Koffman European Windows

European Excellence

Windows frames made from uPVC material are non-conductive and provide best thermal insulation at relatively low cost and are durable and are low maintenance.

Aluminium is highly conductive and needs to have thermal insulation (made from plastic) inserted into to increase thermal performance.

Aluminium provides strong frames and the possibility to build a very large units. Aluminium allows for more colour options than uPVC. uPVC allows for a different colour on the outside and inside.
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The following Q & A with Andrew Krupa from Koffman European Windows was featured in the SUPERHOME NEWSLETTER | March 2023

How did you become aware of the SUPERHOME MOVEMENT (SHM)? 
When we started the business we spoke to Julie Villard, Eco design adviser at CCC, to see the council’s view on the recessed installation our windows are designed for. She invited us to a Superhome seminar which was our first introduction to the movement.

Can you mention any Superhome projects you have participated in?
We supplied windows and doors for the “Big Cottage” in 2021. The house has since been awarded Master Builder House of the Year 2022. For us, it was the first project where we had no problems with any design details or with installation. 
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Bob Burnett’s team had all recessed window details sorted and Dan Saunders Construction installation was faultless, to the point that we have since recommended them as installers on other projects. That project is the reason we joined the Superhome movement last year. 
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We have also worked on two projects with Fiona Macpherson Architecture. Being part of the team of like-minded people just made sense to us. 

What are your views on the current NZ building standards in relation to what SHM are trying to achieve? 
Everyone within the industry is aware the NZ building code is outdated. Current changes to H1 have made some improvements. Unfortunately these are still lagging behind the European Standards our products are designed for. 
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In our view, the biggest shortfall is the omission of installation details for the windows – typical installation will drastically reduce a windows thermal performance. Many products which theoretically meet new H1 requirements will be creating thermal bridging and condensation both inside the house as well as inside the walls. Further changes to the Building Code will take time and until then following SHM design guidelines is the best advice that the industry and customers can follow.

From your experience, are people becoming more aware of the SHM and a need for general improvement in NZ’s current building standards?
When discussing various aspects of the design and installation of windows we have noticed many clients have already heard about SHM. However, there are still some who do not even know of the recent changes to H1 so there is scope for better communication to the general public. 

What do you think are people’s misconceptions re the SHM? 
I think in general any different/advanced building method comes with a price misconception. This will apply to both SHM design principles and to our products. Once all costs and benefits are taken into account everyone will agree this is the way to build NZ houses.

Why would you recommend people joining the SHM? 
Anyone thinking of building or renovating their home will find all the best advice on how to build an energy efficient and sustainable home in one place. For construction professionals this is the movement you should be associated with now - customers are becoming more attune to energy and sustainability issues and your products or services will need to meet these trends.
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Joining the SHM is the best way to future proof your house for comfort and low running costs and to gain resale value from your forward thinking. We think that in the future aluminum double glazed windows will be viewed the same as single glazed windows are now. Koffman triple glazing super insulated windows installed as per SHM detail is currently the best way forward.
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