A conversation between the editors of the OKNONET portal and the director of the Avante window factory, Damian Brzezinski.
Editor: Avante has been producing aluminum windows for some time now. Is this a response to changing market needs?
D.B.: Yes, we have been producing windows and doors based on aluminum profiles in our factory in Elbląg since January 2021. We started production with Reynaers profiles, and now we also offer solutions from other system providers.
I can definitely say that for a long time we have been observing a growing interest in aluminum joinery not only on our domestic market, but also on the markets of Western Europe. This is certainly also the result of changing contemporary architecture and trends in modern construction. Open architecture, i.e. assuming a smooth penetration of the building’s interior with the surrounding nature, the importance of the availability of sunlight, or a lifestyle in harmony with the environment – all these aspects translate into investors falling in love with house designs with large glazing.
Ed.: That’s true, but can’t large glazing also be made using PVC systems?
D.B.: Of course, we also produce large PVC glazing, e.g. sliding doors, lift-sliding doors and fixed glazing with a height of over 2000 mm. But if the scope of the architectural project is even greater, and the investor’s requirements regarding durability, design and, of course, also the prestige of the investment, are high, then aluminum is the most common choice. Aluminum allows you to create glass facades, roofs or winter gardens without having to worry about maintaining the stiffness and dimensional stability of the structure. It is the unrivaled strength and stiffness of aluminum profiles that allow for great design freedom, resulting in objects that win global architectural competitions. And at this point it is impossible not to mention an incredibly important aspect, both for the designer and the investor, which is design. Modern aluminum profile systems are simple, even ascetic in shape, with an extremely smooth surface and, most importantly, they are visually much thinner than PVC profiles. Thanks to this, they do not limit the surface of the glass and maximum access to daylight.
Editor: Doesn’t such maximum exposure cause problems, e.g. with thermal insulation? It is a common opinion that aluminum is a cold material.
D.B.: Designers of modern aluminum profile systems have already perfectly solved the problem of heat transfer, using a multi-chamber structure, special thermal breaks, multi-point sealing or even taking into account the possibility of installing warm glazing packages. It is worth making investors aware that the glass is crucial for thermal insulation, mainly due to the area it occupies. Today, we can successfully produce aluminum windows that meet passive construction standards, which are super warm and energy-efficient in operation. It can be said that aluminum systems offer only advantages without compromises. Durability, warmth and design in one.
Editor: But there is always a “but”?
D.B.: If I were to point it out clearly, it would be that it is a much more expensive solution than PVC joinery. And it certainly will not find its place in economical single- or multi-family housing. However, from the industry point of view, aluminum joinery has higher margins, but it is also a very attractive offer element that attracts customers with larger budgets. And this is always worth fighting for.
Editor: It’s hard to disagree with this summary. Thank you very much for the interesting conversation.
D.B.: Thank you too.
