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AUGUST 2018 | 29 Residential Windows Modern window designs keep up with ever-evolving energy standards by STACEY MCLACHLAN T he window industry has long had to deal with a conundrum: how do you let light and air in, without wasting energy? And how do you do it all while still keeping up with modern design trends? On the market today, thanks to clever solu- tions and modern technology, you'll find a bevy of solutions to this age-old problem – trendy oversized formats, sleek frame options, and a whole world of colour that maximizes efficiency in style. M O D E R N I S M F O R E V E R At this point, contemporary looks are no longer just a trend, they're the standard. "Architects are still look- ing for modern, clean designs and trendy colours," says Michele Funk, general manager for EuroLine Windows. "Bigger sizes and high performance are key, too." The industry is demanding larger windows, says Kris Hanson, senior manager, group product management for the Marvin Family of Brands: "We don't see this trend slowing down anytime soon, as the desire for more nat- ural light will only increase." It's one of the big reasons why Marvin is offering a wide selection of customizable windows in expansive sizes that retain performance values, like the Marvin Ultimate Double Hung Next Generation, available in sizes up to five-feet wide and 10-feet tall with a PG50 rating available on most sizes. While the traditional look is still a large piece of the market, customers are asking for windows and doors that meet increasing energy codes, while still meet- ing designs that are looking for more glass, even site lines, and less frame materials. "People are, generally speaking, looking for thin lines, which in a lot of cases contradicts a focus on thermal performance," explains Michael Bousfield, technical director for Cascadia Windows & Doors. "It's hard from a physical point of view to make a product deliver on both of those." But options like structural silicone glazed joints, in verti- cal or horizontal frame, which have been the domain of curtain walls exclusively for years, are now avail- able on a smaller scale, making this option accessible to almost everyone for the first time. N E W N O W In response to these trends, the industry is boom- ing with new collections. In the past year, the Marvin Family of Brands has introduced several new prod- ucts including Integrity Windows and Doors All Ultrex dark interior finishes, and expanded its mull- ing capabilities for both Marvin Windows and Doors and Integrity. "Integrity's dark interior finishes for All Ultrex windows give more customization options and answers the growing popularity of dark window finishes," explains Hanson. "The expanded Marvin and Integrity mulling options make it easier for builders, architects, and remodelers to bring expan- sive walls of windows to any project, answering consumer demand for more natural light in both per- sonal and professional spaces." Cascadia's Universal Series will be introducing a new swinging door option this spring (it's currently in testing mode), but each Universal product is made with an all-fibreglass system showcasing the latest in energy-efficient window and door technology. And whichever of Cascadia's product offerings you choose, they're all Passive House certified. This new product line was just awarded the Canadian Green Building Council's Product of the Year award. Meanwhile, All Weather Windows introduced new PVC Vantage patio doors in January, configurable in two-, three- and four-wide combinations and avail- able with triple glazing and internal blinds, plus acrylic warp colours on the outside of the door. The brand also launched the W3000 Window Wall for its commercial business, featuring triple glazing, and an exterior panel foam for added insulation and extra thermal performance. It's not the only brand with a multi-panel con- figuration option: Milgard's Essence line was highly anticipated, and the newest addition to the product line, with two to four panel configurations featuring both operable or non-operable sidelites and multiple handle designs and finishes available as options. M AT E R I A L M AT T E R S In order to meet these demands for high performance, manufacturers are experimenting with combining materials in their products. "For higher performance wood windows, structural foam insulations are being added to frames or sashes or both," says Bousfield. "Window products are assembled together in differ- ent positions within the product to offer the blend of characteristics they want, with durable, resilient material on the outside. It's leading more products to be either altered or newly designed." It's one of the reasons that the demand for fibre- glass has been growing year over year, points out Larry Bidner of Inline Fiberglass. "Architects have been reviewing fibreglass windows for a very long time and are now looking to specify them in lieu of aluminum when the opportunity is right," he Smooth As Glass Ultimate Double Hung Next Generation windows from Marvin Windows. The award-winning Universal Series from Cascadia Windows & Doors.

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