







Challenge
Many Australian homes are not designed for comfort, in our long hot summers, or chilly winter months, without relying on artificial heating or cooling, leading to many households also experiencing a further discomfort in extremely high energy bills. So, when Garry decided he was going to build his dream home, he put two years of research into design, and to also sourcing building products that would ensure an exceptional level of passive thermal comfort. He also considered both current and future climate patterns, and the options for reducing energy use and installing solar to trim down electricity costs where possible.
Drawing on the Passive House approach for inspiration, he focussed on the thermal envelope of the building, sourcing an insulated concrete foam system for the external fabric of the home but did not want to compromise on views by adopting the small windows approach favoured by the Passive House standard.
“I didn’t want to compromise and was determined to feature floor-to-ceiling glazing systems in the living areas, to flood the home with natural light, and to create an impressive visual impact,” Garry explains.
He compared a variety of window and glazing systems, quickly learning they can be either a weakness or design advantage in the home. Garry’s research led him towards double glazing and uPVC framing systems, due to their thermal performance – but not all manufacturers met the standards and visual appearance he was seeking. Some uPVC seemed too obviously plastic and not suited to the harsh Australian climate, and he was also seeking the assurance that the double glazed system was compliant and performed well.
Solution
Visiting a home show for inspiration, he discovered Integra Windows. The combination of high performance double glazing and the solid metallic look of the thermally broken uPVC Integra Window system immediately caught his eye.
Experienced building group, The Michael’s Touch, worked closely with the Integra team to have customised window systems created for the project. These included a floor-to-ceiling window feature that is 7.5m in height by 3m in width, and a two-panel double -glazed sliding door system for the upper balcony and downstairs terrace that provide for a 6m opening. The custom glazing assemblies, all argon filled, were manufactured locally by Australian Glass Group for Integra Windows, and the result has proven to perform in every respect. Insulglass LowE Plus® DGU’s were specified for the west facing orientation for further performance.
“I have a very comfortable and thermally efficient home, and expansive glazed areas, all with no compromise,” Garry says.
Highly Commended: NSW Residential Project Under $80K / AGWA Design Awards 2024
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