SPOTLIGHT

Viridian LightBridge windows

‘YOUR HOME IS A PLACE YOU SHOULD ENJOY SPENDING TIME IN, AND TEMPERATURE PLAYS A CRUCIAL PART IN THAT. THE INSULATION PERFORMANCE OF THE GLASS WILL HELP TO CONTROL THE HOME’S TEMPERATURE AND HOW COMFORTABLE IT FEEL S.’ Tanya Jepson, Viridian

Glass plays a critical role in the My Ideal House concept. The rear module of the home is, in effect, a glass pavilion that creates a seamless connection between the living areas and garden.

In order to bring this crucial element to life, architect Madeleine Blanchfield specified Viridian LightBridge double-glazed windows throughout, allowing her to have expansive glass areas without sacrificing energy efficiency.

“Choosing high-performance, double-glazed windows like LightBridge means the permissible window area in My Ideal House can be significant but still allow the house to achieve a good Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme star rating,” says Tanya Jepson, the marketing and communications manager for Viridian. “The result is a comfortable, energy-efficient home with light, views and a sense of space.”

Energy efficiency and sustainability were certainly what the judges of the My Ideal House design competition were looking for, but it was equally important for the home to be flexible, comfortable and liveable.

“Madeleine has used LightBridge glass to address these aspects of the brief,” says Jepson. “Windows and glass allow a connection between the garden and a number of key spaces. That connection creates a beautiful indoor-outdoor flow and makes the home an inviting place to live and entertain in.”

The modular nature of Blanchfield’s design means it suits any site. Complementing this flexibility, large spans of glass in the living areas play a key role in maximising the capture of northern light, always a valuable feature for the occupants. In fact, research conducted in 2014 by the CSIRO for its EnergyFit Home Initiative found that participants rated ‘good natural light’ as the most important feature of homes.

“Glass brings many wonderful design and performance benefits to your living space,” says Jepson. “Different glass types can impact on the feel and function of your home in various ways.”

LightBridge double-glazed windows will provide superior insulation that limits the transfer of hot air through glazing, reflecting heat out of the house in summer and reflecting internal heat back inside in winter. “The glass has an enclosed Low-E coating that actively insulates the home, significantly reducing heat loss or gain,” says Jepson.

All the windows in the bedrooms, bathrooms and multipurpose room are now in. Installing the glass spans in the living room will complete the set.