Vinyl Windows in New Construction High-rises

At one time in Western Canada, high-rise residential buildings could only use aluminum-framed windows due to Building Code restrictions. That has recently changed, opening up a new world of thermal performance and cost savings for builders, developers, and architects. Centra Windows is making these exciting changes a reality at Vancouver’s River District development. We went down to the site with one of our Window Geeks to check it out and learn more about why this project is so special.

The Sawmill Development

3338 Sawmill Crescent is a residential development under construction in Vancouver, which includes a 26-floor tower. When completed later this year, this joint venture between the Community Land Trust Foundation of BC and the Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency will provide 337 affordable housing units for the community. Centra Windows was appointed by builder TL Housing Solutions to supply high-performance windows for Sawmill, but unlike most projects of a similar scale, these products will have vinyl frames as opposed to aluminum – a change which promises cost savings and improved thermal efficiency for future residents.

Building on Experience

This isn’t the first time Centra has supplied non-aluminum windows for high-rise developments, though previously our experience has been with tower renovations as opposed to new construction. In those instances, Centra also installed the windows, giving us a deep understanding of both product and process and making us the perfect partners for the Sawmill development. The industry is constantly changing and Centra isn’t content with being a follower. We invest heavily in in-house Experts, allowing us to accomplish a number of provincial firsts such as these – that’s why they call us the Window Geeks.

Big Savings and Elevated Performance

Aluminum has been a common window frame material for a long time, but using vinyl instead can lead to considerably lower costs as well as improved thermal performance. Builders and architects will understand just how unique this is. Typically, value engineering equates to a decline in quality and performance – but not in this case. Given the current state of the housing market in Canada, we’re looking for both lower construction costs and superior energy efficiency. That’s exactly what Centra Windows provides.

Taking Advantage of Recent Code Changes

In the case of the Sawmill development, window openings are separated by large cladding panels both vertically and horizontally, as the project followed an older version of the Building Code that necessitated larger breaks between the frames. With the 2020 edition of the Building Code finally coming into force, these rules are being relaxed, allowing bigger openings for vinyl windows which will translate to more natural light for building residents. Knowing the benefits of using vinyl, the industry has been pushing to have these rules updated for some time. You can learn more about how these changes came about in our recent blog.

If you’re working on a high-rise development and you’re interested in cost savings and boosting energy efficiency, reach out to the Experts at Centra Windows.

We Are Your Certified Window Geeks!

We love to talk windows! We’re here to help, so if you have a question about your window project all you have to do is reach out. Contact us early in the process so that our experts can make sure everything is correct from the get-go.

For more information on this topic (and many more!) contact our local Employee Owners at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at info@centra.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about what's happening with Centra Windows. Join the club and become a Window Geek yourself by signing up for our newsletter, which provides news, advice, and tips about the window industry and upcoming events, and test your window knowledge by following us on LinkedIn.