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.

The post National Industry Person of the Year appeared first on Completehome.

Bushfire Attack Levels – BALs

There are 6 BALs that range from BAL-Low, BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40 to BAL-FZ. The higher your BAL, the more expensive your new build (or extensive extension) will be, and the more important the choice of materials could turn out to be in case you cannot leave your home early.

Development of Bushfire Standard

Since the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria that claimed 173 lives and destroyed over 2000 homes, regulations to build homes have changed dramatically in the hope to avoid such tragedies in the future.

Many companies invested heavily into Research and Development (R&D) for safer building materials that could stand up to a bushfire, and/or protect people inside a building. Paarhammer was one of them as windows and doors can be a weak link in the building envelope.

Testing

All products had to be tested by a Nata-accredited testing facility in a real-life test and had to keep their integrity throughout the test and a cooling period.

Paarhammer windows and doors including sliding doors were tested for BAL-40 to AS1530.8.1-2007 and comply with AS3959-2009 and AS3959-2018.

Paarhammer also had windows and doors including sliding doors tested for BAL-FZ, to AS1530.8.2-2007, and comply with AS3959-2009 and AS3959-2018 without the need for shutters. This test has a 30-minute furnace cycle and a 60-minute cooling down cycle in which the products have to keep their integrity. Paarhammer products achieved this in addition to a very low heat flux.

In recent years Paarhammer also had windows and doors including sliding doors tested and approved to AS1530.4. This is the test for -/30/- minute products for use without shutters as per the 2018 Australian Standard for Building in Bushfire Prone Areas. Products with this kind of testing can only used with limitations, e.g. ‘a minimum set-back distance of 10m from the edge of vegetation’ as per the AS. The AS also states that ‘In circumstances where the 10m setback distance between the building and the edge of the classified vegetation cannot be achieved, those elements of the building that are less than 10m from the edge of the classified vegetation shall conform to AS1530.8.2.’

Heat Flux

AS1530.8.2 measures heat flux during the test 365mm from the unexposed side of the glazing (inside) reached a radiation level of 1.1 KW/m2 for Paarhammer tilt & turn windows, fixed window, hinged door and French doors, and below 1.0KW/m2 on Paarhammer lift-slide sliding doors.

AS1530.4 test – while measuring heat flux – the combined effect of ‘radiation and convection’ -, this is not a relevant factor in this Australian Standard. Measured heat flux during the test 365mm from the unexposed side of glazing (inside) resulted in a radiation level of almost 25KW/m2.

To put this into perspective, naked skin can tolerate 5W/m2 for approximately 10 seconds only

What’s the difference?

While Paarhammer uses the same self-extinguishing timber for the frames, it is mainly the glass that is different. For AS1530.8.2 the external glass is sacrificial whereas the inner pane of the double-glazed units is 14mm thick and features intumescent layers that swell up in case of fire to create a heat blanket. This is not the case with the double-glazed glass units for AS1530.4. These glass units are lighter and contain no intumescent layers, hence the heat flux is higher, and while cheaper, there are limitations to the use of such products.

Specifying

With Paarhammer windows and doors the choice is yours between two very differently performing window and door products, tested to two different Australian Standards. Please be aware of the 10m classified vegetation rule of the 2018 AS when specifying windows and doors for BAL-FZ without shutters. Download flyer

For more information

Ready to talk Bushfire Safe windows and doors? Contact us

See some examples of building in bushfire prone areas in Case Studies

Paarhammer Windows & Doors

The post Building in Bushfire Prone Areas appeared first on Completehome.

Designing a property to meet weather conditions is crucial for ensuring its durability, safety and comfort. By considering factors such as wind speed, temperature extremes, humidity, and potential natural disasters like bushfires, architects and builders can select materials that enhance the resilience of a structure.

This approach was adopted in the design of Promenade by designer/builder Latitude 37, who selected Rylock’s products to meet the site’s particular conditions, including a wind speed calculated at N2 and a Bushfire Attack Level rating of BAL19.

Rylock Windows & Doors creates a seamless blend between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering serenity and calming simplicity. The use of natural materials, combined with a striking off-form concrete wall, binds the home from front to back and provides occupants with a captivating experience.

Take a House Tour

The home welcomes you through a sequence of pavers that guide you into a luxurious, resort-inspired retreat. This residence is thoughtfully designed with distinct areas for entertainment and serene spaces for relaxation.

Inspired by mid-century modernism, the home’s considered architecture showcases expansive walls of high-performance, low-e glazing. The use of Commercial Series Fixed Lite Windows and Stacker Doors is a standout feature throughout.

To the left of the entry, a hallway is bathed in natural light, thanks to a row of Commercial Series Fixed Lite Windows. This light flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas, where 3-meter-high Commercial Series Stacker Doors have been recessed by 50mm for a flush-sill effect, opening up to a covered outdoor deck complete with a BBQ and bar.

The living room boasts a 5-meter-wide Commercial Series 3-panel Stacker Door, which opens to a Juliet balcony overlooking the rear garden, inviting cool sea breezes and enhancing cross ventilation. Highlight-raked Commercial Series Fixed Lite Windows feature custom-designed mullions that align perfectly with the doors below, adding visual interest and drawing the eye upward.

The central sunken lounge is framed by large picture windows on both the east and west sides. A substantial Commercial Series Fixed Lite Window provides views of the swim-up bar and spa, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

On the right wing of this single-story sanctuary, four additional bedrooms feature built-in cabinetry in warm walnut tones. The master bedroom, with its view of the sparkling pool, mirrors the living room’s Stacker Door configuration, complete with a Juliet balcony. The other bedrooms are equipped with Commercial Series Awning Windows for year-round ventilation, allowing the sash to remain open even in inclement weather.

Products:

Frame Colour: Custom Black
Glazing: Grade A Safety Toughened Low-e Double Glazing (Argon Fill)

For more information

Rylock Window & Doors

Image credit: SpaceCraft

The post Ultimate Protection: Window and Door Solutions appeared first on Completehome.

They are tested, certified, approved and compliant to all relevant Australian Standards and are designed to keep the fire out and you safe in the event of a bushfire. But the benefits go far beyond bushfire safety.

High energy efficiency

A frame thickness of 78mm combined with special double-glazing achieve 7 to 8 WERS (Window Energy Rating Scheme) energy stars for heating and cooling, with a U-value from a very low 1.6. Such high energy efficiency can dramatically reduce energy bills while at the same time increase comfort levels inside the building.

Less noise – No draught

There have been many studies on the negative impact of unwanted noise on people’s health. Even if one is not consciously bothered by it, exposure to noise pollution triggers various stress responses in the human body and may lead to poor mental health*.

Paarhammer windows and doors are equipped with continuous seals and German multi-point locking systems, enabling a firm, all-around airtight seal. These, in conjunction with double-glazed fire-rated glass, eliminate unwanted noise leading to a much calmer, more peaceful and healthier indoor environment.

The same features also ensure that your windows and doors are draught free. No more taping of sashes and no more draught stoppers.

To better understand the major role airtightness plays in the comfort and energy efficiency of your home, see: Draft proof your home for savings and comfort.

Security

Another key advantage of Paarhammer bushfire safe windows and door systems is security. Our multi-point locking and special hinging mechanism includes metal-to-metal locking points that are spaced around the frame, holding the sash firmly and tightly into place. Combined with thick and sturdy rebated frames, these provide unrivalled security.

No shutters required

Bushfire shutters need to be closed before a fire, in order to offer protection. Hence, failure to deploy shutters in time may lead to disaster. Paarhammer bushfire safe windows and doors however offer protection without requiring any shutters, even for BAL-FZ. This is due to the materials used, including the fire rated Pyranova® glass, and the technologically advanced way in which Paarhammer products are manufactured. Curious how this works? Click here to see the test footage for BAL-FZ

More information on BAL-40 and BAL-FZ window and door systems.

Ready to talk windows? Contact Paarhammer.

*https://hms.harvard.edu/magazine/viral-world/effects-noise-health

The post Additional Benefits of Bushfire Windows appeared first on Completehome.