Retrofitting an existing building doesn’t mean sacrificing performance.
With the right high-performance window system, retrofit projects can significantly improve thermal efficiency, airtightness, occupant comfort, and long-term energy savings — approaching the standards typically associated with new construction.
The right upgrade can completely transform how a building performs.
#INTUSWindows #Retrofit #EnergyEfficiency #PassiveHouse #HighPerformanceWindows #SustainableBuilding
👉 /intus-insights/how-the-right-retrofit-windows-can-achieve-near-new-build-performance
Most architects don’t need another product presentation.
They need clearer answers to real project challenges.
The best Lunch & Learns help teams better understand:
• Building envelope performance
• Thermal bridging risks
• Code compliance requirements
• Installation coordination
• Long-term energy efficiency
Because decisions made early in design often determine how well a building performs later.
The most valuable conversations happen when education comes before promotion.
Schedule a Lunch & Learn: /intuswindowsllc/form/VirtualLunchLearnPresentationIntroductiontoUnitize/formperma/cXeIKOTD5QzjbbFBubNjhHU9t1SXJDgjVaRGt8r9mQA?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Event&utm_campaign=LinkedInEventutm_source=blog+post&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lunch-and-learn
When comparing polymer and aluminum windows, performance depends on far more than appearance.
uPVC systems are known for strong thermal insulation, lower heat transfer, and excellent long-term energy efficiency — making them a common choice for high-performance residential and Passive House projects.
Aluminum systems offer slim sightlines, structural strength, and the ability to support larger openings, which is why they’re often used in commercial and contemporary architectural applications. However, thermal breaks are critical to improving their energy performance.
The right material depends on the specific goals of the project:
• Energy efficiency
• Structural requirements
• Design aesthetics
• Building scale
• Long-term performance expectations
There’s no single “best” option — only the right fit for the application.
Choose between INTUS products: /products
#Architecture #PassiveHouse #HighPerformanceWindows #BuildingEnvelope #SustainableDesign #uPVC #AluminumWindows #INTUSWindows
"What causes more project problems: the façade design itself — or choosing the wrong system for how the building actually needs to perform?
The decision between stick-built and unitized façade systems impacts far more than aesthetics.
It can affect:
• Installation speed
• Site coordination
• Labor efficiency
• Construction sequencing
• Long-term performance
Stick-built systems can offer greater flexibility and easier field modifications — which can be critical on more customized or complex projects.
Unitized systems can help reduce installation time, improve quality control, and simplify on-site execution — especially on larger-scale developments.
So what actually matters most?
The answer depends on the project priorities:
• Faster timelines
• More flexibility
• Better performance coordination
• Reduced construction risk
• Improved site efficiency
There’s no universal “best” façade system — only the best fit for the project constraints.
What's your take on this? Share in the comments 👇
#Architecture #FacadeDesign #BuildingEnvelope #CurtainWall #HighPerformanceBuildings #Architects #INTUSWindows"
Windows can account for over one-third of a commercial building’s heat gain and loss—making them one of the most critical decisions in high-performance design.
That’s why polymer window systems are becoming a cornerstone of Passive House projects. With inherently low thermal conductivity and exceptional airtightness, they consistently outperform traditional materials in real-world performance.
Join Sam Kintzele (INTUS Windows) at the upcoming Passive House Accelerator event for a technical deep dive into:
• Why window selection defines your energy model
• Key performance advantages of polymer systems
• Latest developments in Passive House-certified solutions (Supera 74, 83 & Passive+)
Expect practical insights, real project experience, and yes—things might get a little geeky.
📅 May 20
🕘 9am PT / 12pm ET
🎓 Free + live Q&A
👉 Register here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.zoom.us/meeting/register/kQB34ESWQqmJ6wVUwfEkxA
#PassiveHouse #HighPerformanceBuildings #SustainableDesign #Architecture #BuildingScience #INTUSWindows
Choosing the right window system isn’t just about meeting performance targets—it’s about how the system integrates into the overall building design.
The Supera Series is developed for projects that demand both:
strong thermal performance and clean architectural detailing.
It’s particularly well suited for:
– Multi-family residential projects
– High-performance homes
– Commercial buildings with strict energy goals
What matters most is not just the product itself, but how it supports the broader façade strategy—balancing performance, flexibility, and design intent.
The takeaway:
Better window systems contribute to better buildings—when they align with the needs of the project.
Explore the Supera Series: /products/polymer/windows
Thermal bridges are one of the most common—and most overlooked—causes of performance loss in building envelopes.
They occur when insulation is not continuous, often around window installations.
On paper, everything may look correct. In reality, small gaps in detailing can lead to significant heat loss.
Over time, this doesn’t just impact energy efficiency.
It can also lead to condensation, moisture issues, and long-term material damage.
The challenge is that these problems are rarely caused by the product alone.
They come from how the system is installed and integrated into the wall assembly.
The takeaway:
Even high-performance windows won’t perform as intended without proper installation detailing.
At INTUS Windows, we focus on the full system, from product selection to installation strategy, to minimise thermal bridging in real projects.
See how this is achieved in practice: /projects
Not every project needs the same window system.
Material choice should always reflect the realities of the project—performance targets, budget, and building type.
Polymer systems are often the right fit when:
– You’re working on residential or multi-family projects
– Strong thermal performance is required
– Cost efficiency is a key driver
– The design benefits from repetition and standardisation
Instead of defaulting to one material, the better approach is to match the system to the project.
The takeaway:
Polymer offers a strong balance between performance and cost—but only when it aligns with your project goals.
At INTUS Windows, we help teams evaluate the right system early—based on real project constraints, not assumptions.
See our polymer products: /products
When it comes to Passive House, window performance is often reduced to one number: U-value 🌡️
But in practice, that’s only part of the story.
We often see assumptions like:
– Lower U-value always means better performance
– Triple glazing is the default solution
In reality, performance depends on how the entire system works together.
Orientation and solar gain can significantly influence energy results.
And installation quality—especially airtightness—can make or break performance on site.
A well-specified window won’t perform if it’s poorly integrated into the building envelope.
The takeaway:
Window performance isn’t just about the specification—it’s about the full system.
Explore how this works in real projects: /projects?type=7
Did you know windows can account for over one-third of a commercial building’s heat gain and loss? That makes window selection a defining factor in the success of your energy model, mechanical systems, and long-term building performance.
Join Sam Kintzele of @intuswindows on Wednesday, May 20th at 9am PT / 12pm ET for a technical deep dive and a look at the latest developments around INTUS Windows’ Passive House-certified Supera 74, Supera 83, and Supera Passive+ systems.
Register here: https://ow.ly/T3CF50YRbu6
“High-performance” on paper doesn’t always translate to high performance on site.
Most window systems are tested in controlled conditions. But buildings aren’t.
Real performance depends on what happens after specification:
how the system is detailed, how it’s installed, and how everything comes together as part of the façade.
That’s where things start to break down.
Air leakage at connections.
Inconsistent sealing.
Specifications that don’t match real project conditions.
The result isn’t always visible immediately—but it shows up over time in energy loss, discomfort, and performance gaps.
Because performance isn’t just tested.
It’s built.
👉 Learn how to avoid common performance gaps: /products
City noise isn’t new 🌆
But how much of it makes it inside—that’s a design decision.
In many buildings, sound control is treated as an afterthought. The structure performs, the façade looks right—but noise still gets through.
And most of the time, the issue isn’t the wall.
It’s the window.
When acoustic performance isn’t considered early, everyday noise becomes part of the space—affecting comfort, focus, and overall quality of living.
Getting it right doesn’t mean eliminating sound completely.
It means designing buildings that control it.
👉 Learn how window performance impacts acoustic comfort: /products
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