Making a name for themselves in the industry, these premium-quality products are giving projects an innovative edge
01 Passivhaus Principles
With interest in Passivhaus building principles growing, it stands to reason that companies are striving to meet demand for more eco-conscious and energy-efficient building materials. Leading the groundswell of conscientious suppliers is Paarhammer Windows.
With over 35 years of experience in manufacturing award-winning high-performance windows and doors, Paarhammer produces a range of products that combine impeccable aesthetics with quality performance.
Using only the best materials, such as high-tech German hardware, low VOC paints from Austria, and double- or triple-glazed insulated glass, Paarhammer’s windows and doors are ideally suited to a wide range of applications in the residential and commercial building arena. Rated high in energy efficiency with very low air infiltration, Paarhammer’s windows and doors are European in style but made in Australia.
When building with Passivhaus standards in mind, using tested and certified components guarantees performance. Two of Paarhammer’s window and door ranges are suitable for Passive House construction and can also include soft-coat low-E glass plus extra seals for increased efficiency. The company’s triple glazed timber window range recently achieved Passive House Component Certification by the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt, Germany, with certification for its Wood-Alu window range soon to follow.
When it comes to ultra energy-efficient building solutions to Passivhaus standards, Paarhammer’s windows and doors fit the bill. Whether you’re in need of a custom size and shape, noise reduction, extra low U-values or approved bushfire-safe windows and doors, Paarhammer is able to engineer the ideal solution to meet your needs.
02 Creating A Stir In A Big Way
The Haiku® Coastal range of fans are the latest luxury air solution from Big Ass Fans. Purpose-built for coastal conditions, the Haiku® Coastal range has undergone rigorous testing against the elements, including salt and window, in order to ensure they can handle the Australian climate.
Offering a superior sea breeze, this collection optimises comfort all year round. Featuring a whisper-quiet motor, sealed electronics and bearings, and is detailed with UV-resistant hybrid resin foils, this model showcases a sleek and durable exterior design that is suited to a range of architectural styles.
Suitable for use indoors and out, the Haiku® Coastal is backed by a 3-year warranty. Purpose-built for coastal conditions, it is one of the only fans on the market to include salt exposure coverage. Fully tested, the Coastal range withstood 500 hours in a chamber that replicates extreme sale environments and hurricane-force winds to assure customers that Haiku is dedicated to durability and longevity.
“Now more than ever, customers are aligning themselves with brands that practice sustainability in both their product design and their corporate culture. At Big Ass Fans, it’s important to us to build quality products that are designed to endure the elements and stand the test of time, for the benefit of our customers, and our planet,” claims Shaun Brehaut, Managing Director, Big Ass Fans Australia.
If that isn’t enough to ease your mind, as part of an international initiative, Big Ass Fans has also partnered with 4ocean in a worldwide effort to clean up our oceans. 4ocean’s operations have seen more than 34 million pounds of ocean plastic removed from waterways since 2017.
Contributing to this initiative, for every Haiku® Coastal fan sold, the equivalent weight of rubbish will be removed from our oceans, rivers and coastlines across the globe, giving customers the comfort of knowing their purchase is making a difference to the environment.
03 Big Bathroom Ideas
Giving you Italian style without the cost of the airfare, the Venice heated towel rail collection from Oliveri is worth writing home about.
Nobody likes to step out of a hot, steamy shower and wrap up in a damp, wilted towel. Think about how much more pleasant your bathing experience would be if you were able to encase yourself in a warm, dry and comforting bath sheet that gently eases you from shower to dressing without jarring the senses. That’s what a heated towel rail can offer!
Crafted from 304 grade stainless steel for exceptional durability, the Venice heated towel rail collection from Oliveri is a superior offering that hits the highest benchmarks for quality and functionality.
Wall-mounted, the Venice collection comes in both vertical towel rails and horizontal towel ladders to ensure compatibility with any bathroom design. Install a single ladder element, or stack up the vertical rails to ensure the whole family is accommodated. Available in three fresh finishes, encompassing Matt Black, Stainless Steel and Brushed Nickel, these heated units are capable of providing the finish touch of functionality in any bathroom.
With a 12-volt transformer included, the Venice range is very low-voltage, meaning you won’t have to pay too high a price for the luxury of warm, dry towels. A 7-year warranty also provides peace of mind to consumers.
04 Decking Without The Maintenance
With decking options ranging from traditional wood to advanced synthetic materials, homeowners and builders are constantly seeking a balance between beauty, practicality and longevity. NexGen decking offers a composite decking option that meets all these requirements.
A popular alternative to natural timber due to its strength, durability and low-maintenance composition, composite decking is engineered to withstand the elements while maintaining its aesthetic appearance. With increasing awareness of climate change and environmental degradation, consumers are becoming more conscious of their choices, particularly regarding sustainable living.
Unlike natural timber, composite decking won’t rot, warp or crack over time, making it a premium cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative.
NexGen’s Select range is just one of the company’s many composite decking options fit for modern homes. It’s propriety matt surface formulation offers a low-gloss finish that enhances the wood-like appearance of the decking boards, while its micro-texturing process is designed to mimic the grain patterns found in natural wood, for an authentic feel underfoot.
Reversible by design, the decking boards of the Select range are treated and finished on both sides. This allows for greater flexibility during installation and extends the lifespan of the product, ensuring it is properly sealed and cannot become worn or damaged over time. And, with names like Graphite, Jarrah and Spotted Gum inspired by the Australian landscape, you know the earthy colour palette will contain a shade that is sure to match your architecture perfectly.
Slip and bushfire rated with a 50-year stain and fade warranty and lifetime structural warranty, NexGen Select decking is an investment in your home that will stand the test of time.
05 Sustainable Building With Straw
No need to huff and puff when it comes to building with Durra Panel. Made from 100
per cent compressed wheat straw, Durra Panel utilises a unique manufacturing process that transforms an agricultural byproduct into structural, soundproof and fire-resistant building panels. This not only reduces reliance on traditional, resource-intensive materials but also diverts waste from landfills while locking away carbon, making it a truly sustainable choice for architects, builders and homeowners alike.
With the quest for sustainable building materials on the rise with Australian homeowners, finding a product that offers an array of benefits across the eco-friendly board is a boon. Increasing in popularity with architects and owner-builders, Durra Panel stands out as a favourite for its impressive acoustic, thermal, and fire-resistant properties, all while being a genuine cradle-to-cradle building material.
Fire resistance due to the unique carbonising effect of the straw when exposed to flames, which creates a protective layer that effectively inhibits fire penetration, Durra Panel also features an excellent safety profile. As a natural product, the panels emit no toxic fumes, no flaming droplets and no dense smoke when exposed to fire, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious builders who prioritise both safety and sustainability.
And if that’s not enough to convince you, Durra Panel also excels in acoustic and thermal insulation. The dense composition of the panels provides excellent soundproofing, just as its thermal performance contributes to energy efficiency by maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.
Ten times more durable than impact-resistant plasterboard, thanks to its unique dry extrusion process that converts straw into a durable engineered core, Durra Panel is a comparable construction material ideal suited to the Australian way of life.
06 A Game-Changer In Building And Design
In the ever-evolving world of design and architecture, the quest for materials that blend beauty and practicality is constant. One product that stands out for its natural elegance and its impressive performance in building is Porta Contours® timber lining boards in Tasmanian Oak.
With its pale, golden-brown hues and finely textured grain, Tasmanian Oak has long been celebrated in the world of timber. When paired with Porta’s innovative design profiles, it creates a harmonious fusion of nature and craftsmanship. The result is a versatile, aesthetically rich product ideal for residential interiors. Whether used in wall panelling, ceiling treatments or feature walls, Porta Contours® elevates interiors with a touch of warmth and sophistication.
One of the defining features of Porta Contours® is its design flexibility. The range of profiles available allows designers to craft unique looks, whether it’s a minimalist, sleek aesthetic or a more traditional, textural finish. This adaptability makes it a top choice for architects and designers seeking to create spaces that reflect both individuality and timeless style.
Beyond its visual appeal, the Tasmanian Oak option offers practical benefits that make it a top-tier material for modern construction. The wood is known for its durability and resilience, ensuring long-lasting performance in high-traffic areas. Its light weight ensures ease of installation, while its natural thermal and acoustic properties contribute to a comfortable, energy-efficient environment.
Equally important is the material’s sustainability. Tasmanian Oak is sourced from responsibly managed forests, ensuring that every use of Porta Contours® supports environmentally conscious building practices. In a time when sustainable design is paramount, this combination of aesthetic value and eco-friendly sourcing positions this building product is one that offers a powerful synergy of design versatility, enduring beauty and sustainability.
07 More Than A Fireplace
A perfect blend of modern technology, aesthetic appeal and efficiency, the Rinnai EL electric fireplace offers homeowners a versatile and energy-efficient alternative to traditional wood or gas fireplaces. Featuring an elegant and contemporary profile, the Rinnai EL comes in a variety of sizes and finishes, making it easy to integrate into a wide range of home styles. Its sleek glass-fronted frame adds sophistication that also acts as a heat source and comes with a mesmerising display of customisable flame effects.
The Rinnai EL excels in performance, using advanced technology. It provides instant warmth at the touch of a button, eliminating the need for messy firewood or complicated installation. The electric heating element is designed to distribute heat evenly throughout the space, ensuring a comfortable environment without hot spots or cold drafts. Adjustable heat settings allow users to control the level of warmth they desire, ensuring the room is always just the right temperature.
With energy efficiency of paramount concern for many homeowners today, the Rinnai EL is designed to provide efficient heating while keeping energy costs low. As an electric unit, it consumes less energy compared to traditional gas or wood-burning fireplaces, and doesn’t require venting. The fireplace uses a straightforward plug-and-play design, making installation a breeze with minimal energy waste.
Additionally, many models come equipped with timers and temperature control options, allowing users to regulate usage and reduce unnecessary power consumption, making it a smart investment for those who want to reduce their environmental footprint.
More than just a source of warmth, the Rinnai EL electric fireplace is an investment in both style and functionality.
This article was originally published in Grand Designs Australia Sourcebook 12.
