We visit the first three finalists in the Home Design Renovation of the Year Awards 2025

The Home Design Renovation of the Year 2025 awards have highlighted an incredible standard of Australian residential transformations. This year, readers were called upon to submit before and after photos to showcase how both minor interior updates and major structural overhauls can redefine a property. These finalists represent the pinnacle of modern design, featuring high-end finishes and innovative spatial planning.

Celtic Luxury at Peppercorn Residences

David and Adele Burke transformed their Frenchs Forest dream home into a sophisticated sanctuary. The project, executed by designer Banemade and builder Jez Projects, successfully blends contemporary elegance with the homeowners’ Irish Celtic heritage. The result is a classic yet luxurious home that prioritises high-quality finishes and personal touches.

Modern Connectivity in Illawong

The Illawong project, designed by Lina Hert of In Vogue Interiors, addressed a common issue with older layouts: disconnected spaces and blocked views. By removing heavy walls that restricted movement and implementing an open-plan living area, the renovation flooded the home with natural light. Large glass installations now frame the stunning scenery, ensuring the home is as functional as it is beautiful for everyday family life.

Minimalist Light at Allibone Bathroom

In Maribyrnong, the Allibone Bathroom renovation demonstrates the power of minimalist design and natural lighting. Homeowner Chris worked to create a void that allows light to filter through the space throughout the day. This project showcases how a careful selection of materials and a focus on simple aesthetics can bring joy and tranquility to a utility space.

These 2025 Renovation of the Year Finalists illustrate the diverse ways Australian homeowners are elevating their living environments through professional design and craftsmanship. Each project serves as an inspiration for those looking to put their own stamp on a property while maintaining a classic, elegant aesthetic.

For more information

Home Design Renovation of the Year 2025

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The dual-occupancy residence combines modern architectural form with practical family living, with Rylock Windows & Doors integral to introducing daylight, airflow, and spatial definition throughout.

Exterior: Elevated Coastal Character

From the exterior, the home exudes an elevated coastal character, making a refined first impression with crisp lines, gentle curves, and a warm, textured palette.

Carefully designed to integrate seamlessly within a higher-density setting, the architecture balances privacy with abundant natural light and a clear sense of spatial order.

Interior: Spacious, Contemporary Ambience

Inside, three-metre-high, skylit ceilings and full-height openings create a calm, contemporary ambiance. Rylock Windows & Doors play a pivotal role in introducing light, ventilation, and spatial definition, ensuring both dwellings feel open, elegant, and distinct.

European oak floors lead into the north-facing open-plan living area, where expansive Rylock glazing frames views of the heated pool and alfresco dining space.

A 5.5‑metre‑wide Fixed Lite Window anchors the lounge, amplifying the sense of openness while framing the outdoor landscape as a distinctive design feature. Complemented by a 5‑metre‑wide Stacker Door, the space flows seamlessly into the outdoor entertaining area.

The kitchen, centered around a sculptural stone island bench, is crafted for everyday living as well as entertaining. Beyond this, the home’s zoned layout offers versatility, featuring multiple bedroom suites, study spaces and retreats. Each zone is carefully enhanced with window and door solutions that optimise natural light, privacy, and acoustic comfort.

The dining area is defined by a Double Hung Window on the left, equipped with a counterbalance mechanism that allows both the top and bottom sashes to open simultaneously. Directly opposite, a two-panel Fixed Lite Window frames serene views of the pool.

In the main bedroom, a 4-metre sliding door opens onto a tranquil, leafy outlook, gently filtering morning light into the space. Throughout the bathrooms, ensuites, and select bedrooms, Awning Windows with reeded glass introduce texture and privacy while softly diffusing light. A 3-metre Fixed Lite Window in the daybed nook provides a quiet retreat, framing serene views.

High-Performance Glazing

Grade A Safety Toughened Low-E Double Glazing has been specified across all windows and doors, enhancing thermal efficiency, enhancing the home’s all‑electric efficiency while maintaining year‑round comfort.

Paired with carefully chosen Rylock Windows & Doors, this dual-occupancy home delivers abundant natural light, lasting energy efficiency, and a sense of architectural spaciousness, elevating everyday living within a higher-density setting.

Details

Frame Colour: Textura White
Glazing: Grade A Safety Toughened Low-e Double Glazing (Argon Fill)
Builder: Dash Construct
Designer: Croft Building Designers
Photographer: Spacecraft

For more information

Rylock Windows & Doors

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Timber from responsibly-managed forests or plantations are environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable. A certification, granted by such independent bodies, guarantees that the wood is sourced sustainably and that forests are protected, wildlife habitats are preserved, and workers receive fair wages and safe conditions. It also means the timber is not from illegal logging operations.

Forest management and chain of custody certification scheme arrangements in Australia, sourced from Forest and Wood Products Australia, Report May 2025:

FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council)

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) is a leader in promoting the viable management of forests on a global scale. They provide an appropriate way to manage forests and have 150 + million hectares of forests available for sustainable use and regrowth.

Since 2005 Paarhammer has been FSC® Chain-of-Custody accredited which provides a guarantee to clients that the FSC® timbers used by Paarhammer are sourced sustainably. Paarhammer can supply a Chain-of-Custody certification for each order of windows and doors that are made from FSC® certified timbers.

PEFC (Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification)

The PEFC certification also ensures forests globally and locally are cared for and protected by promoting sustainable forest management through certification.

The requirements for PEFC certification are strict enough to ensure the sustainable management of a forest is socially just, ecologically sound and economically viable, and guarantees that these forests will be around for generations to come.

Responsible Wood is the national governing body for PEFC in Australia. Responsible Wood is the registered trading name for the Australian Forestry Standard Limited (AFSL), which is a not-for-profit standards development organisation accredited by Standards Australia to develop standards in Australia and New Zealand (AS/NZS:4708 and AS:4707).

The American Oak Paarhammer used in its window and door manufacturing is supplied with this certification.

AFS (The Australian Forestry Standard)

Australian Forest Certification Scheme (AFCS) certifies large areas of native forests and plantations across Australia. A Chain of Custody Standard to track forest and wood products through the supply chain is also included. The AFS is a forestry standard which is endorsed by the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), the world’s biggest assessor of sustainable forest management.

Paarhammer as a manufacturer of timber windows and doors prioritise and only use timbers certified by organisations like the above.

For more information please contact us

Reference: https://fwpa.com.au

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Cladding

Aluminum cladding, which has been powder-coated in your choice of colour is used to clad or cover the external timber frame of windows and doors. This means there is a significant decrease in maintenance, as the aluminum requires little upkeep.

The window frame design optimizes energy efficiency through the use of timber, which inherently provides superior thermal insulation. The aluminium component, clipped onto the exterior of the timber frame, relies on the timber’s natural properties to minimize heat transfer, enhancing the window’s durability and extending its lifespan.

To ensure secure assembly, the aluminium is fastened to the timber frame using back-vented clips. A deliberate gap is maintained between the aluminium and timber components, preventing condensation buildup and mitigating the risk of timber rot.

Comfortable

The internal timber frame provides the natural and comfortable feel associated with timber in homes which can also be referred to as biophilia. It gives a sense of connection with nature, especially if the internal frame is clear coated, meaning the timber is viewed in its natural form which is a popular choice. However, the internal timber can be painted or stained to your desired colour.

Hardware

The Wood- Alu Range uses high-quality German hardware to provide exceptional air tightness and security. With U-values from a low 1.0. The frames are airtight, meaning no drafts between the window and the inside of the building, while noise reduction up to 42dB provides a quiet atmosphere within homes. This Range is available in tilt & turn windows, fixed windows, hinged entrance doors, sliding, bi-fold, and French doors. It is also available to be used in Passivhaus.

Paarhammer’s Wood-Alu Range is an excellent choice for highly energy-efficient windows and doors that suit residential and commercial buildings. It combines the warmth and comfort of timber inside with low-maintenance aluminum on the outside.

Get in touch with Paarhammer for more information on the Wood-Alu Range.

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Get comfy faster with airflow you can actually feel — Haiku Fans from Big Ass Fans, both indoor and outdoor, deliver refreshing, whisper-quiet breezes while providing the perfect blend of style, efficiency, and durability.

Engineered to perform in any conditions, they keep you cool and comfortable during the hottest summer days and allow you to enjoy your indoor and outdoor spaces year-round, no matter the weather.

Iconic & Inspired

The iconic Bec Judd has teamed up with Big Ass Fans to share her top tips for achieving timeless design that truly stands out.

From investing in quality appliances to knowing where to spend or save, her insights are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their home with style and functionality.

Download their free guide today for home inspiration.

Discover the range today

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From compact balconies to cosy courtyards and sprawling backyard entertaining zones, CROSSRAY has the perfect solution for every space, style, and cooking need.

Designed for versatility, the CROSSRAY range includes both electric and gas options, with a variety of sizes and configurations, from full outdoor kitchens to portable units. No matter the layout or limitations of your outdoor area, there’s a CROSSRAY that fits perfectly.

Small Space? Big Performance.

For apartment dwellers or those with limited outdoor space, the CROSSRAY Extreme Electric BBQs deliver powerful cooking without the need for gas. Compact in size but big on heat, these units are ideal for balconies and small patios, offering a sleek solution where space is at a premium.

Mid-Sized Courtyards & Patios

If you’ve got a bit more room to play with, our Compact Kitchens offer the perfect balance of performance and footprint. These setups provide everything you need for outdoor cooking, without overwhelming your space, ideal for small courtyards and medium-sized patios.

Full Outdoor Kitchens for Entertainers

For those who love to host, CROSSRAY premium outdoor kitchen setups are a game-changer. With options for fridges, sink, and extra storage, these kitchens transform your backyard into a true culinary destination. Choose from a range of benchtop colour and configurations to match your outdoor aesthetic and lifestyle.

Electric or Gas, You Choose

CROSSRAY understands that every home is different. That’s why the range includes both electric and gas BBQs. No matter your preference, there’s a model that works for you.

Style Meets Substance

Beyond performance, CROSSRAY BBQs are designed to look good. Sleek lines, premium materials, and thoughtful details make them a standout feature in any outdoor space.

For more information

CROSSRAY

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After moving to Australia in 1990, Tony together with Edith started a business in a small shed in rural Victoria after noticing the energy efficient windows and doors they were used to in Austria were far less common in Australia. Thus, European style tilt and turn windows turned into a 4500m2 manufacturing business established in Ballan Victoria, training over 60 apprenticeships and the shipment of their 5 Ranges all over Australia.

Tony has been a member of AGWA for many years and is proudly serving his second term on the board representing window makers specifically in the southern region of Victoria and is also the acting treasure. He has also been a member on the board of the Australian Fenestration Rating Council (AFRC) for 8 years and is currently acting as treasure.

Whilst he is the co-founder of the AGWA timber window subcommittee and helps drive the timber window system project to improve the Australian Standard. He is instrumental in securing support not only from the industry but also from government.

The CEO of AGWA, Clinton Skeotch, spoke at the recent conference: “Tony’s journey is a testament to innovation, perseverance, partnership and teamwork. The business Tony built with Edith is a testament to customer orientation, resilience, and vision. Paarhammer Windows is not just a business, it’s the result of two people who believed in each other, who worked side by side and built something extraordinary, to guide us and our industry. Tony shaped the industry, ultimately won far too many design awards, and leaves a legacy that will endure for years. Congratulations.”

Paarhammer Windows is built on quality, excellence and customer focus. This is only possible with a dedicated workforce, and Tony thanks all employees for their tireless commitment. This includes not only staff from the window manufacturing company but also from his second business ‘Siegware’ which is a supplier of window hardware and construction items.

Highlights are the innovation and development of bushfire safe windows after the devastating Victorian bushfires of 2009, being the first company with successful testing of BAL-FZ Flame Zone in 2011. Paarhammer was also one of the first Australian timber joineries to undertake AS2047 testing, and had products accredited to International Passive House.

Over the years, the company received many design awards, was named ‘Victorian Manufacturer of the Year – Small Business 2017’, has featured on SBS ‘Small Business Secrets’, and was interviewed by Alan Kohler for ‘Talking Business’ an inflight entertainment radio program on Qantas.

Design Awards 2025 were ‘National Highly Commended’ for Natural Haven Project 465 in the Residential Window/Glass Retrofit Project category. Another ‘National Highly Commended’ was received for Iglu Apartments – Bondi Junction for the Commercial Window/Glass Project between $250,000 to $750,000.

But the ‘Industry Person of the Year 2025’ award was a real surprise.

Tony Paarhammer is extremely humbled by receiving this extraordinary award, and thanks Australia, and especially the Australian Glass and Windows Association for the opportunities provided to him since he and his wife migrated to this wonderful country.

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Positioned on the natural slope of a bushland block, this farmhouse exemplifies the seamless fusion of architectural vision and practical design. A thoughtfully planned layout creates a central courtyard that enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, while also achieving impressive energy efficiency.

Balancing Bushfire Safety with Architectural Elegance

Due to the home’s location within a bushfire-prone zone, all windows and doors were required to comply with the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL-29) rating requirements. On the southern elevation, BAL-29–compliant materials were used to ensure safety and performance without compromising the home’s refined aesthetic.

“The strategic use of glazing was critical to the success of the external courtyard concept,” explains Jake Barrow of Jake Barrow Architecture. “Key views are framed and openings carefully positioned to maximise the indoor/outdoor experience without compromising on the energy performance. The result is a home that is filled with natural light in all of the key spaces at the most appropriate times of day.”

Two standout features of the home are the twin gables in the master bedroom and rumpus room. Each gable is designed with a striking 6-metre-wide, four-panel Fixed Lite Window, complemented by raked windows to elevate the architectural presence.

Custom Windows and Doors Tailored to Style and Function

Upon entry, visitors are welcomed by a carefully framed view through a substantial 4m² Fixed Lite Window, perfectly capturing the outdoor entertaining area and beyond.

At the heart of the home is a striking 6.5-metre-wide, six-panel Stacker Door with a centre-opening configuration, seamlessly connecting the interior to the infinity-edge pool and outdoor living space.

In multiple areas of the home, Awning Windows with horizontal and vertical muntin bars add architectural interest and subtly reference traditional design. Prominently featured in the guest bedroom, all secondary bedrooms, and the master ensuite, these windows offer excellent ventilation while maintaining the home’s clean, modern lines.

Double-hung windows are strategically placed in walkways and transitional spaces to promote natural airflow. The operable bottom sash draws in cool air, while the top sash releases warm air, creating natural ventilation without encroaching into living spaces.

Architectural refinement continues with custom offset Awning Windows in the main bathroom and butler’s pantry—functional elements elevated to distinct design features.

The Perfect Balance of Quality and Value for the Project

The selection of windows and doors was guided by more than just aesthetics.

“Rylock windows and doors presented the best value proposition for the project when considering quality and price point,” notes Jake Barrow. “The client’s experience of the sales process was also an important factor. Ricardo did an excellent job in helping the owners gain confidence in their selections and strike the perfect balance between their differing traditional vs contemporary style tastes.”

This collaborative process ensured the final solution not only aligned with the architectural vision but also reflected the clients’ personal style. The result is a contemporary farmhouse that feels grounded in its bushland setting—open, inviting, and thoughtfully crafted, where every custom window and door contributes to both beauty and function in a truly remarkable forever family home.

Frame Colour: Textura Black
Glazing: Grade A Safety Toughened Low-e Double Glazing (Argon Fill)
Builder: Ahead Building
Designer: Jake Barrow Architecture

For more information

Rylock Windows & Doors

Image credit: AC Media

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Originating in Germany in the 1980’s, the idea is to maintain comfortable internal temperatures without the need for excessive heating and cooling, thus decreasing the cost of energy usage for the life of the building.

Passive House is a voluntary building standard chosen for a variety of reasons such as a reduced carbon footprint, increased air quality, reduced noise and more. In many countries, organisations have now formed to further this building standard. In Australia this is the Australian Passivhaus Association.

‘Passive House’ or ‘Passivhaus’

When the German term ‘Passivhaus’ was translated into English, it became ‘Passive House’. This was also the name of the Australian Passive House Association (APHA) when it was established here in Australia in 2013, but in 2022, this name was changed to Australian Passivhaus Association (APA). In essence, both terms mean the same, but for international component certification, the term ‘Passive House’ is being used as this certification is done in Germany.

Australian Passivhaus Association

The Australian Passivhaus Association (APA) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote the Passive House Standard in Australia, raise awareness, advocate its use, and provide education to the building industry.

APA’s vision is ‘that all Australians live and work in healthy, comfortable, low-energy, resilient buildings’. Paarhammer joined APA as a member already in 2016, and has 2 qualified Passivhaus Tradespeople on staff.

According to APA, the focus is on super insulated building envelopes, airtight and thermal-bridge-free construction, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and high-performing windows and doors. These window products should be used in a variety of sizes suitable for each different elevation to achieve solar heat gain in winter, but not let too much solar radiation into the building in summer. They also need to seal very well for airtightness.

The Association has a range of criteria which is used to test homes and buildings for certification. For instance, an airtightness of 0.6ACH50 or less is required for certification, which is less than 0.6 air changes occurring within an hour. Ordinary buildings often have up to 14 changes of air during the same time, all of it needing to be heated or cooled.

Other criteria for certification include indoor temperature, heating and cooling demand, humidity, and energy demand. Passivhaus certification is also location-specific, as Australia has a range of variable climates.

Passive House Component Certification

The Clifton Hill Primary School featured above incorporates windows and doors from the Paarhammer Passive House Range, which achieved International Component Certification by the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt. This window range has been tested and approved based on its suitability for certified Passive Houses, thereby supporting the designer’s task of choosing high-quality components, and these windows and doors are made right here in Australia.

Thermally efficient buildings

Homes or commercial buildings that are thermally efficient offer a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor environment without the high temperature variations experienced in standard buildings. You can go a step further and have your residential or commercial building certified by an independent certifier to the Passive House/Passivhaus standard.

Ready to talk Passive House windows and doors? Contact us

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Window and door frames are made from timber which is a renewable resource. Timber windows and doors are rarely specified for multi-story buildings, but these European-style window products (made in Australia) together with double glazing, achieve high wind rating, soundproofing, and energy-efficiency ratings.

The initial contact with us came about as the company required N5 rated windows and doors and Paarhammer have products tested to such a high wind loading. Due to the large glazed areas an especially engineered solution was found by re-designing our Euro-style timber framing.

The double glazing was made by Viridian Glass and, depending on requirements, was either 10.5 Hush glass laminated with 6mm Lightbridge clear toughened as the second pane, or the other glass combination was 11.5mm AssaultGuard with 5mm clear toughened as the second pane. Both these IGU’s were very heavy in the large sizes, proving challenges at the installations stage on a site with difficult access.

All timber frame surfaces were pre-finished with Adler 3-coat lasur which is low-VOC, and features highly reflective pigments to provide UV-stability and low maintenance requirements. All hardware and seals got installed to the items, before dismantling the larger individual window elements into components manageable for transport. These were then re-assembled and glazed onsite.

Challenges included dealing with airtightness, low threshold, water ingress and drainage, and balancing Passivhaus learnings of airtightness with automation and disability access. Using the low Alumat threshold engineered in Germany and accredited to International Passive House Component for doors ensured both airtightness when closed and easy access as there is no step required.

Years of development of the high-performing Certified Passive House Range with 78mm thick framing, multipoint locking and dual levels of rubber seals provided an excellent solution.

Being locally manufactured rather than sourced from Europe enabled the architect and engineers to make design changes to deal with building challenges as they arose.

Working closely with the building company the outcome covered all the items in the brief which were high wind loading, energy efficiency, sustainability, disability access and automation.

For more information

Paarhammer Windows & Doors

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