Paarhammer featured on Small Business Secrets - SBS

Sunday, March 01, 2020

An exciting day of filming wrapped up last week here at the Paarhammer facility for an upcoming episode of ‘Small Business Secrets’ to air on SBS. Small Business Secrets focuses on the stories of migrant entrepreneurs who have turned their business dreams into reality. It all started out of necessity when Tony and Edith were planning to build their own house here in Victoria and were unable to find high performing European style windows and doors similar to those in Austria where they had grown up. From there the dream of helping others to live in a comfortable house with

Kevin McCloud on Sustainability

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

At a recent talk in Melbourne Kevin McCloud spoke of his background,influences, and how his intrigue with the built world began evolving from the age of 6. Eloquent and personable he joked with the audience with ease providing a multitude of anecdotes, speaking of the passage of architecture, and of course referencing his Grand Design experiences. However the lightness of tone gave way to the more serious topic of sustainability. The importance of leaving the world in a greater position than how we have found it. The worth and the value in making meaningful purchases where the supply chain is

Powered by the Sun

Thursday, January 30, 2020

In addition to the many sustainable features of the Paarhammer window and door manufacturing plant, it is now powered by the sun. The Paarhammer factory roof recently received the addition of an almost 100 kW photo-voltaic solar system to provide electricity which is used to manufacture windows and doors. While a high level of self-consumption is aimed for, there are also backup batteries and a gateway. The available energy from the sun is 3000 times higher than the worldwide energy need. Solar panels for hot water, or to create energy through photo-voltaic panels, are a truly sustainable resource which reduces carbon footprint

Doors for Outdoor Living Spaces

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

With temperatures rising, our thoughts turn to outdoor areas and BBQs. Great outdoor spaces visible through glass seemingly increase your living space. Learn 3 ways to combine your indoor and outdoor living spaces. Sliding doors – this is the most popular openable glazed door for several reasons: They can be made very large. In the lift-slide technology, Paarhammer can make sliding door giants up to 3m high by 3m wide for the actual slider or 2.1m high by up to 5m wide or anything in-between, up to 400kg. They are space saving. As the door/s slide over a fixed glazed

New Windows for your Renovation

Thursday, January 09, 2020

Increase energy-efficiency, security and sound protection in existing buildings. Windows play a very important role in buildings. They let in light but at the same time protect the home from wind, rain and cold, as well as noise and emissions. If your windows don’t perform well anymore it might be time to think about replacing them. Modern double or triple glazed products can save up to 75% of heating bills, or even up to 84% of cooling costs. The warmer months are the best time for renovations, including to change over windows and doors. Some companies have long waiting lists,

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Tony and Edith Paarhammer and staff wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2020! After a very busy year we will be taking a well deserved break over the holiday season to recharge, from Friday 20th of December until Monday 13th of January. We look forward to attending to your window an door needs after the break. Best wishes of the Season!

Biophilia - Wood in the Built Environment

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Biophilic design incorporates the innate affinity of humans for nature by including elements of the natural world in building design. Interaction with nature can relieve stress, increase health and encourage a positive mindset. How can you design buildings which are that good for people? It is important to connect living spaces of the home with nature, to bring in natural light and incorporate outside views. Designing well ventilated spaces means that ample fresh air can pass through open windows and doors, and the use of natural materials for the interior and exterior of a build can enhance wellbeing. Materials that

Architects Declare - What next?

Monday, November 18, 2019

Imports of building material have been on the rise in Australia in recent years, but has the worldwide Architects Declare movement shone a light on the product of local manufacturers in the respective regions of members? The aim of Architects Declare is to consider the overall impact to the environment when designing structures of tomorrow. Confirming the sources of raw materials, manufacturing methods, and reducing the travelling distance of construction items all impact the overall footprint of each project. Local job growth and the continuing development of skills in Australia is also an important consideration. The range of products still

Energy Standards

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

A recent study has shown that Australia is still building 4 in every 5 new houses to no more than the minimum energy standard. Increase the mandatory 6-star rating by just one star however, and you will reduce your heating and cooling needs – and your energy bills – by about 30 percent. The Nationwide House Energy Rating (NatHERS) is a star rating from 0 to 10 that measures how energy efficient a house is, based on its design. The rating applies to the building envelope: the roof, walls, floor and windows. Houses with higher HERs are more naturally comfortable

Windows - the Eyes of a Building

Wednesday, November 06, 2019

The character of a building can be altered by the form and colour of windows and doors. Custom made windows are available in a variety of shapes, with or without bars, and can be finished in a range of solid colours or stains. Shapes Possible to make - aside to rectangular windows - include round, angled and bay windows, or windows with arched tops. Some have glass meet in the corners without frames, while others have just a minimal strip to cover the spacer between the glass layers in double or triple glazing. Large fixed picture windows for modern homes

Architects declare Climate Emergency

Monday, October 07, 2019

Recently hundreds of leading architects in Australia declared a ‘climate and biodiversity emergency’ and joined architects around the world. The group called Architects Declare Australia has as their goal – ‘to ;encourage architects to design buildings that are less wasteful, more adaptable and much more environmentally friendly’. Buildings account for nearly 40 per cent of greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions The group wants to raise awareness and are calling for the urgent need for action in the built environment, and also among their clients and supply chains. Paarhammer is part of this supply chain, making windows and doors. Right from the

Compliance and Industry Updates

Thursday, September 05, 2019

Recently the first national conference for members of the newly merged Australian Glass and Windows Association (AGWA) took place at Darling Harbour. A multitude of informative seminars on a variety of topics kept delegates busy, while there were many exhibitors showing their wares. The stand-out topic to take home for us was compliance and the upcoming changes to the industry through the National Construction Code (NCC). Housing Industry of Australia (HIA) gave an overview and outlook of the housing market in all states and territories of Australia, and while detached housing will experience a small drop, it is apartments which