Very large glass areas, extremely slim profiles and flat sills. But also: high insulation values and a unique use of color. In their designs, architects like to seek out the edges of what is technically possible. For Profine, the company behind plastic window frame brand K-VISION, this is no problem at all. "With the K-VISION series Classic, Trend, Cube and Cube-City, available through our partner frame manufacturers, we offer a suitable and very high-quality frame solution for every architectural style," says Remco van Overdijk, technical account manager at profine Netherlands. "Moreover, we are highly committed to sustainability, circularity and innovation. Our innovative proCoverTec color coating and 100% circular ReFrame frame profile underline this."
For architects who aspire to clean lines and a flat aluminum look, Profine offers the K-VISION Classic window frames. "These window frames find eager demand in schools, offices and practice rooms, among others," Van Overdijk said.
"Although the name may suggest otherwise, Classic is fully adapted to today's requirements. For example with regard to sound and thermal insulation, while the design has retained its characteristic flat character." Those who want a little more depth can indulge themselves with frame series Trend. "The development of this profile, with a 15° bevel all around, has revolutionized the plastic window frame industry. The profile is used in many housing projects, from new construction to renovation, and is available in many profile variations."
K-VISION Cube is the only plastic window frame in the Netherlands with a 90° angle on both sides and top. "Combined with a 15° beveled lower sill, the window frame is indistinguishable from wood," Van Overdijk said. "The straight joint in the corners completes this wood look." Cube-City offers exactly the same properties but in combination with a sash window, as you regularly see in Amsterdam canal houses and rustic country houses and farmhouses. "What is unique here is that the technology and comfort of a modern pivot system are combined with the historic look of the sliding window, including the staggered glass surface and the unique straight profile shape."
Those who choose K-VISION Classic, Trend, Cube and/or Cube-City are assured of the best possible appearance, with all the conveniences of plastic. Think minimal maintenance and maximum insulation performance, for example. "The K-VISION window frames contribute to a low energy bill and a pleasant indoor climate, thanks to their excellent thermal properties," says Van Overdijk. "Depending on the design, Uw-values of about 1.1 W/m2K with double glazing and even about 0.8 W/m2K with triple glazing are possible. With these Uw values, the BENG requirements of a maximum heat transfer of 1.65 W/m2K are far exceeded."
Upon request, all K-VISION frame series can also be fire-resistant, in 30 and 60 minutes (EW/EI classification). "The window frames are available in a wide range of colors, including our innovative proCoverTec color coating. What is also unique is the durability of our window frames. Not only saw waste and leftover pieces, but also old window frames from demolition or renovation projects are actively collected by us and processed into granulate, which we reuse as a raw material. At profine, nothing is thrown away or downgraded. Raw materials are reused at an equivalent level in our production, without sacrificing quality. Thus, all our products have a functional life of at least 50 years!"
In 2019 and 2020, an independent certification body meticulously analyzed and recorded Profine's recycling streams.
"On this basis, in the spring of 2020 and as the very first system supplier, we were able to receive the Kiwa Covenant Circular Enterprise. A great appreciation and proof of our company goal, namely to contribute to a better world with K-VISION window frames. In the market we see a rapidly growing demand from contractors, clients and architects to build (fully) circular. K-VISION demonstrably matches that."
By now, Profine's entire K-VISION product range can be manufactured with circular granulate to a greater or lesser extent. "The percentage depends, among other things, on the type of profile and the amount of recycled material available at any given time," Van Overdijk emphasizes.
"Since the beginning of 2020, we even have a frame profile made 100% from recycled material: K-VISION ReFrame. This frame profile possesses the same technical properties as a 'virgin' profile, with the exception of UV resistance. To ensure this stability as well, the profile is coated all around with the proCoverTec color coating. This also resulted in a luxurious, matte look and feel, which is highly appreciated by the market."