Organic influence: the design power of timber windows

It is clear that architecturally designed windows can upgrade the functionality and style of a project—inside and out. For example, adding hardwood timber surrounds that continue in depth to form a desirable window seat or the emergence of tilt-and-turn windows welcoming a cool breeze into the home without disrupting the clear view with flyscreens.

“We view windows as the most important element in a building, providing a dramatic impact on the design, aesthetics, functionality, liveability and performance of a home,” says Andre Griffs, Co-founder at BINQ.

Established in 2009, BINQ is an Australian-owned window and door manufacturer and supplier. 

"Our Architectural timber range of windows and doors, Archetto, features our locally sourced, Australian-manufactured timber, which specifiers (and their clients) undeniably love,” says Mr Griffs.

1. Organic form:

Mr Griffs notes the design industry has embraced timber-framed windows in the past few years. “There is a warmth and timeless style that only wood can evoke in design,” he says.

“We primarily offer timber and UPVC windows and doors. We are proud to be the only company in Australia providing both.”

When asked, what is UPVC? Mr Griffs explains, "UPVC has a different finish than timber. It offers more colour options and a smoother finish, while timber has a more natural, textured look with fewer colour variations,” he says.

2. Security:

BINQ’s timber windows and doors are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have enhanced security features. "Our windows and doors offer superior security due to their advanced design and engineering, from the glass to the lock system. These safety features are included in all our products, including our timber range,” says Griffs.

3. High-performance:

High-performance windows are essential in both residential and commercial buildings, especially in winter, to prevent air and heat leakage. "The frame is crucial because even with double or triple glazing, without a good frame, there will be significant heat and air leakage. We ensure that both the glass and the framework together provide optimal performance," says Mr Griffs.

​​“The design of the operable sash and how it interacts with the frame ensures

minimum air leakage is achieved. A key part of this design element in our windows is multiple locking points around the operable sash to ensure that the gaskets are evenly compressed to minimise air leakage,” Mr Griffs adds.

4. Sustainability:

BINQ has taken its ethos on sustainability to heart, with 100 per cent of each log received being utilised. This is no small feat for a local manufacturer; it entails everything from utilising off-cuts as finger joints for structural timber to sawdust as a green energy solution to power its kilns.

“Our timber materiality is sourced locally here in Victoria from regrowth forests,” says Mr Griffs. “Before harvesting, all flora, fauna, silvicultural, historical and cultural aspects are surveyed, plotted and allowed for – sustainability is essential to us.”

Ferrars & York

The Ferrars & York project, by Six Degrees Architects and HIP V. HYPE, consists of 22 carbon-neutral apartments located a mere 100 metres from South Melbourne Market. The complex is powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and encompasses best practices in climate-resilient design and construction.

The development achieved both carbon neutrality and a targeted 8+ NatHERS energy rating. These lofty sustainability goals required careful consideration of the building envelope, especially the design of its windows and doors, which needed to deliver exceptional thermal performance and airtightness. 

“When it comes to both energy efficiency and acoustics, windows and doors are your weak point,” says Liam Wallis, Founder of HIP V. HYPE.

“That’s where you have the most heat gain and heat loss throughout a year, and when we build apartment buildings in high-density locations, you can end up with health impacts due to noise if you don’t insulate or seal the property correctly,” Mr Wallis adds. 

Ferrars & York features BINQ’s Architectural Archetto Series hardwood tilt-and-turn windows, lift-and-slide doors, and IV68 hinged door. The series maximises glass due to its low profile while providing climate control with continuous rubber gaskets that are uniformly compressed by multi-point locking systems.

With BINQ’s extensive expertise and sustainable timber products, designers and homeowners can transform their property inside and out – from aesthetics to security and performance – with architecturally designed timber windows and doors. 

View BINQ’s extensive range of timber windows and doors on ArchiPro today.