Energy-saving windows: NH Design
New Zealanders have a love affair with aluminium window frames. It’s not surprising, as these types of windows are lightweight, have a long lifespan, and will prove an asset to any home.
This is especially true when those windows have the extra benefit of being manufactured with a thermally broken technique. A thermally broken window frame combats heat loss by inserting a non-conductive strip between the two parts of the frame – the inside and the outside.
The barrier essentially stops the transfer of heat from inside to out by separating the two parts of the frame. With a thermal break in place, heat is not able to move past the inside of the frame, meaning a house retains its warmth and less energy is required to maintain a constant temperature.
This type of frame is equally efficacious at keeping a home cool in summer. NH Design distributes the MasterLine 8 series of thermally broken window frames. Director Fabian Schneider says “MasterLine 8 can do it all. It is one of the most high-performing aluminium window profiles that the manufacturer Reynaers has to offer and is suitable for highly insulated, low-energy and passive houses.
“The series also offers versatile design options and delivers excellent results even in the toughest weather conditions.” Available in four different design styles, Functional, Renaissance, Deco, and Block, they can be installed as either inward or outward opening windows. They’re also excellent for creating large window areas that maximise natural light, aligning with current architectural trends. “MasterLine 8 also has three different insulation levels”, says Fabian. “This allows homeowners to adapt window perfectly to their requirements, both visually, and functionally. Depending on the level of insulation selected, the thermal insulation value (i.e. how slowly heat moves through the material from inside to out) that can be achieved is impressive; integral to passive house construction and to saving energy.”
