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An Energy-Efficient Outlook – Court House by Archier
Designed around a central courtyard, this home in north-eastern Victoria features glazed walls and large-scale windows that provide passive ventilation and daylight as well as a peaceful sense of being at one with nature. For architecture firm Archier, the challenge of meeting a recent increase in the National Construction Code’s NatHERS ratings meant finding a glazing solution that was energy efficient across these large areas, with framing that merged appropriately with the architecture.
Court House takes advantage of the natural light and beautiful surroundings of its Yackandandah site. With timber wall linings and ceilings, choosing timber-framed windows and doors seemed a logical decision, and the highly thermally efficient Archetto products were selected from the BINQ range. This includes three Lift and Slide Doors, which provide ventilation and easy flow into outdoor areas, as well as fixed windows, all with a raw uncoated finish.
Due to NCC’s NatHERS increase from 6 to 7 stars coming into effect in most areas of Australia on 1 October 2023, such large expanses of glazing have become challenging. To help designers meet these requirements whilst still delivering architectural excellence, BINQ’s design team undertook rigorous research showing that selecting high-performance window scan add up to 1.3 stars to an energy rating. This means there is no need to compromise on the size and number of windows in a new build when using BINQ windows.
BINQ timber and uPVC windows are capable of achieving a U-value – which measures the insulating capacity of the glass – as low as 1, making them a smart choice for architectural homes with large areas of glazing. As they are locally made, there is no need to factor in the monetary and carbon cost of shipping, and the windows can also be made to a largescale without risking breakage.
BINQ’s high-performance systems stem from European design principles, with thick framing profiles and substantial thermal breaks to avoid condensation and heat loss.
BINQ’s high-performance systems stem from European design principles, with thick framing profiles and substantial thermal breaks to avoid condensation and heat loss. Their windows are equipped with either double or triple glazing with argon insulation and high-security locking systems. They also provide excellent insulation against sound, for a calm, quiet home. Framing options include timber, alu-clad and uPVC, with slimline profiles allowing for up to 51 millimetres in glazing rebates. These rebates provide for a minimum U-value of 0.8 and a maximum of1.8, with an average 1.3.
For Court House, the use of BINQ products means many generations may enjoy the peaceful outlook and healthy environment provided by this energy-efficient biophilic design. As a stepping stone towards a better materially and thermally efficient home, Court House is a positive contribution that stays true to the owners’ values.
