The world of windows has significantly changed over the past twenty years, and it's not just a matter of design, but also materials and construction. A top-notch manufacturer can design and produce a profile whose construction does not necessarily require thick walls, but rather a high-quality material formula and technology. Windows have firmly established themselves on the pedestal of a functional and simultaneously architectural element of every building. Manufacturers themselves are adapting to this trend. It wasn't long ago that the German company REHAU introduced the second generation of composite material RAU-FIPRO X to the market, which particularly bewildered manufacturers of aluminum profiles, who suddenly had a highly ambitious competitor alongside them, especially in terms of window element sizes. And now, five years later, the latest generation of window profiles made from composite material RAU-FIPRO X is entering the market under the name ARTEVO.
Unique, Innovative, Visionary
ARTEVO has been developed to showcase the best that customers can expect from a modern window today. Yet it remains among the "plastic elite," with all the advantages that plastic windows keep at the top of all window sales. Namely, unequivocally the best thermal insulation properties, minimal maintenance requirements, a vast array of designs, and last but not least, the size of window elements. At first glance, ARTEVO is characterized by a minimalist design that fits into a construction depth of 80 mm, and as a result, shares a common platform with the successful SYNEGO system. This has its advantages – it simplifies production. All additional profiles, glazing beads, and even door thresholds are simply the same. The ARTEVO window profile evokes a feeling of complete integration of glazing, the frame element, and the surroundings. One variant of ARTEVO features a flush design of profiles without prominent radii.
Yes, the sharply cut lines evoke the subtle and elegant design of aluminum constructions. But that was exactly the point here. To allow for the design of systems that are not only technically and user-wise at the top, but are also available at a more favorable price (compared to aluminum). It is clear, however, that the main goal of the developers has become the design. Simple, symmetrical, simply minimalist. The extremely slim overhangs on the outer side of the frame (10 mm) and the sash (11 mm) with small radii and a low slope angle draw attention. The designers paid great attention to every detail of the profile construction. For example, standardized glazing beads with a visually similar shape on the inside appear elegant. ARTEVO can also appeal to demanding customers who prefer a combination of different materials. The offer includes aluminum cladding, which, together with the colored body of the profiles and the KALEIDO WOODEC system, can create the most effective "wood-aluminum" windows, also in completely new dimensions.
Properties and Technology
The streamlined appearance and direct lines of ARTEVO stem from the new profile construction, which relies on the unique properties of the composite material RAU - FIPRO X. Glass fibers strengthen the profile's construction and increase its torsional rigidity, limit shrinkage, and ensure shape stability under all conditions, including high temperatures that window systems are subject to. Also beneficial are new ideas, such as integrated reinforced chambers, which also increase shape stability. Therefore, it will be very easy to design larger window systems without reinforcements. The maximum sash height remains at 2.8 meters (when using reinforcement and laminated glass) and the maximum glazing thickness of the frame and sash is 56 mm. However, ARTEVO will also offer a second variant with a glazing thickness flush with the sash of 72 mm. As can be seen, the system's variability is wide. The surface treatment of the profile HDF, which facilitates cleaning and primarily extends color stability by repelling dirt, has proven effective in the past. But that's not all. ARTEVO boasts a thermal transmittance coefficient of up to Uf = 0.83 W/m²K, which, of course, deserves a full certification for all low-energy and especially passive houses.
Energy Efficient and More
Especially nowadays, attention is focused on energy balance. As already hinted, ARTEVO ranks at the top in this regard. The unique thermal insulation properties are positively influenced by the composite material, but also the new profile construction with newly designed distribution of internal chambers. Whether with reinforcement or not. A complete novelty is the innovative technology that uses a special LowE foil integrated into the internal profile chamber instead of the traditional thermal module. E in this case stands for emissivity.
When developing ARTEVO, REHAU also thought about ecology. Therefore, the proportion of recycled material in the profile ranges from 40 to 75%. It depends on several factors, such as the size of the profile. Primary material is only used on visible surfaces. The ARTEVO concept also includes a new shape of the area for installing hardware, which is more resistant to prying. As a result, ARTEVO may achieve security class up to RC3.
It wouldn't be REHAU without offering a range of interesting addons and accessories. Almost like in the showroom of a premium car manufacturer. You can assemble a window system to your liking. Whether it's the minimalist design handle LINEA, the zero threshold RAUCERO, SMART GUARD for enhanced security, or the fall protection system SKYFORCE. The top offer in some markets concludes with SMART PRIVACY (one touch = instant privacy) or SMART SHADING – gradual dimming of the glazing.