American Oak Windows

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Paarhammer is now in full production of American Oak windows and doors. Since Victorian Ash is no longer available due to the Victorian Government ending native timber harvesting, American Oak was chosen as its replacement for high-performing window products due to its colour, grain, strength and sustainability. American Oak – Quercus Rubra – is a blond, medium density hardwood of about 730kg/m3 with a straight open and even grain, and uniform texture. Windows and doors made of hardwood are naturally hard-wearing, strong, energy efficient and visually stunning. American Oak has itself a BAL-rating of 19, but should higher BAL-ratings be

Window Development 1950’s to today

Monday, May 27, 2024

The building industry in Australia represented by HIA and Master Builders are addicted to low cost windows. From the 1950’s onwards, glazing became cheaper and allowed architects to frame views and bring light into the building. Also, builders realised that windows at that time per square meter were only about half the cost of a wall. So with using more glass, one could construct cheaper buildings. As a solution to keeping such glasshouses at a liveable temperature, larger air-conditioning systems were required. Central Europe: Houses and windows in Europe developed quite differently. In the alpine region already a couple of centuries ago they

Paarhammer at THRIVE PASSIVHAUS Conference

Monday, May 20, 2024

The THRIVE PASSIVHAUS conference is on in Melbourne on the 23rd and 24th of May 2024. Experts from around the world will present on the potential of good design principles and more. Our managing director, Tony will run a training session on the first day of the conference at 11am. Under the topic of Windows and Doors within the Passivhaus Building Envelope, Tony will explore: European door and window installation approaches Essential materials for airtight installation The 4 biggest mistakes when installing windows Important documents to request from your window supplier Comparison between window construction types Comparison between window opening types Door threshold options Criticality of certification of the

Compliance: Insights and Pathways

Thursday, April 18, 2024

The integrity and compliance of building components are paramount to ensuring health, safety and sustainability in the evolving landscape of the building industry. Among these components, windows play an essential role in the structural and environmental performance of buildings. Poorly manufactured or standard windows lose more heat in winter and gain more heat in summer than any other surface in a building. This whitepaper delves into the multifaceted dimensions of window compliance within Australian standards and regulations, highlighting the economic, legal and social implications of non-conforming and non-compliant building products. It underscores the importance of rigorous independent testing and certification processes

International Window and Door News from Fensterbau

Friday, April 05, 2024

In March 2024 the Fensterbau Expo in Nuremberg / Germany was held again after a 6-year Covid break. There were more than 600 Exhibitors and 75,000 visitors from around the world, and Paarhammer went there to learn about the latest developments in the window industry to be able to offer these to our clients. Automation – Convenience and ConnectivityThe biggest innovations were made in home automation and many expo stands offered products that could either be integrated into existing home automation or as stand-alone systems. Paarhammer’s German hardware supplier Siegenia had a display under the topic ‘It’s magic’ with wireless technology

Modern Windows

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

A more comfortable indoor environment, more security and more energy-efficiency to save on heating and cooling, are some of the expectations of modern windows. While tilt & turn windows and lift-slide sliding doors have been common in Europe for decades, these opening types are fast becoming a much-loved part of Australian homes.Frame MaterialsTimber is very much in demand for its biophilic and health properties and its natural look. Timber also re-grows, hence it is a sustainable material that provides strength when manufactured into European style window and door frames. These frames are generally 68mm thick, or for even higher performance

Advantages of Australian Made Windows

Thursday, February 29, 2024

A 2023 Ray Morgan study found that 73% of Australians saying they are willing to pay more for Australian Made over imported products. What do you get for the extra money?Advantages of locally made windows and doors: Knowledgeable advice and reliable customer service right here and easily accessible Outstanding quality products Ethically made under safe working conditions and with decent wages for staff Continued development of skills Less transport reduces carbon footprint Long warranties as members of an Australian Industry AssociationEasier service options Meeting and exceeding all Australian Standards Benefits all Australians through a positive effect on the economy and job growth International products are readily available but Australian

Forever Homes

Tuesday, February 06, 2024

What can be called a ‘Forever Home’? For many it is a family home where memories are made, where one stays for a long time, a home where children are brought up, and one later retires into. This home needs to be something that can handle any changes life throws at it. Important considerations are location, flexibility that the home can change with your requirements and lifestyle, that it provides a sense of belonging, and a feeling of being comfortable. Decisions for a Forever Home are made with longevity in mind, and less about potential resale value. Often owners want

Window Trend for 2024

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Large expanses of glass are definitely the trend for 2024. To achieve this modern look and the connection to nature while still creating a comfortable indoor environment, the thermal performance is important with double or triple glazing and high-performance frames. Expanse of glazing Views, space, light, glass, natural, sun etc. are words that show people’s aspirations when building or renovating, and real estate sites mention the same. Large, glazed areas ensure an indoor-outdoor feel of openness and connection to the environment which boost our mood, health and wellbeing. It also let’s natural daylight in to make a room appear larger and enables

Award winning Projects featuring Paarhammer Windows

Friday, December 01, 2023

Over the years a number of architects, builders and suppliers received awards for projects that feature Paarhammer windows and doors. From new builds to renovations and additions, residential as well as commercial, see some examples here: Beach Retreat Winner of 2023 MBA Regional Building Awards, category Additions and Alterations, with the builder Davis Builders, also being awarded Young Builder of the Year and Residential Builder of the Year by Master Builders Association Regional Awards. This project is set on a steep slope at the edge of bushland with stunning views of the sea; the renovation and addition came with a fair share

Quiet Luxury - No Noise

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

In our fast-paced world where noise is a constant, quiet is a luxury. It is possible to create a quiet oasis to recharge one’s batteries by insulating your home. Air brings with it noise, so reducing air infiltration and sealing the house, and you are well on the way to a quieter space. And windows play a large role.What is sound? Noise level is measured in decibels (dB). The louder the noise, the higher the decibels. But noise does not increase in a straight line. Each 10dB increase is an increase of sound by ten times, e.g., a sound at 20dB

Handle Families

Wednesday, October 04, 2023

Handles create a focal point that catches the eye and at the same time have a crucial function to open, tilt or close windows and doors. If a building also features doors or lift-slide doors, often handles come as ‘families’ that match for all applications – tilt & turn windows, entrance doors, hinged doors, lift-slide doors -, allowing for design consistency within a build. Handles have come a long way. While up to about 10 years ago window handles were only available in one style and in the very limited colours of silver or white, modern handles can now make a