Malvern Apartment Retrofit - Malvern, VIC 3144

Malvern Apartment Reno

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On a busy arterial route in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Malvern, this 1960s apartment block stands as a testament to the design values of its era. Like many others of its vintage, the building faced urgent environmental challenges that compromised both its aesthetic appeal and the well-being of its residents. The original timber window frames, marred by wear and tear, rot damage, air leaks, and peeling paint, were in a deplorable state. Some frames had sizeable holes, allowing air to pass directly between the apartment interiors and the external environment, while others were in danger of falling out. The residents of the apartment block were confronted with multiple challenges. The insufficient solar control meant that passive heat led to unwelcome heat gains during hot days, significantly raising internal temperatures. “The existing glazing did nothing to protect occupants from summer heat,” says APS Double Glazing sales manager Alex Morrison. He says glare and fading factors were also a significant concern, with the sun’s rays causing discomfort and damaging internal furnishings. The lack of insulation during Melbourne’s cooler months and the health risk and nuisance of internal condensation further degraded the living environment. Moreover, the acoustics of the building left much to be desired, with noise from the busy street, a neighbouring child care centre and a service station constantly infiltrating the apartments.

On a busy arterial route in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Malvern, this 1960s apartment block stands as a testament to the design values of its era. Read more

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apartments renovatiom renovation transformation weather proof

Project team

Australian Glass Group
Emma Leaning

Comprehensive retrofit of a 1960s apartment block in Malvern, VIC, addressing environmental challenges, enhancing insulation, improving solar control, and upgrading acoustics for a healthier living environment.

The residents of the apartment block were confronted with multiple challenges. The insufficient solar control meant that passive heat led to unwelcome heat gains during hot days, significantly raising internal temperatures. “The existing glazing did nothing to protect occupants from summer heat,” says APS Double Glazing sales manager Alex Morrison. He says glare and fading factors were also a significant concern, with the sun’s rays causing discomfort and damaging internal furnishings.

The lack of insulation during Melbourne’s cooler months and the health risk and nuisance of internal condensation further degraded the living environment. Moreover, the acoustics of the building left much to be desired, with noise from the busy street, a neighbouring child care centre and a service station constantly infiltrating the apartments.

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The solution proposed and executed by APS Glazing was both comprehensive and innovative. The installation of high energy efficiency Insulglass LowE Plus^® Double Glazing within superior quality German Kommerling uPVC frames immediately addressed the myriad of challenges faced by the building’s occupants.

The upgrade to Insulglass LowE Plus^® marked a significant improvement in solar control, achieving 30 percent better performance than standard single glazing and 22 percent better than standard double glazing. “LowE Plus has a unique silver-based metal coating which effectively blocks most re-radiated heat, ensuring comfortable temperatures day and night,” Morrison elaborates. This feature, coupled with the enhanced insulation properties of the double glazing, resulted in a dramatic reduction in the need for artificial heating and cooling, thereby decreasing energy expenses year-round.

The installation of larger windows and the improvements in acoustics have also been well-received. “Replacing single glazing with double glazing delivered instant acoustic benefits. We’ve noticed a massive reduction in traffic and other environmental noise,” an occupant remarked. The use of uPVC frames synergized with the double glazing to enhance thermal comfort without sacrificing aesthetic appeal or security. “The low maintenance, durability, and high security of the uPVC frames have added immense value to these homes,” Morrison notes.

The transformation extended beyond practical improvements, enhancing the overall living experience within the apartment block. Larger windows and improved ventilation, facilitated by the uPVC hardware, maximized the open plan and outdoor flow to the balconies. “The difference is night and day. We can now enjoy natural light without the drawbacks,” shared another occupant.

The project’s success is evident in the enhanced comfort and well-being of the occupants, who now enjoy significantly reduced energy bills and a healthier living environment. “It’s not just about the savings; it’s about living in spaces that feel right,” an occupant reflected. The added value provided by the window system has also opened up opportunities for apartment owners to attract higher rental income.

The transformation of this 1960s apartment block in Malvern is a compelling example of how innovative glazing solutions can overcome environmental challenges, transforming living spaces into comfortable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing environments. Morrison concludes, “This project exemplifies our commitment to enhancing living spaces through cutting-edge technology and design. The feedback from the occupants has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming the impact of our work on their daily lives.”