas will develop as the next evolution of the outside room and builders are moving this way already. This allows for entire corners to be opened up with corner sliding stacker and corner bifold doors which allow for seamless and column-less openings." 

 

Gary Smith from the AWA says they expect to see a continued increase in more energy efficient window systems as consumer awareness increases. This will include an increase in the use of all types of energy efficient glass.  

He also envisages better performing, higher quality hardware for improved function due to increased weight of window and doors and a demand from consumers for security; increased use of cyclonic glass and barrier screen systems in cyclonic areas of Australia; and better performing coating systems for harsh environments. 

 

"Internet shopping is a growing trend and many people are getting caught out purchasing windows on the web and bringing into the country, windows, that are not compliant to the requirements of the Building Code of Australia and are therefore unable to be used.  This issue is at significant cost to the purchaser and they will have to purchase a compliant product."