Product
LowE Plus with Clear for highest clarity and visible light transmittance – while also excellent Insulation performance (low U-Value).
Specification
- Outer: Clear Toughened
- Spacer: Argon Gas
- Inner: LowE Plus Toughened
Site Address
Berry, NSW 2535
Fabricator
Builder
Photos courtesy of
Challenge
A primary challenge involved preserving the original period style while integrating modern double-glazing technology. Traditional windows feature slender glazing bars, but accommodating double glazing necessitates a thicker bar. As Russell Pugh, in-house design engineer at Acacia, notes, “To maintain a heritage style, we reduce the number of sections in the window while still retaining that heritage look.” The priority was to replicate the vintage appearance without compromising on thermal performance or clarity.
Located in a bushland setting, the property needed windows and doors that met Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) 29 requirements. Many homeowners prefer natural timber frames for their warmth and aesthetic appeal, but bushfire regulations often dictate strict material standards. Spotted gum proved the ideal solution: it is native, has a beautiful grain, meets BAL 29 requirements, and offers sustainability credentials. Striking a balance between tradition and durability became integral to the project’s success.
Like many period homes, Berry House exhibited certain structural idiosyncrasies – older framing methods, and a tendency for draughts. Achieving airtightness in such a context can be difficult. While Acacia could control air infiltration within their own timber window and door units using top-quality compression seals, ensuring an uninterrupted, tight envelope also demanded close coordination with the builder, Arthouse Projects. The project thus hinged on precise measurements and adaptation to irregular site conditions.
Solution
To address potential installation conflicts and structural surprises, Acacia undertook extensive site visits and produced four stages of shop drawings. These detailed plans included every dimension, sectional detail, and hardware specification. “We saw a gap in the market a few years ago,” explains Pugh, “where architects and builders often struggled to get sufficient detail from suppliers. We decided to offer a superior level of service.” The builder, Andy Bishop of Arthouse Projects, reported that he had “never seen such detailed drawings,” which simplified installation and reduced the risk of on-site errors.
By reducing the number of glazing bar sections, Acacia’s design team preserved the colonial window look without drastically thickening the visual lines. Coupled with AGG’s Insulglass LowE Plus® clear double glazing, the new assemblies greatly improved thermal performance while maintaining unobstructed views of the surrounding bushland. This approach also significantly boosted acoustic insulation, transforming the once-draughty home into a quieter, more serene interior.
With bushfire resilience in mind, Acacia fabricated the windows and doors using spotted gum – a sustainable and robust timber that meets strict BAL 29 requirements. The owner also specifically requested high-performance glazing, leading Acacia to select Insulglass LowE Plus®. These low-emissivity double glazed units provide superior insulation, helping to stabilise indoor temperatures throughout the year. Combined with newly installed solar panels and a Tesla battery, the home’s energy footprint has decreased markedly.
Functionality was another driver of the renovation. The owner wanted a mix of awning, casement, and sliding door systems that would improve cross-ventilation, enhance views, and simplify exterior cleaning. Acacia responded by offering a range of custom configurations – sashless windows in some rooms for uninterrupted sightlines, and expansive stacker sliding doors in others for seamless indoor-outdoor living. A steel walkway around the upper sections of the house was added for easy access to exterior glazing.
Following its comprehensive upgrade, Berry House demonstrates how heritage charm and modern efficiency can coexist in a period home. The owner has reported noticeably warmer interiors on cold days, along with reduced noise infiltration and lower energy bills. Equally important, the aesthetic integrity of the house remains intact, visitors would scarcely guess that each window features high-performance double glazing.
By integrating Spotted Gum timber, colonial-style glazing bars, and Insulglass LowE Plus®, Acacia delivered a harmonious blend of period authenticity and contemporary performance. The upgrade exemplifies how thoughtful design and precision engineering can reinvigorate an older property, safeguarding it for the next generation of inhabitants while honouring its storied past.
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