SA Affordable Housing July - August 2019 // Issue: 77 | Page 5

NEWS
World-first plastic window
solution launched in SA
A world-first has been launched in South Africa, specifically
created for the affordable housing market.
By Benjamin Brits
Examples of the window system that is aesthetically very similar to an aluminium window frame.
A
partnership between pwp SA and BD Glazing and
Aluminium, has produced a uniquely-profiled
unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) window
– targeted at the affordable housing sector.
Freddie Opperman (pwp SA), designer, developer and
owner of the product IP, has been entrenched in the
product’s development for more than four years. He also
owns the tooling that is manufactured to extrude this
unique profile that is kept under lock and key.
“There is nothing else currently like this in the world and,
due to its unique profile and design, this product can only
be manufactured right here in South Africa. You also cannot
buy the profile off the rack as it is specially produced
exclusively to manufacture these windows by DB Glazing
and Aluminium. The completed product was initially put
into the market in January 2019 and, due to its widespread
attention from developers, the product has now officially
been launched,” says Opperman.
The product – called the Brilliant UPVC Window System
– is designed specifically for the low-cost market. Price wise
it is very affordable and, in comparison, it competes with
steel windows that are finished, painted and glazed.
Although another UPVC product exists in South Africa, it
is a different design and not as cost effective as the Brilliant
UPVC window, which is aesthetically very similar to an
www.saaffordablehousing.co.za
aluminium window frame, but many changes have been
made to accommodate the UPVC concept in the
manufacturing process.
Many large developers have already shown an interest
and the UPVC window system is in the process of being
added to specifier’s lists for inclusion in building options.
The product has been South African Bureau of Standards
(SABS) certified and also holds Association of Architectural
Aluminium Manufacturers of South Africa (AAAMSA)
certification according to SANS 613.
The window system is 100% UV resistant and being
unplasticized, it cannot burn, and in fact is self-
extinguishing. The composite of the material, which was
formulated in Germany by material experts, contains a
significant portion of titanium and the quality of the
product is assured. It is guaranteed that there will be no
discolouring, it will not become brittle and will not crack or
break and comes with a 10-year guarantee.
A test site was established two and a half years ago
where about 50 windows were installed in North West
Province, which are different sizes and shapes of the UPVC
window system. The site was selected because in this
province the UV factor is the highest in South Africa and
this research has shown, that there is no difference to the
product whatsoever. The self-evaluation proves the quality
JULY - AUGUST 2019
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