Longevity and durability contribute to sustainability at VISION House Austin.
When Peter Pfeiffer and Alan Barley of Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture in Austin started the design process for the VISION House Austin, built in collaboration with Green Builder Media, they configured the house to maximize natural light while minimizing solar heat gain.
That site-specific design, matched with energy-efficient construction practices and durable, low-maintenance materials, meets the sustainability goals set by Robert and Judi George for their custom home, all while delivering a beautiful, modern aesthetic. Among the materials chosen to enhance the house are Andersen® 100 Series windows and doors.
Sustainability With Windows
One reason 100 Series products were chosen for this project was their longevity. They’re made with Fibrex material, which is twice as strong as vinyl and has a finish that is 12 times thicker than painted vinyl**—crucial for the Texas climate.
“Texas summers can be unforgiving with scorching temperatures. 100 Series products, however, stand strong since they’re made with Fibrex material that won’t rot, flake, blister, or chip.* They maintain their integrity* even under extreme conditions, enabling long-lasting performance,” says Brandon Berg, senior vice president of research and development and sustainability at Andersen.
Long-lasting performance can have long-lasting impacts on homes and the planet. And the durability and longevity of 100 Series products mean homeowners might not need to replace windows and doors as frequently, which can mean more convenience and less material going to a landfill over time. And longevity is just one way 100 Series products are leaving (less) of a mark.
The Fibrex material in 100 Series products is made with 40% wood fiber, much of which is reclaimed from Andersen manufacturing processes, helping the 100 series window products achieve a 26% pre-consumer recycled content certification from SCS Global Services (SCS). SCS has been providing global leadership in third-party quality, environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for more than three decades.
Modern Inside and Out
In addition to contributing to sustainability in the home, 100 Series products also contribute to the overall aesthetic. The virtually maintenance-free windows have clean,
precision-welded corners for a refined look, come in large sizes, and are available in rich, dark colors that won’t fade.** They even come with a 10-year limited warranty on fading* and a 20-year limited warranty on glass*.
“Design excellence and sustainability can go hand in hand,” Berg says, “we want to help homeowners and pros achieve the designs they’re after with the level of sustainability they require.”
Going Beyond the Product
Andersen’s sustainability efforts go far beyond 100 Series products. They are also investing in an increasing number of products with triple-pane glass to meet the most recent ENERGY STAR® performance requirements for greater energy efficiency.
Beyond products, “we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our energy consumption in our manufacturing operations,” says Berg. “What we can’t reduce, we are starting to invest in renewable electricity. Starting in 2024, Renewal by Andersen’s Minnesota manufacturing facility and corporate offices are powered with 100% renewable electricity.”***
He adds, “Environmental stewardship is a critical part of Andersen’s culture. As industry leaders, we actively seek partnerships and creative solutions for waste reduction, both in the short and long term.”
Achieving the Sustainability Vision
The VISION House Austin project is an example of how pros and manufacturers can work together to design modern homes that meet modern sustainability requirements, even in the toughest climates.
“Long-term durability can have a big impact on the climate,” says Berg. “Windows play a crucial role not just in the overall form of the home, but also in helping to reduce their energy use and environmental footprint. Our industry has lots of performance standards that we meet, but we focus on the customer experience and test for extremes that go above the standards.”
The VISION House Austin is one step in the broader industry-wide movement toward sustainability, and Andersen intends to be there for every step moving forward. “Beyond the projects we’re part of, we hope to also inspire pros and homeowners alike who share our interest in building more sustainable homes.”
*See individual product warranties for more information.
**When 100 Series products were tested against five leading competitors' painted vinyl window products
***Renewable energy certificates (RECs) sourced from Xcel Energy’s Renewable*Connect program comprised of energy from wind and solar sources.
Windows and Doors That Stand Up to Texas Heat
Longevity and durability contribute to sustainability at VISION House Austin.
When Peter Pfeiffer and Alan Barley of Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture in Austin started the design process for the VISION House Austin, built in collaboration with Green Builder Media, they configured the house to maximize natural light while minimizing solar heat gain.
That site-specific design, matched with energy-efficient construction practices and durable, low-maintenance materials, meets the sustainability goals set by Robert and Judi George for their custom home, all while delivering a beautiful, modern aesthetic. Among the materials chosen to enhance the house are Andersen® 100 Series windows and doors.
Sustainability With Windows
One reason 100 Series products were chosen for this project was their longevity. They’re made with Fibrex material, which is twice as strong as vinyl and has a finish that is 12 times thicker than painted vinyl**—crucial for the Texas climate.
“Texas summers can be unforgiving with scorching temperatures. 100 Series products, however, stand strong since they’re made with Fibrex material that won’t rot, flake, blister, or chip.* They maintain their integrity* even under extreme conditions, enabling long-lasting performance,” says Brandon Berg, senior vice president of research and development and sustainability at Andersen.
Long-lasting performance can have long-lasting impacts on homes and the planet. And the durability and longevity of 100 Series products mean homeowners might not need to replace windows and doors as frequently, which can mean more convenience and less material going to a landfill over time. And longevity is just one way 100 Series products are leaving (less) of a mark.
The Fibrex material in 100 Series products is made with 40% wood fiber, much of which is reclaimed from Andersen manufacturing processes, helping the 100 series window products achieve a 26% pre-consumer recycled content certification from SCS Global Services (SCS). SCS has been providing global leadership in third-party quality, environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for more than three decades.
Modern Inside and Out
In addition to contributing to sustainability in the home, 100 Series products also contribute to the overall aesthetic. The virtually maintenance-free windows have clean,
precision-welded corners for a refined look, come in large sizes, and are available in rich, dark colors that won’t fade.** They even come with a 10-year limited warranty on fading* and a 20-year limited warranty on glass*.
“Design excellence and sustainability can go hand in hand,” Berg says, “we want to help homeowners and pros achieve the designs they’re after with the level of sustainability they require.”
Going Beyond the Product
Andersen’s sustainability efforts go far beyond 100 Series products. They are also investing in an increasing number of products with triple-pane glass to meet the most recent ENERGY STAR® performance requirements for greater energy efficiency.
Beyond products, “we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our energy consumption in our manufacturing operations,” says Berg. “What we can’t reduce, we are starting to invest in renewable electricity. Starting in 2024, Renewal by Andersen’s Minnesota manufacturing facility and corporate offices are powered with 100% renewable electricity.”***
He adds, “Environmental stewardship is a critical part of Andersen’s culture. As industry leaders, we actively seek partnerships and creative solutions for waste reduction, both in the short and long term.”
Achieving the Sustainability Vision
The VISION House Austin project is an example of how pros and manufacturers can work together to design modern homes that meet modern sustainability requirements, even in the toughest climates.
“Long-term durability can have a big impact on the climate,” says Berg. “Windows play a crucial role not just in the overall form of the home, but also in helping to reduce their energy use and environmental footprint. Our industry has lots of performance standards that we meet, but we focus on the customer experience and test for extremes that go above the standards.”
The VISION House Austin is one step in the broader industry-wide movement toward sustainability, and Andersen intends to be there for every step moving forward. “Beyond the projects we’re part of, we hope to also inspire pros and homeowners alike who share our interest in building more sustainable homes.”
*See individual product warranties for more information.
**When 100 Series products were tested against five leading competitors' painted vinyl window products
***Renewable energy certificates (RECs) sourced from Xcel Energy’s Renewable*Connect program comprised of energy from wind and solar sources.
By Michele Lerner, Associate Editor
Michele Lerner is an award-winning freelance writer, editor, and author who writes about real estate, personal finance, and business.Also Read