The ARTEVO system from REHAU: the art of perfecting the perfect - PRAGMATIKA.MEDIA

The transformation of the window and translucent structures is a story that began about 2000 years ago. From Roman windows to mosaic glazing with "bull's eyes" and stained glass, sheet float glass and the idea of a plastic profile, we have reached the mass application of PVC windows. Further developments concern them. But does this mean that the time of great discoveries has passed?

We talk about modern window revolutions and their role in architecture with REHAU Window Solutions experts Igor Binkovsky and Oleksandr Manchenko and architect, founder of AIIX STUDIO and llab.design Oleksandr Bosenko.

Window of opportunity

Indeed, the idea of something radically new in modern architecture, design or construction seems like an exaggeration. Well, what other "bicycles" can be invented? We live in an era of marketing-driven decisions, honing good to great, changes that are appropriate but subtle.

At the same time, today's technology finally allows us to get everything that we have long wanted from facade and interior glazing. Sacrificing nothing and making no compromises - both from the point of view of production and use and further disposal.

Director of the REHAU Window Solutions BSS business line Ihor Binkovskyi says: modern window systems, glazing for residential and office spaces must meet many more criteria than ever before.

The use of ARTEVO Performance 360° systems in the building responds to the growing demands for a modern, efficient and aesthetic window

"If a couple of centuries ago the window had to serve as a barrier from external factors and provide a flow of light, now the list of requirements is probably two dozen or more. Sometimes they can contradict each other, for example, the window system should keep warm in winter and cool in summer, or provide access to fresh air and at the same time protect from the outside environment. In these requirements lies the space for reinvention — a new invention of windows."

"The principle of the window has been preserved through time, but the requirements for it as a part of housing and space have increased significantly. We no longer put a sign of opposition between them, but respond to each of them," - Ihor Binkovskyi.

Ihor Binkovskyi, director of the REHAU Window Solutions BSS business line

He emphasizes that between indicators of energy efficiency, functionality and convenience for different groups of users, environmental friendliness of materials, resistance to breakage, perfect external and internal design, it is no longer possible to put "either-or" - only "and":

"Also, we must take into account the manufacturability and reproducibility of the product. The production of window systems should be simple for the manufacturer in terms of funds and equipment. Any model can be designed, but here we are talking about repeatability. In modern conditions, you can easily install a double-glazed window that will darken or work as a touchscreen or TV. The question is how many people will be able to afford to buy it. The window is a mass product, which should be as accessible as possible to the buyer, private customer, and developer."

What do architects expect?

У Oleksandr Bosenko, architect, founder of the AIIX STUDIO and llab.design studios, we asked his opinion about the modern arsenal of transparent structures and his favorite methods of working with glazing.

This year, the business center project Heritage from AIIX STUDIO received three awards at the international Architecture MasterPrize competition: "Winner" in the "Architectural Design/Mixed Use Architecture category", "Honorable Mention" in the "Interior Design/Commercial Interior category" and "Interior Architecture Photography/Commercial Interior category" ". The Heritage building, erected on Zhilyanska Street in Kyiv, is part of the quarter's redevelopment program.

Oleksandr Bosenko, architect, founder of AIIX Studio and llab.design. Photo: llab.design

According to Oleksandr Bosenko, manufacturers of window systems operating in the middle and high segments today have options for solving almost any task requested by an architect.

"Even if it is not a system solution, most of them have the ability and capacity to create non-standard options. Of course, there are no such opportunities in the lower price segment. However, there are things that are easy to "reinvent," he says. — The expressiveness of the profile can become a qualitative evolution. The new design is able to visually "extend" to a better, higher level.

Respectable European manufacturers have window profiles in classic or modern designs, this allows architects to set the character of the facade, taking into account all the little things and details.

Unfortunately, in general, most manufacturers today offer neither classic nor modern, something in between. In this case, the black color of the profile could save or improve the situation, but the details give out - it is the color of the distance of the double-glazed windows, seals, the geometry of the profile of the window system.

In the basic price range, few manufacturers pay attention to the appearance of the window profile, at least as seen from the side. Simple solutions often lack sophistication — in the absence of clear lines or expressiveness of the profile from the outside and the inside.

Both aluminum and metallurgy lack aesthetics of solutions/execution."

The Heritage business center at 25 Zhilyanska Street in Kyiv, a project of the Ukrainian architectural bureau AIIX studio. Photo: Serhiy Savchenko

Oleksandr Bosenko: "Well-chosen glazing allows the architect to feel freer, understand all the possibilities and functionality of each system and profile, and free up time for other tasks."

The architect continues:

«The most effective technique, in my opinion, and one that we often use in our projects, for example, it was the case with the Heritage business center, which recently received several international awards, is the correct integration of the ventilation sashes into the window system.

This gives an opportunity to feel free to design the geometry of the facades. You get "free space" to create the required lines of transoms, imposts and glazing geometry in general. The architect has free hands to saturate the facade with details, or on the contrary, to leave it in its pure form, preserving the restraint and aesthetics of the facade, focusing on other details.

This is a technique that works both for expressiveness and functionality. That which adds scale of perception to the architecture. At the same time, the primary issues of ventilation and energy efficiency have also been resolved.

Thus, well-chosen glazing allows the architect to feel more free, to understand all the possibilities and functionality of each system and profile. And pay attention to the rest — from the shape and color of the parts to the textures of painting."

The genesis of REHAU systems. ARTEVO is the evolution of GENEO

Igor Binkovskyi has been working in the core team of REHAU Window Solutions for 27 years and was involved in the development stage of the most innovative window system at the moment ARTEVO Performance 360°.

This year, ARTEVO received the German Design Award 2024 in the "Building and Elements" category and won the "Product — Building Technologies" category at the Munich Iconic Award 2024 ("Best of the Best" award).

Ihor Binkovskyi told us about the way to its creation.

The ARTEVO Performance 360° window system from REHAU has won awards in the field of products and construction technology, including the Iconic Award 2024 in Munich ("Best of the Best")

"In 2008, we introduced the technology of using composite material for the production of window profile. Then the company launched the REHAU system on the market GENEO. It was and remains a revolutionary window system in which two materials are combined. The first is the patented REHAU composite material RAU-FIPRO, the second is polyvinyl chloride, which is completely traditional for the production of windows."

The innovative RAU-FIPRO composite material came to the GENEO and ARTEVO window systems from development REHAU for the aviation and automotive industries

The idea for GENEO was born from observations of the "lifetime" of a window.

"Usually, in order for a window made of a PVC profile to serve for a long time, each of its elements — both in the frame and in the sash (the part of the window structure that opens and closes. — Editor's note) and in the vertical rack, which is called an impost, must be reinforced with galvanized steel reinforcement. This ensures the stability of the structure, - explains Ihor Binkovskyi. — At the same time, the metal in the profile is an additional cold bridge, and this is reflected in the energy efficiency indicators.

Then not only we, but also other market players asked themselves the question: what can be invented in order to use less metal?

The REHAU concern includes divisions that work with the automotive and aviation industries, including REHAU Automotive, Industrial Solutions. The company also founded its own polymer institute in the city of Rechau. The composites created there were used for Formula 1 and air transport.

The main requirement for the materials used in these industries is that they should be extremely strong and light.

At some point, the engineers had an idea: what, how can we combine our composite material together with PVC and get a window profile? There were two ways to this. The first is to make a profile from a composite and insert it into a PVC profile, thus providing the necessary strength and rigidity. But such a solution was not technological. As I already mentioned, we have to remember about the manufacturer, about whether it is easy to make windows from such a profile.

The second idea that has found application — coextrusion.

Until 2005–2007, we were familiar with the monoextrusion process, when window profiles were made from a homogeneous material. REHAU specialists managed to make the core of the profile made of composite material and the shell of the profile made of PVC come out of the extruder as one single profile."

RAU-FIPRO and RAU-FIPRO X are innovative composite materials patented by REHAU, which combine the advantages of plastic and fiberglass

Thus, thanks to specially created equipment and patented solutions, REHAU has truly "reinvented" the window profile. This is how the GENEO system was born. The new window profile fully met the requirements for stability, the maximum possible sizes of window elements without the use of steel reinforcement, significantly reduced heat loss. The rest of the indicators were also attractive: an installation depth of 86 mm, 6 chambers with a glass thickness of up to 53 mm, a three-contour sealing system, sound insulation up to 48 dB, RC3 class breakage resistance (and RC2 class is achievable even without the use of metal reinforcement), many variations of decor and colors, including with lamination, texture imitations or aluminum overlays.

The GENEO profile system received a certificate from the Darmstadt Institute for Research on Energy-Efficient Buildings for use in classroom buildings Passive House.

If we talk about GENEO, it is not only the usual front window as such, but also an energy-efficient solution with almost no shape and size limitations, new possibilities for angular, round, irregular shapes; doors for premises, balconies, terraces or winter gardens; entrance door; various partitions for zoning and organization of spaces; various types of sliding structures, etc.

What should be a window system that not only meets today's demands, but is also future-oriented?

"When we launched GENEO in 2008, it was unique and remains so to this day. None of the competitors could repeat it. The system became popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Romania, and other countries and is still in demand," says Ihor Binkovskyi.

In the future, the GENEO system evolved into the GENEO RAU-FIPRO X and acquired even more perfection and strength, thanks to which the maximum possible height of the sash in the window structure increased to 2,8 m! REHAU gave the world warm and easy-to-use floor-to-ceiling windows.

Profiles from RAU-FIPRO make it possible to manufacture window structures with a sash height of up to 2,8 m, previously windows of this size were made only from aluminum. Project by Engelshove Bau GmbH, Neuenkirchen, applied profile system REHAU GENEO RAU-FIPRO X. Photo: Arnt Haug ©, arnt-haug.de

However, time passed, and after 10 years of dominance of GENEO and its related products, the company thought about what would happen next. What should be a window system that not only meets today's demands, but is also future-oriented?

The time from development and testing to the launch of the window system is about 3-4 years, and REHAU understood the need to "think ahead".

Ihor Binkovskyy says: then, with the participation of REHAU partner companies, which actively worked with GENEO, a special working group was created. It involved product managers, developers, engineers, marketers, and partner teams.

"After meetings and brainstorms, we identified about 10-12 requirements for window systems. For example, to their design, energy efficiency, functionality, size limitations, lack of reinforcement, manufacturability. An assessment was made of where exactly according to the defined criteria we are with the GENEO system now and where within each of them we want to be tomorrow, what are the goals we set."

These factors of perfection, arranged in a circle, are the same 360° in the name of the new system ARTEVO Performance.

ARTEVO: the symbiosis of the proven High-Tech material RAU-FIPRO X and the recognized technological experience of REHAU allows you to maximize the potential of the window. 360^о efficiency in all parameters

Circle of evolutionary decisions

So ARTEVO windows, the name of which was formed from a combination of words ART and EVOlution, adopted the best of previous systems and added their own unique qualities. Which ones exactly?

Ihor Binkovskyi explains: firstly, to improve the manufacturability of the processes, the company analyzed the compatibility of profile systems manufactured by REHAU.

The installation depth (thickness of the frame in section. — Ed. note) in GENEO is 86 mm. Also in the REHAU range is the energy-efficient SYNEGO system with a depth of 80 mm.

For advanced window systems, many additional profiles are always made, which must be at the same depth. That is why we decided to choose depth for ARTEVO Performance 360° 80 mm. Thus, multiple systems can use the same additional profiles and reduce inventory, both proprietary and partner.

Profile systems with RAU-FIPRO X made it possible to "reinvent" windows: provide unique strength, the maximum possible sizes of window elements and significantly reduce heat loss

As in the case of GENEO, the basis of the ARTEVO system is RAU-FIPRO X. The use of this material allows the production of opening elements of extremely large sizes compared to traditional PVC systems, with heavy glass units, meeting the highest requirements for heat and sound insulation and fracture resistance.

GENEO's big achievement was certification for use in Passivhaus buildings. To maintain these indicators with a change in the structural depth of the profile, ARTEVO uses another innovation from REHAU — a patented insert LowE, which is located inside the reinforcement chambers of the frame and sash profiles.

Oleksandr Manchenko, engineer of the technical department of the "Solutions for the Window Industry" direction, referent of the REHAU Academy

Oleksandr Manchenko: "Due to the use of LowE profile technology additional reduction of heat loss can be achieved"

Engineer of the technical department of the "Solutions for the Window Industry" direction and referent of the REHAU Academy Oleksandr Manchenko says: both systems do not require metal for most structures, so the reinforcement chambers in the GENEO and ARTEVO profiles can remain empty.

"But why leave the cells empty when they can be additionally insulated? he explains. — Minus the bridge of cold, plus additional insulation is a double benefit. GENEO uses special extruded polystyrene inserts, so-called thermomodules. Other market players are following a similar path today. A patented solution was created for ARTEVO — LowE profile technology: a special V-shaped profile that separates the reinforcement chamber in the profile in a special way."

LowE profile technology — a special V-shaped profile that separates the reinforcement chamber in the profile and additionally reduces heat loss

Ihor Binkovskyi adds: "At their enterprises, our partners can independently form it and insert it into the sash and frame of the structure, thus achieving excellent energy efficiency indicators while preserving the unique aesthetics of the window."

Thanks to the use of REHAU's patented LowE insert in frames and sashes, a heat transfer coefficient Uf of only 0,79 W/m2K can be achieved. In combination with a two-chamber energy-efficient glass unit, they reach Uw* 0,61 W/m2K and allow to reduce the level of heat loss through the window structure by up to 78%.

Despite the fact that the installation depth of the ARTEVO system has become smaller by 6 mm, the thickness of the glass unit that can be installed has increased to 56 mm. In the case of using a designer planar-combined sash, the thickness of the double-glazed window in it can be an incredible 72 mm. This makes it possible to provide excellent sound insulation and increases energy efficiency.

Oleksandr Manchenko says: "Previously, it was a dilemma to make a quiet, noise-insulating and at the same time warm window. With the ARTEVO system, we managed to combine all important functional properties in one window."

Using ARTEVO systems allows you to get the second class of fracture resistance without metal reinforcement!

*Reduction of heat loss through the window due to the replacement of old wooden/plastic windows manufactured in the 1980s (Uf = 1,9; Ug = 3,0) with ARTEVO max profile windows (Uf = 0,84; Ug = 0,4), the size of the window is 123 x 148 cm.

ARTEVO sashes are narrow and offset flush with the frames, they actually and visually increase the transparent part of the structure

The clear, expressive contours of the ARTEVO profile create unparalleled aesthetics. Increasing the transparent part of the glazing opens up new opportunities for architectural solutions with maximum use of natural light

Turning to the discussion of the system design, Ihor Binkovsky states: architectural tastes in the world are changing, sharper lines and clear geometry prevail in modern and future trends.

"So in ARTEVO we see a clear, cubic design and the Alu Look aesthetic," he explains.

"There is more light in rooms with such systems," adds Oleksandr Manchenko. — This well meets the requirements of customers, for example, from Northern Europe, who are "greedy" for heat and light, because there is always not enough sun there. ARTEVO has everything that architects love so much: it is as transparent and warm as possible. At the same time, it allows to realize the maximum dimensions of the structure among the PVC systems on the market. This is a "legacy" from GENEO."

"Thanks to the special fiber fraction, systems based on the RAU-FIPRO X material allow you to work perfectly with the shape. That is why ARTEVO can not only be bent, but it can be done in gigantic dimensions, while maintaining the necessary rigidity for a good sealing and ensuring the necessary tightness even in non-standard designs. Yes, large structures can be made of aluminum, but if you, for example, need to mount an arch, these advantages are tangible.

We, engineers, always have both hands on proven rectangular shapes, because they always predictably work normally. However, I see the demands of the market with its variety of forms, and ARTEVO does not limit you in this," says the REHAU engineer.

Decor options for ARTEVO - KALEIDO WOODEC with visual and tactile imitation of wood in the color "Amber Oak" and aluminum covers KALEIDO COVER, color Anthrazit

Rather, current building regulations and the weight of the finished glass-transparent structure in a specific project can be a limitation for architects' ideas.

By the way, you will soon be able to familiarize yourself with various options for the use of systems (including non-trivial ones) in the REHAU Windows Solutions showroom. Exhibitions are currently being installed there.

Oleksandr Manchenko: "I I see the demands of the market with its variety of forms, and ARTEVO does not limit you in this"

As for the personalization of spaces and the choice of colors and textures, with ARTEVO systems it is easy to combine different interior and exterior window designs. This makes life easier for architects and interior designers, who can see a window or balcony in the same room in different ways, and allows you to realize any stylistic whims.

Finishing of window systems from the inside and outside can differ according to the idea of the architect, interior designer. ARTEVO House. Visualization using KALEIDO WOODEC decor with visual and tactile imitation of wood and KALEIDO COVER aluminum overlays

The KALEIDO COLOR collection of surface finishes, designed by REHAU, includes KALEIDO COVER aluminum overlays, KALEIDO WOODEC embossed texture and tactile imitation of wood in several options, KALEIDO PAINT with lacquered matt or glossy coating in various shades and KALEIDO FOIL with a base colored film and protective lamination. In total, there are about 2000 decor options.

"From the inside, it can be an ultra-realistic surface for wood, like, for example, WOODEC. It will be perfectly combined with a wooden floor, will be appropriate in Scandinavian interiors, modern lofts. At the same time, if the architect so wishes, it will look like an aluminum window from the outside. A window system for centuries, for which external influences, an aggressive environment do not matter," explains the director of the REHAU Window Solutions business area.

With ARTEVO decoration options, there is no dilemma how to complete the task, if the architect has the same requirements and the space designer completely different

When creating ARTEVO, REHAU also thought out solutions for barrier-free accessibility. There is no limit to the realization of the desired width of the door openings in combination with the RAUCERO zero threshold. Also, the system does not impose restrictions on people with different needs regarding the use of specialized accessories during operation. In particular, to control window, door and sliding systems, you can use special mechanisms, actuators with a lowered handle position, electric closers.

ARTEVO Performance 360° systems are a worthy arsenal for barrier-free solutions. This is the implementation of door openings of the appropriate width in combination with the RAUCERO zero threshold, special fittings for controlling windows, doors, sliding systems

The big factor that Ihor Binkovskyi says "last, but not least" is — environmental friendliness ARTEVO Performance 360°. It deserves a separate section and a small excursion into the past.

Responsibility for the present and the future

The production of recyclate for windows involves a reduction of carbon emissions by 88% in comparison with the production of primary materials

Recycling (reusable use of materials in the production process) is crucial for modern models of economic development, which provide for recovery and rational consumption of resources. This is what all conscious companies in the world are concerned about now or should be concerned about. Especially those whose activity is connected with the use of polymers, derivatives of oil and steel.

The REHAU concern believes in "green" values and has been responsible for preserving the environment for future generations for a long time. Autumn 2020 according to the media agency TBD Media Group and the United Nations, the company was recognized as one of the 50 world leaders in the field of sustainable development and combating climate change. REHAU's global goal is zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Each enterprise and office of the concern is equipped in accordance with the goals of the circular economy. REHAU's most technological plant is located in Wittmund, where profiles from RAU-FIPRO X are manufactured. The company receives the lion's share of energy from renewable sources.

Window solutions that are manufactured in accordance with the goals of sustainable development using REHAU's own recycled materials are marked by the manufacturer with a label EcoPuls. In modern REHAU profile systems, the share of recycled materials is 35–80%.

Thanks to the company's policy and the use of recycled materials, REHAU manages to prevent the production of 100 thousand tons of CO2 emissions per year. To neutralize this amount of carbon in natural conditions, the "breathing" of 8 million trees is required.

REHAU's most technological plant in Wittmund receives the lion's share of energy from renewable sources, which is in line with the goals of the circular economy

ARTEVO is manufactured using valuable recycled material with RAU-FIPRO composite fibers. Contents of secondary raw materials in the system up to 75%

Ihor Binkovsky says: back in the 1980s in Germany, REHAU were the initiators of collecting scraps of window profiles from other manufacturers and partners and reusing them. Then auxiliary profiles for installation, which bear the mechanical load, began to be made from the recycled material. They are invisible in assembled structures, so color or UV resistance is not important for these additional profiles.

The quality of modern recycled PVC is not inferior to the original material, and such PVC can be recycled and used again up to 7 times.

In GENEO systems, this recycling product is placed in the core of the profiles.

Recycled materials are also used to make ARTEVO, but special — the one obtained from GENEO cuttings. So it contains the valuable RAU-FIPRO X composite.

ARTEVO with the EcoPuls label is part of REHAU's circular economy. Due to the content of secondary raw materials up to 75%, the system makes an active contribution to the development of a sustainable future

Thus, due to the materials used, both systems are strong and efficient without the use of a galvanized steel profile, and accordingly have a significantly smaller carbon footprint. In the case of ARTEVO, the vast majority of structures can be produced without metal at all. As a result of these initiatives, an 88% reduction in carbon emissions is achieved compared to the production of a product from virgin PVC, which is a colossal figure.

Oleksandr Manchenko notes that the ARTEVO line includes Max and Terra variations. Visually, they do not differ, but they have better indicators of thermal insulation or environmental friendliness. In particular, the ARTEVO Max variant is a certified passive house component according to Passivhaus standards. If the architect is working on such a project, this leads to a rather strict selection of components.

ARTEVO Terra also has the lowest carbon footprint in the REHAU profile line, as it is created on the basis of bio-PVC and has the highest proportion of recycled materials in the composition - up to 80%.

ARTEVO Terra has the lowest carbon footprint among REHAU profiles, as it is based on bio-PVC. The share of recycled materials in Terra reaches 80%

A well-chosen type of glazing in projects allows the architect to feel more free - this was the opinion voiced by the founder of AIIX STUDIO and llab.design Oleksandr Bosenko in our conversation.

This is the confidence that important functional issues for the building will be resolved. A set of solutions with which it is easy to realize the customer's desire for style, aesthetics and expressiveness, without the need to find compromises. This is more space for truly creative tasks.

But the most important thing is the result for end users — ordinary people in different countries of the world, residents of apartments and houses, visitors to public spaces, employees of institutions and factories.

"Little America", a new multifunctional complex in the city of Kavadarci, North Macedonia. The project is under construction. The profile system ARTEVO Flabu/sash is used in one plane with the frame

Windows for warmth and security, with maximum natural light. Those that create a special mood and coziness in the home are the way you want to see them. Reliable and durable, easy to manage and care for the owner of the house at any age or in any state of health. Windows made of ultra-modern materials that do not contain a single random element and are created with great responsibility for the consumption of resources and the lives of future generations.

All these important criteria and requirements were reflected in the ARTEVO system, which incorporated today's most advanced REHAU developments, the concern's 75-year technological experience, orientations on innovation, invention and an environmentally friendly, efficient economy. ARTEVO has become the embodiment of a new idea of windows that expand the horizon of possibilities to 360° and give a feeling of a new quality of life.

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The ARTEVO system from REHAU: the art of perfecting perfection