The type of glazing plays a crucial role when building or upgrading your home. Whereas only single-glazed windows were used in the past, modern houses can now be built with double-, triple- and even quadruple-glazed windows.

If you decide to install new windows in your home, double-glazing is the minimum upgrade you should make. It offers a significant improvement in terms of insulating properties, comfort and wellbeing.

What is Double-Glazing?

Double glazing, also often referred to as thermal insulation glazing, is glass for windows made of two panes. These two panes are firmly connected at a certain distance.

A so-called spacer, typically made of stainless steel, aluminium or plastic, separates the window panes and maintains their distance in an airtight manner. This design ensures that no air can escape or moisture enter. The gap between the panes is effective for sound and heat insulation and acts as an insulating air cushion.

Even if the spacer is only a tiny part of a window, it is one of the most critical components. Its effectiveness is measured in its ability to create a warm edge, which refers to the interaction between the panes, the window frame and the spacer to ensure optimal insulation.

Heat Protecting Double-Glazing

Additional optimisation measures further improve the thermal insulation of classic double-glazing:

Low-E glass (low emissivity glass) ensures a further reduction in heat losses through the window. Thanks to the heat protection layer applied, the pane reflects heat into the room.

Furthermore, the air filling between the two panes has been replaced with noble gas, such as argon or krypton. As the heat conduction of these gases is lower than that of air, the thermal insulation effect of the double-glazing is further improved.

Both, Low-E glass and argon filling are standardly included in every window system of ECOWINDOWS’ product range.

Performance Values

The most important criterion to measure the energy efficiency of windows is the heat transfer coefficient, the so-called U-value. The U-value measures the heat permeability of building elements and indicates the heat flow through the window.

In contrast to the desired high R-value, a lower U-value indicates better performance and insulation. The R-value is the reciprocal of the U value and vice versa (R = 1/U and U = 1/R).

In most countries, U-value is expressed in the modern form of the metric system, in SI units, as watts per square metre-kelvin: W/m²K. The rule here is that the lower the U-value, the better the thermal insulation.

As depicted in the graphic below, there is a clear difference in performance values between single-, double- and triple-glazing.

With triple-glazing, a second Low-E coating is applied on the outer glass pane to reflect heat from the outside, which prevents overheating of the house, especially in the summertime.

ECOWINDOWS standard triple-glazing offers values as low as Ug 0.5. This performance can get further enhanced depending on the selected window system.

The Benefits of Double-Glazed Windows

Compared to single-glazed windows, double-glazing saves a lot of energy that would otherwise be lost. So investing in high-quality glazing does not only save a lot of energy and heating costs but also increases the comfort of your home and your overall wellbeing.

Double-glazing outperforms conventional and outdated single-glazing in many areas, particularly offering:

• Excellent Thermal Insulation

With single-glazing, much of the heat in a room escapes through the windows. However, a particularly low thermal conductivity characterises double-glazing on the other side.

Especially windows that are enhanced with Low-E coating and noble gas filling offer the best performance values. Therefore, these two enhancements are standardly included in all our products. As a result, these high-performance windows effectively ensure maximum thermal insulation for your home.

• Effective Sound Insulation

The choice of glazing can positively influence the level of noise entering your home.

Modern double-glazed windows effectively reduce noise transmission through the glass into the house, ensuring efficient soundproofing and a comfortable and quiet living atmosphere.

Our windows standardly provide a noise reduction of 32dB and can be enhanced up to 60dB for particularly noisy environments, such as residences located nearby the airport.

• Reliable Burglary Protection

Laminated safety glass plays an essential role in protecting you and your home. It is made of two panes with a unique film in between. If a pane is destroyed, the splinters adhere to the film, a beneficial feature to prevent injuries.

Even the lowest class of anti-impact protection effectively prevents the pane from being smashed open so that it might collapse and give entry to an intruder. There are even higher upgrades for glazing available that will offer maximum security for your home.

Furthermore, the frames of burglar-proof windows are anchored several times in different places in the building wall. In addition, their interior fittings contain mushroom cams which offer high resistance against being pried open.

• Warm and Healthy Homes

Outdated and cold single-glazed windows are a magnet for water evaporation in the air, leading to condensation and puddles on the window sills. This moisture in the home can cause severe health problems for the residents.

The glazed surface of a double-glazed window effectively eliminates the formation of condensation on the inside of the window panes, creating a warm, dry and healthy home.

• Easy Maintenance & Care

European and German tilt and turn windows with double-glazing are not only exceptionally robust and resilient, but they also offer a high level of user-friendliness.

The panes of tilt and turn windows are very easy to clean. You only have to open the window inwards to wipe the outside surfaces. The inside of the windows does not require any additional maintenance.

Double-glazing and triple-glazing are recognised as one of the best improvements you can make to your home because it saves a lot of energy and heating costs. So, it is no surprise that there is an increased demand for houses with double-glazing as this type of glazing adds significantly to the comfort of a property.

ECOWINDOWS offers a variety of European and German double-, triple-, and even quadruple-glazed window systems. We deliver our products safely to any destination in New Zealand nationwide and no matter how remote.

Contact us today if you'd like to learn more about our product range and how double-glazing can benefit your home.

Thank you for your ongoing support and trust throughout this year.

As we are approaching the holiday period, we would like to advise you on our closure dates around this time.

Our office and showroom will be closed over the holidays from Thursday 23rd of December 2021. We will re-open our facilities from Monday 10th of January 2022.

During this time, you can still place new orders. We will respond to them as quickly as possible.

Should you have any queries or specific requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Phone: (07) 825 8172

Email: [email protected]

We wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and happy holidays and look forward to seeing you again in 2022.

Thomas, Bjorn & the ECOWINDOWS Team

Over many decades, Germany has gained a reputation as a pioneer in energy-efficient building, especially when it comes to manufactured high-performance windows.

Several well-known German window manufacturers with a long family history are at the forefront of world trade. The international demand for their products is continuously high, and rightfully so: windows from Germany offer an exceptionally high quality of craft, production techniques and durability.

Made in Germany: highest expertise and quality

The slogan “Made in Germany” is widely acknowledged as proof of above-average quality and innovative products.

Germany’s window manufacturers are maintaining and increasing their building standards by constantly improving their production techniques and the technical details of their window profiles. The careful selection of high-quality materials is an elementary component of the entire production process.

Therefore, it is not surprising that window manufacturers from Germany are among the best in the world. PVC, timber, wood-aluminium and aluminium windows "Made in Germany" are internationally in great demand.

Pioneering window technology

At the beginning of the 20^th-century, tilt and turn windows were invented in Germany. Today they are the standard window type used in Germany and most of Western Europe.

Tilt and turn windows have several benefits compared to other window options, including safe ventilation, easy maintenance, high safety features and quality insulation. They can also be opened flexibly in two ways: fully inwards and tilted from the bottom.

The German window system proved itself so efficient that it was quickly adopted by other European countries, demonstrating its outstanding performance.

Nowadays, tilt and turn windows are manufactured in many countries, often offering the same quality as German windows, like those from Austria and Poland.

Germany’s strict building regulations

Germany has a long history of stringent and rigorous government regulations concerning the energy efficiency of newly built and existing homes. The standards are outlined in the so-called EnEV law and focus on high-quality insulation and low heat loss rates. This way, houses are warm and cosy while keeping the power bills to a minimum.

Germany’s strict regulations ensure that German window manufacturers develop innovative and energy-efficient solutions only. As a result, they build exceptionally high performing windows with triple and even quadruple glazing, which are exclusively available at ECOWINDOWS in New Zealand.

Certified excellence

One organisation responsible for regularly monitoring manufacturers is the renowned and internationally accredited Institute for Window Technology (IFT) Rosenheim, which is based in Germany and specialises in assessing the performance of European windows and doors.

All ECOWINDOWS products are rigorously tested and certified by the IFT Rosenheim. The windows and doors must pass a series of detailed and strict tests to prove their exceptional air permeability, watertightness, and resistance to wind load.

The tests are implemented according to the highest European standards (EN and ISO) and ensure the best quality, efficiency, and safety of our double- and triple-glazed windows and entry doors. The results are then assessed for compliance with the New Zealand Building Code.

This rigorous testing procedure allows ECOWINDOWS to offer our New Zealand customers windows and doors with the highest quality and durability.

Renowned German window manufacturers

ECOWINDOWS offers windows from a range of renowned and certified German manufacturers exclusively produced in Germany. These products match the German market's strict requirements and high standards, which helps to create dry, warm, and healthy homes here in New Zealand.

These traditional family-owned window manufacturers have a long history and great expertise in crafting outstanding products of supreme quality.

German building solutions offer excellent energetic properties and proven durability. Both the longevity and the reduced energy costs speak clearly for the use of quality windows.

Do you want to find out more about our products?

Contact us today or visit our showroom in Hamilton. We look forward to hearing from you!

Durable colours for your home.

Coloured PVC windows give your house a unique character and style. By matching the colours of the facade or the environment, coloured windows can shape the appearance of every house. This way, every building becomes an attractive and individual eye-catcher.

Long-lasting, colourful windows with acrylcolor.

Coloured acrylcolor windows do not only set accents in the facade design of your house. They also require very little maintenance and are extremely easy to care for. The silk-matt, smooth and pore-free surface is also insensitive to the build-up of dust and dirt. As a result, peeling, chipping, and repainting is no longer required.

What is acrylcolor? 

Acrylcolor is created in a so-called co-extrusion colouring process. This process enhances and protects PVC window systems in a long-lasting fashion. The white PVC base body and the coloured acrylic glass are permanently connected. The fusion of the two materials creates a satin-matt outer acrylcolor surface that can withstand any weather condition for decades to come.

 A premium colouring process.

• The white PVC melt is fed in via the main extruder.
• The coloured acrylic melt is added via a co-extruder.
• The two liquid components are permanently bonded with one another in the co-extrusion tool. This fusion acts as a protective shield and guarantees the window colour fastness for years and high scratch resistance.
• The profile is then polished with a grinding machine, which creates a closed surface and achieves brilliant colour effects.
• The result is a highly durable, weather-resistant, and low- maintenance acrylcolor profile.

The advantages of acrylcolor.

• Colourfast

Acrylic glass is an extraordinarily colour-stable and durable material. It shows no colour change - even after years of intense weather exposure.

• Extremely weather-resistant

For decades acrylic glass has proven its resistance to the effects of wild and rough weather. Windows featuring acrylcolor profiles are incredibly robust, even under intense climate conditions.

• Low maintenance

Windows made of acrylcolor profiles require very little maintenance and are extremely easy to care for. They are dirt-repellent and can be cleaned with simple detergents. No peeling, chipping, or repainting, and thus, no unnecessary maintenance costs.

• Scratch-resistant

Acrylcolor profiles have a semi-gloss, smooth and non-porous surface. The fusion of PVC and acrylic under great heat makes the windows exceptionally sturdy and robust. Not only do they have a high level of scratch resistance, but they are also resilient to the build-up of dust and dirt. However, should a scratch become visible on the profile, it can be easily removed using an ordinary cleaning pad.

• UV Protection

In acrylcolor elements, the sun's rays are reflected by the white body beneath the infrared-permeable paint layer. These reflective properties minimise overheating of the profiles and thus the risk of deformation.

• Recyclable 

Like all plastic elements, acrylcolor windows can be easily recycled. If the windows are disposed of after a long period of use, they can be transformed into high-quality raw materials for new windows.

Wide range of designs and colours.

ECOWINDOWS offers a wide range of colour options from a comprehensive acrylcolor portfolio for GEALAN’s S9000 profile system - a state-of-the-art system for windows, doors, and slider doors, which are also suitable for Passive House building.

The colour range includes eight shades, from deep black and various tones of grey to sepia brown. We also offer three metallic shades, which are unique in the market. This colour selection enables harmonious combinations with aluminium elements.
 

Do you want to find out more about our product range?

Contact us today or visit our showroom in Hamilton. We look forward to hearing from you!

amadeus sliding elements now exclusively available at ECOWINDOWS.

Simplicity in its most beautiful form. 

We are excited to announce ECOWINDOWS as the exclusive supplier of amadeus sliding doors in New Zealand. These high-class sliding elements are made with decades of experience in Austria/Europe. amadeus sliding doors convince with sturdy and slim aluminium frames, the highest-quality glass, and a cutting-edge design.

Meeting the highest design standards.

Enjoy the unique feeling of freedom and expanse paired with modern architecture. amadeus sliding elements emphasise the sense of exclusivity by creating unobstructed and breath-taking views. The result is a timeless and elegant design with straight lines and a modern charm for exceptional living.

Setting new standards – The advantages of amadeus.

Elegant design: Slim and frameless sliding elements give the house a floating appearance.

High level of personalisation: All sliding elements are individually designed according to your wishes. Heights of up to 6m are possible.

Countless options: Additional features are also customised, and we can integrate motorisation, insect, and sun protection as well as automated opening processes.

The ideal handle: You can select the handles either from an assortment or choose from a custom-made design.

Accessibility: The barrier-free transition creates exceptional indoor-outdoor flows.

Do you want to find out more about our product range?

Contact us today or visit our showroom in Hamilton. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Coronavirus pandemic did not only change the way we interact with each other. It also turned the whole international transport and logistics system upside down and created massive challenges for businesses and customers worldwide.

Despite all odds: Container shipping in full swing.

Nowadays, most of the international trade in goods takes place by the sea. And, somewhat surprisingly, the demand for transport is currently at an all-time high.

At the beginning of the pandemic, quite the opposite was happening. Lockdowns suddenly put international travel and logistics on hold for weeks, which meant that the whole world literally stood still.

And then unexpectedly, the demand for international container transport increased - massively.

Today, still in the middle of the ongoing pandemic, the demand is so high that freighters are fully loaded and containers in short supply. Container shipping companies are overbooked on almost all services, which causes worldwide delays and increased prices for transports.

What is causing the high demand?

One reason for the skyrocketing demand for goods is that people worldwide cannot travel or participate in leisure activities. Therefore, many are taking their extra time to upgrade and renovate their home.

For similar reasons, a current global building boom also contributes to a lumber shortage. This shortage also leads to a massive price hike for the material and creates enormous challenges for the construction sector.

Another reason for the shipping delays is the structure and workflow of international logistics. In- and outgoing transports are tightly connected. Every time a container imports goods into a country, it leaves again loaded with exports. But, when ships arrive later, the export containers must wait at the terminal facilities. Ongoing delays can quickly create a significant backlog of containers at a port.

How we keep up

To stay ahead in this challenging situation, our team is working tirelessly to ensure the delivery of your products. We constantly monitor the international shipping status and are also in close contact with our freight management overseas to keep our customers updated about any unexpected delays. This way, even if undesired, we can still keep some current inevitable delays manageable. ECOWINDOWS also always choose the faster and safer route via the Panama Canal (not Suez!).

Since the Coronavirus pandemic started over a year ago, we kept our promise towards our clients and, despite some difficulties and unforeseen disruptions, so far, all deliveries have been well received by our customers. And we will continue our hard work to ensure ongoing positive results.

If you have a building project you would like to discuss with us; we would love to hear from you.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today!

For decades, lumber was reliably available at predictable prices. But within the last couple of months, this status has changed dramatically. Lumber has become scarce and increasingly expensive, not only here in New Zealand but worldwide.

The main factor for the material shortage is the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Reduced production caused by lockdowns worldwide, a sudden hike in local and international demands and other global developments contribute to the shortage. There are significant delays in international shipping as well as congestions at the ports overseas.

An abrupt rise in demand also triggered the price explosion. Many countries are currently experiencing a construction boom, and people are using their free time to renovate their home.

Despite all these challenges, we are well-positioned and in constant and close contact with our main suppliers overseas.

However, to ensure the best outcome, we recommend contacting us as early as possible in your building process. This will allow us to reliably determine the product availability and price structures for your product and project.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us today. We look forward to hearing from you!

It is time to say goodbye to your regular cat flap. Our smart and innovative pet doors from petWalk are the perfect building solution for you and your four-legged friend.

Passive House building is becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand. And rightfully so. It offers the highest comfort level and a healthy living environment, all while creating the lowest possible energy usage. A certified Passive House has exceptionally high building standards. It requires maximum insulation and airtightness to create a warm and cosy internal environment. Read more about how a Passive House works.

Our pet doors comply with these strict and rigorous Passive House building standards and offer thermal insulation on the highest level.

In contrast to a regular cat flap, these fully integrated and automated doors are smart, airtight, insulated, and burglar-proof. They are available in various designs and are suitable for walls, doors, and even glazing. It is possible to program the door to only open for your pets with their pet ID. 

The Benefits

Connected - You have complete control over your door from any location using a remote, mobile phone, web browser or smart home devices.

Integrated – You can easily control and configure your door from anywhere and enable integration with other cloud-based services and devices.

Airtight & Highly Insulated – PetWalk doors are the ultimate solution for buildings with regulated ventilation systems, such as Passive Houses.

Burglar Proof – Equipped with anti-burglar features, an alarm system, and the option to programme the door to open only for your pets.

Automatic & RFID Technology – RFID collar tags allow easy and secure opening.

Elegant Design – Choose from various stylish designs made with high-quality materials.

Modular – The door is highly customisable.

Do you want to find out more about our products?

Contact us today or visit our showroom in Hamilton. We look forward to hearing from you!

Today, the functionality and design options for new windows are becoming more diverse, and aspects such as energy efficiency and smart home features play increasingly important roles.

The search for the right window can raise many questions: What makes a window energy-efficient? What properties and features should the new window have? And where can you find the right window?

First things first - Getting the process right!

If you have decided to buy new windows, there are a few factors to pay special attention to. But before thinking about apparent aspects such as the suitable material and visual appearance, you first must determine the basic requirements.

How many windows will you need, and what functions should they have? To answer these questions, you should think about basic categories such as generating views, catching the light and offering ventilation. In the next step, you can also define the windows opening directions, decide if there should be single or multiple openings, or even none at all and if you wish to create indoor-outdoor-flows.

It is also beneficial to have some measurements available. Even if they are only rough to begin with, they will allow us as a supplier to provide you with a quick estimation and give you a first idea of the expected costs for your building project.

Choosing the right material

The next step is to determine and select the suitable material for your windows.

But which one is the right choice for your house? There is not an easy answer to that question. The decision depends primarily on the location of your house, environmental constraints, the budget, and of course your personal taste.

However, it is certain that the frame material must be:

• Resistant to withstand weather over the long term.
• Stable so that it can support even large glazing.
• Light so that windows and doors are easy to open and close.
• Flexible to allow easy installation.
• And meet the highest performance standards in energy-efficient building, preferably following the German market's high standards and strict requirements.

The following frame materials have proven themselves as a perfect and durable choice for windows in residential buildings. As you will see, each of them has its specific strengths and benefits.

Wood

Wood is the classic window material, and it has been rightfully used as such for centuries.

Wood is easy to process, offers high stability and has good natural insulation. It also has a comparatively low weight and convinces with a beautiful, warm, and natural look.

Timber windows made of pristine and robust spruce, larch, and oak timbers with multilayer laminated profiles, are providing the best quality and outstanding durability for your home.

However, to ensure a long-lasting perfect fit, it is important to maintain your timber windows by thoroughly cleaning and repainting them on a regular basis.

WoodAlu

This type of window frame is enjoying increasing popularity in New Zealand.

Material combinations, such as wood and aluminium, offer the advantages of both materials.

An aluminium shell on the outside enables excellent resistance to the elements and effects of the weather. Aluminium is stable, light, and requires low maintenance. (Read more about aluminium further below).

The wooden frame windows on the inside are robust, have excellent thermal insulation properties and create a warm, cosy, and homely atmosphere.

PVC

The reason for the continued popularity of PVC windows is their outstanding energy efficiency, affordability, and durability. PVC windows offer exceptional thermal insulation and a long lifespan, paired with low maintenance requirements. Up until today, PVC windows are the most common window types used in Germany, where very stringent regulations for housing and construction apply.

These window frames demonstrate excellent weather resistance and durability, making them a perfect choice for the rough and varying climate here in New Zealand.

Modern uPVC windows are treated with an advanced composite material, which protects the frame from the sun's high radiation levels and prevents unwanted discolouration and degrading. ECOWINDOWS arcylcolor frames from GEALAN offer semi-matt coloured outer profile surfaces that withstand the effects of the weather with ease. Acrylcolor is a surface of acrylic glass that is inseparable from the basic body, giving PVC windows a long-lasting finish and extra protection.

ECOWINDOWS PVC windows are manufactured with a high proportion of recycled material and are also fully recyclable at the end of their life span. Old PVC is processed and converted to pellets, which allow it to be reused without loss of quality or material structure.

Aluminium

Aluminium windows offer high functionality at an affordable price.

One unbeatable advantage of aluminium is that the material is the third most abundant element found on earth and the most abundant metal worldwide. However, the complex production process of these window frames involves a reasonable amount of energy and recourses. Despite this, the installation of aluminium windows is accompanied by many long-term benefits. In the long run, the carbon footprint of an aluminium window is balanced by its extraordinary performance and energy efficiency.

Aluminium is very stable while having a low weight. It is also extremely weatherproof and resistant to rust. The material is excellent for recycling and can be designed in almost any colour with various paint finishes.

The Design

Now it is time to think about the visual aspects of your new windows and decide if they should reflect any specific aesthetic features.

Today, a window does not only have to be functional, but it is also a design object that defines the appearance of your house. The shape and colour of the windows are visible every day and quickly catch visitors and residents' eyes.

Handles can also change the look and feel of your home dramatically. Do you wish to use elegant and opulent handles, or do you prefer something sleeker, or a little bit discreet?

Whether you are building a designer house, a future-oriented Passive House, or a modern residential building – we offer suitable windows for every architectural style. Round, square, oval, contemporary, or historic with glazing bars - you can choose from a myriad of options.

Insulation and energy efficiency

With energy prices continuously rising, energy-efficient windows are also becoming an increasingly important element in the house. Typically, windows are the weakest part of a house because they can generate high heat loss rates. Therefore, it is crucial for a well-functioning, energy-efficient building that the windows are equipped with high insulation features.

The most crucial criterion to measure the energy efficiency of windows is the heat transfer coefficient, the so-called U-value. The U-value measures the heat permeability of building elements and indicates the heat flow through the window.

Even though internationally the U-value is used as the standard unit, in New Zealand, the R-value is still widely used because it is the reference measure used in the building code and all related standards. In contrast to the desired high R-value, a lower U-value indicates better performance and insulation. The R-value is the reciprocal of the U value and vice versa (R = 1/U and U = 1/R).

High-performance double- or triple-glazed windows are standardly equipped with so-called Low-E-Glass to minimise energy losses through windows and facades. Low-Emissivity-Glass is an insulating glass that has a thin metal layer applied as a thermal coating. This procedure reduces the emissivity of the glazing, improves its insulating power, and contributes positively to the overall thermal resistance of the window.

Smart Home features

Smart home features can make your home more comfortable, safer and enhance your house's overall efficiency.

Especially in sun shading systems, the demand for intelligent and automated smart home solutions are steadily increasing. Roller shutters, awnings, or external venetian blinds can be integrated into secure, high-performance systems. These systems are easily installed and enable convenient and effortless operation via transmitters, smartphones, or voice control. Automatic functions, such as raising shutters at sunrise, or retracting the awning at high winds, are also available.

ECOWINDOWS also offers several smart home features for entry doors, such as fingerprint scanners, keyless automation, and many other applications. These features can make your home more comfortable, safer and enhance the overall efficiency of your house.

Additional features

When you have made up your mind about all the basics listed above, there are some additional features to consider:

External Shading. It is highly advisable to think about shading solutions early on to include them in the design process. A reliable shading system made of blinds or other fixed shading structures, such as roof overhangs, will protect your home against overheating on hot summer days.

Noise protection. When it comes to sound insulation, the better and higher the glazing, the quieter it is inside the house. Soundproof windows can reduce the volume more than twice as much as conventional windows.

Security. Finally, you can think about burglary security and other features such as security protection glass for your new windows. A security upgrade of your hardware system will provide maximum protection for your home. Amongst others, we are offering systems from renowned and market-leading German brands such as SIEGENIA or MACO.

Get a first-hand experience!

There are countless valuable and informative sources available online that will educate you on your options when purchasing new windows for your home. But still, no online tool will ever beat your personal experience.  

Our showroom in Hamilton exhibits a comprehensive collection of our broad product range of European windows, doors, shading solutions, and ventilation systems. We offer you the opportunity to discuss your building project's requirements with our friendly staff and, most importantly, to see, feel, and experience our sustainable building solutions for yourself.

If you would like to discuss your building project in detail, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!

Passive House design is the ultimate solution for energy-efficient building as it requires none to very little active heating. But how does a Passive House work, and what components are needed to build it?

What is a Passive House?

The Passive House concept originates in Germany and is the leading approach for high-quality, healthy and sustainable building. The energy-saving capabilities of a Passive House exceed common building standards by far - not only here in New Zealand but worldwide.

To be called a Passive House, a residential or commercial building must generate most of its heat passively, without active heating. Instead, it uses natural energy sources, predominantly the sun and the heat that human occupants and household appliances create.

The goal is to create an ultra-low energy building that provides a high comfort level and healthy living environment while using very little heating and cooling energy.

A certified Passive House has exceptionally high building standards. The house uses a combination of high-quality building components and techniques, such as high insulation, an airtight building envelope, ventilation with heat recovery, thermal bridge-free construction and high-performance windows to create a controlled internal environment.

This construction method helps generate stable internal temperatures of cosy 19-22°C all year round, day and night, while the outside temperature varies and can drop well below 5°C in winter.

The key - Excellent insulation

Maximum thermal insulation is the key factor for an efficient Passive House. Therefore, Passive Houses are packed in very thickly.

The insulation protects the house against the weather's effects and reduces the risk of overheating on hot summer days, while the inside stays dry and warm all year round. Simultaneously, the rooms are protected against moisture damage from condensation or mould due to constant and controlled air movement.

The importance of high-quality glazing

Typically, windows are the weakest part of a house because they can generate high heat loss rates. It is crucial for a well-functioning, energy-efficient building that the windows and doors are equipped with equally high insulation as the exterior walls.

This is why Passive Houses are built with high-performance double- or triple-glazed windows and energy-efficient doors that help to keep the precious heat inside and moisture outside by avoiding any air gaps.

ECOWINDOWS high-quality, double-glazed windows have two thermally insulated window panes with Low-E (low-emissivity) glass and a hermetically sealed space between them. This space reduces the heat loss significantly because it is filled with Argon, rather than air, a noble gas with low heat-conducting properties. Our triple-glazed windows are made of three glass layers, each covered with a Low-E coating and an Argon filling in between them, reducing heat loss even further.

Using the power of the sun

Overall, the construction has to be thoroughly planned to allow optimal usage of solar power. The trick is to allow plenty of sunshine to enter the house when desired (winter) and easily keep it out when needed (summer).

Therefore, installing as many north-facing windows as possible to catch a maximum of sun rays in the colder months is recommended. Further, the building requires a reliable shading system made of blinds or other fixed shading structures, such as roof overhangs, or similar, to protect against overheating on hot summer days.

Eliminating thermal bridges

A Passive House must be free of thermal bridges, also widely known as cold bridges. These bridges are locally limited areas in the thermal envelope where heat exchange occurs. They exist because heat is always looking for an escape and takes the path of least resistance. In addition to heat loss, thermal bridges can also generate condensation and mould.

Thermal bridges often occur where components meet and materials form a solid connection from exterior to interior surfaces. This is why it is essential to carefully plan all corners, edges and junctions before building the house.

Airtightness - Creating controlled conditions

It is crucial to regulate and control the airflow in the house. To do so, the building envelope of a Passive House must be airtight. Being airtight does not mean that the building must be completely sealed and locked without any fresh air: airtightness only works in combination with a controlled ventilation system (read more about ventilation below).

You can create airtightness by applying one continuous and impermeable envelope that seals the whole building. It is crucial to meticulously plan the airtightness of the construction first because only what is thoroughly planned by the designer can later be made airtight by the builder.

The so-called blower door test can measure and prove the airtightness of the building envelope. The test device consists of a covered metal frame, a fan and a pressure gauge. The device is then clamped onto a window or door to test whether more air is escaping through the joints than is permitted. A Passive House must achieve no more than 0.6 ACH (air changes per hour).

Ventilation

Passive Houses do not rely solely on traditional heating systems such as oil, gas or wood. A sophisticated Heat Recovery Ventilation system regulates and controls the house's airflow, provides constant fresh air and retains heat. This method helps to create a healthy internal environment. The air exchange works very slowly and quietly and is therefore not noticeable, yet very effective.

Even though the Passive House system does not require additional ventilation next to the HRV, it is still possible to manually open windows and doors to ventilate the rooms. However, this will allow the external environment to enter the house. As a result, the internal temperature could change, and moisture, noise and pollutants, such as pollen and fine particles, can enter the building.

Conclusion - Healthy and comfortable living

A Passive House's goal is to create the lowest possible energy usage while providing a high comfort level and a healthy living environment.

The additional technical efforts are likely to result in slightly higher initial design and construction costs for a Passive House than those of a regular building. However, considering that energy prices are on a constant rise and that the finished building will create a much healthier living environment, this higher investment will pay off in the long term.

The Passive House building approach is also in line with New Zealand's target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This way, Kiwis can make a smooth transition to a low-emissions future of building sustainably to protect our natural resources for future generations.

Visit our showroom

ECOWINDOWS offers a wide variety of European windows, doors, shading solutions, and ventilation systems, all suitable for Passive House building's high standards and requirements.

Our showroom in Hamilton exhibits a comprehensive collection of our broad product range. We offer you the opportunity to discuss your building project's requirements with our friendly staff and, most importantly, to see, feel, and experience the advantages of our sustainable building solutions for yourself.

If you would like to learn more about our components for Passive House building or discuss your building project, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!

About ECOWINDOWS - Expertise for Passive House components

ECOWINDOWS is a pioneer in the field of Passive Houses. In 2011, we manufactured New Zealand's first certified Passive House windows. And in 2012, the first-ever Passive House in New Zealand was built with our high-performance windows and a controlled ventilation system that helps keep the house dry, warm and comfortable all year round.

As a member of the “Passive House Institute New Zealand” (PHINZ) and the “New Zealand Green Building Council” (NZGBC), ECOWINDOWS contributes to the mission of creating healthy and highly energy-efficient homes for all New Zealanders.

If you would like to learn more about Passive Houses, eHaus, a recognised expert in New Zealand Passive House design and construction, has some great additional resources on its website which answer more questions about Passive House design.