62 | Windows - ‘unsung heroes’ NK Windows operates nationwide, with a team of 35 manufacturing everything out of Christchurch using the frame profiles they import from Germany. MANUFACTURING NK Windows T T Virginia Wright “We retrofit a lot of older houses, and from five metres away the uPVC frames look exactly like the old timber ones.” For the last 25 years, Christchurch-based NK Windows has been designing, manufacturing and installing uPVC windows and doors to suit any style of building for residential and commercial clients throughout New Zealand. There, they focus on combining the latest European technology in frames and hardware with New Zealand glass, manufactured with the expertise that comes with a hands-on understanding of local environmental challenges, to provide significant advantages in heating efficiency, noise insulation and security. General manager Mat Junge’s background over 20 years covers roles in a variety of manufacturing and retail companies, including managing a home improvement retail chain, along with Apparel Brands, and when the role with NK Windows came up a year or so ago, he jumped at it. “I think windows are the unsung heroes of a house,” he says. “We all mainly look through them without thinking about how efficient the frames are or aren’t, or the type of glass that has been fitted into them. So, to be able to educate people on what a difference they can make to a house is what excites me.” As far as Mat is concerned, it’s the frames that count, along with the way they are fitted. People typically build to code, but at NK Windows the code is the absolute minimum and they aim well above it. “Our windows and doors make Kiwi homes better insulated, so they’re warmer, drier and more comfortable to live in,” says Mat. NK Windows operates nationwide, with a team of 35 manufacturing everything out of Christchurch using the frame profiles they import from Germany. The huge variety of profiles means they can design their windows and doors to look as good on an old bungalow or villa as they do on a sleek contemporary build, which may have exacting specifications. The frames are made of uPVC, which is where their environmental credentials come from. “It’s 100% recyclable, and it offers more thermal efficiency than aluminium does. For example, if the building code is at .48 R value, aluminium, double-glazed and thermally broken windows will be at about .53, and our frames with glass are around .77, so significantly better,” Mat explains. “We retrofit a lot of older houses, and from five metres away the uPVC frames look exactly like the old timber ones. We can do all colours of the rainbow, which is particularly important for the new builds.” All their windows have a five-point locking system for additional security, and while New Zealand windows typically open outwards, they also offer an inwards-turn option if a client prefers. As a standard option they offer tilt or turn, which is popular with people that are security conscious, but still like to have an open window. The windows tilt open from the top providing no access for an intruder. All the options are part and parcel of the design work that NK Windows undertakes, whether it’s a retrofit or a bespoke renovation or new build. “You can have double-glazed or triple-glazed, and we always point our customers to Lightbridge glass, which almost doubles the R-value of the glass and enhances the windows, so whether you’re retrofitting or building a granny flat or an architectural home, it’s the best quality,” says Mat. Regardless of whether they are contacted by the architect, a builder or the homeowner, NK Windows has solid processes and systems – from first discussion to successful installation – to provide a cost-effective, energy-efficient, stylish set of windows and doors built to last in the New Zealand environment. • Doors • Facades • Canopies • Balustrades • Partitions • Windbreaks • Glass Floors • Frameless Showers The most informed advice and experience in frameless glass systems and concepts t: 0800 847 434 w: viridianglass.co.nz Phone 03 344 3126 www.nkwindows.co.nz Made for Living
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