Windows for Better Living

Thermosmart – Merrivale Passive House Designed and constructed to Passive House standards, Merrivale Passive House takes a performance-led approach to residential design. Every element of the building envelope was carefully considered to minimise heat transfer, reduce energy demand and maintain stable indoor temperatures throughout the year. High-performance aluplast windows and doors form an integral part of this strategy. Combined with rigorous Passive House design principles, the glazing contributes to an airtight, highly insulated building envelope that supports year-round comfort while minimising reliance on heating and cooling. The project illustrates why the specification of windows should be considered as part of the complete building-envelope strategy. Thermal performance, airtightness, glazing and installation all contribute to the overall performance of a home. Merrivale Passive House demonstrates how advanced building science and considered material selection can be translated into practical, comfortable everyday living, while establishing a strong benchmark for sustainable residential design in Australia. Kinzel Industries – Putty House Putty House approaches sustainable design from a different perspective. Created as a certified Passivhaus and off-grid bushland retreat, the project combines high levels of energy efficiency with bushfire resilience and a strong connection to the Australian landscape. At the heart of the building envelope are BAL-40 rated aluplast IDEAL 4000 windows and doors, combined with Passivhaus-compliant prefabricated floor, wall and roof systems. The home achieved an airtightness result of just 0.6 air changes per hour, supporting consistent internal temperatures while reducing heating and cooling requirements.  Careful modelling of the site's topography, solar access and surrounding vegetation also informed the home's orientation and performance strategy. Winter solar gain is maximised, while natural shading helps reduce summer heat loads. For architects, builders and specifiers, Putty House demonstrates how windows can contribute to multiple performance objectives within a single specification. Thermal efficiency, airtightness and BAL-40 bushfire requirements are addressed as part of an integrated building-envelope strategy.