passivehouse+ | Issue 7
News
Danish Futura+ low energy windows arrive in Ireland insulation) to eliminate thermal bridging and achieve lower U-values. Double-glazed versions can achieve an overall U-value of 1.2. FGM managing director Finbar Lannin told Passive House Plus that the windows are designed so that all the components can be either recycled, or disposed of non toxically at the end of the window’s life cycle. Now featuring inward opening windows and doors – which have the same profile in elevation — the Futura + range also comes as standard outward opening units. The slim profile maximises the glazed area and associated solar gain. The Futura+ windows and doors are designed to have a unitised elevation in that fixed sashes, opening windows, terrace and sliding doors all look the same in elevation, so that minimum aluminium is viewable.
Leopardstown-based FGM Windows and Doors Ltd has announced the launch to the Irish market of Futura+, the latest generation of low energy windows from Danish manufacturer Idealcombi. The composite windows are aluminium externally and wood internally, and can deliver overall U-values as low as 0.75
for triple-glazed units. The external aluminium is designed with minimal maintenance powdercoated aluminium to selected colour, and the interior features traditional natural or painted heartwood Scandinavian pine. The frame itself features polyurethane (PUR
Versatile launches hydraulic interface units for community heating schemes Leading Irish heating and plumbing specialist Versatile have launched the Herz Dublin hydraulic interface unit (HIU) to the market. Designed for district heating systems, the Herz Dublin HIU is suitable for all community schemes and enables low temperature hot water (LTHW) from a central plant to provide direct hot water and heating to each dwelling, with complete separation between the LTHW primary and secondary heating, and domestic hot water systems. The Herz Dublin HIU is a complete package comprising all components mounted on a frame, factory assembled and tested. It is designed to offer instantaneous hot water and space heating to properties. Twin heat exchangers provide hydraulic separation, while pressure temperature control valves allow the domestic hot water heat exchanger to operate on demand only.
The system also features thermostatic hot water temperature control, a hot water priority valve, a summer bypass to valve to maintain a minimum primary temperature when the space heating is not in use, and a first fix rail that allows shell and core pipework to be completed without HIU being fitted. Versatile is one of Ireland's largest distributors of heating, cooling and ventilation products, including leading sustainable brands such as low energy radiator manufacturer Jaga and sustainable heating, cooling and ventilation giant Zehnder, whose range includes certified passive heat recovery ventilation systems.
(right) The Herz Dublin hydraulic interface unit is designed to boost the energy efficiency of district and centralised heating systems, by enabling low temperature heating and domestic hot water to be delivered simultaneously but separately
Futura+ is also certified SBD (Secure By Design) with security features including heavy duty brackets, receivers and three point espagnolette locks. Futura+ windows have also featured on the popular TV show Grand Designs.
(above) a cutaway section shows the thermally broken Futura+ timber aluclad window by Idealcombi, available in Ireland via FGM Windows and Doors Ltd