Innovative window system combines energy efficiency and design freedom

No compromise on high design standards

The all-glass window system GEALAN-KUBUS^® not only ensures a successful transformation from traditional to modern within various project frameworks. Even when maximum glass surface is required for tilt-and-turn windows and balcony doors, for example, GEALAN's versatile flagship has everything to offer. Moreover, the innovative window system from the renowned developer and manufacturer of plastic window and door profiles stands for top performance in terms of rain tightness, wind load, air permeability as well as insulation. These are welcome pluses that were fully utilized during the recent transformation of Tilburg's Church of Peace into a housing complex for young professionals.

Innovative window systems give builders, architects and planners every opportunity to achieve an energy-efficient building envelope with high design standards. So too in the case of the Church of Peace in Tilburg. After serving as a house of worship for more than 60 years, the historic building was recently transformed into a modern housing complex with 39 apartments in the side aisles and a central living space in the nave.

GEALAN's flagship GEALAN-KUBUS® system for maximum glass area of tilt and turn windows and balcony doors. Thanks to the minimum profile width from inside to outside, the frame does not disturb the view. 

With a tested Uf value of 0.88 W/(m²K), the elements achieve a U-window value
of 0.84 W/(m²K).

Thanks in part to the use of GEALAN-KUBUS^® a successful step was taken from tradition to modernity during the special project. At the same time, design and functionality were cleverly and stylishly combined. 

"The system provides maximum glass area in the tilt and turn windows and balcony doors used," said Bas van den Eerenbeemt, system consultant on behalf of GEALAN Netherlands. "Thanks to the minimum profile width from inside to outside, the frame does not disturb the view at all. In addition, the sash invisible from the outside provides an extraordinary amount of light in the homes." 

Top values

During the development of GEALAN-KUBUS^® GEALAN's starting point was clear: to come up with a consistent design that would allow the customer to realize attractive windows with truly distinctive characteristics. This goal was brilliantly achieved by completely omitting the seals on the frame during the design process and integrating the various functions of glass sealing and frame-sash sealing into one sealing cross-section. 

Moreover, because the frame frame and intermediate posts have the same standard width of 100 mm, unprecedented symmetry and an exceptionally calm appearance are achieved. The aesthetic aspect, however, highlights only one side of the coin, it turns out. 

"In terms of functionality, too, this is a true quality product," Van den Eerenbeemt continues. "For example, the system represents absolute top values when it comes to rain tightness, wind load and air permeability. In addition, GEALAN-KUBUS^® for outstanding energy efficiency and has great insulating properties. These are achieved by thoughtfully combining the innovative design with IKD^® foam technology in the frame." 

Invisible

At architectural firm Bedaux de Brouwer Architects, which drew the transformation design of the Church of Peace, they are extremely enthusiastic about the applied window system. 

"From the beginning, our goal was to place the windows behind the masonry so that the frame is not visible at all," says Thomas Bedaux on behalf of the Goirles-based architectural firm. 

'With GEALAN-KUBUS^® is this possible. 

The result is pleasing. The ornament-free style of the church continues to look modern. To get more daylight inside the building, only the original small windows on the sides of the building were replaced with the GEALAN system. "To this end, the window sills were lowered and the openings in the masonry enlarged. Behind them, the GEALAN-KUBUS^®-system mounted," Bedaux concludes.