Rooms & Views embraces latest innovation in high-performance windows – Zero|90

R&V recently secured a huge contract to install Liniar windows and doors on a 250-plot Taylor Wimpey development in Gloucester. The project will be the first for R&V supplying windows from Liniar’s 90mm Passivhaus-capable, ultra energy efficient Zero|90 range, which launched in January 2023. We caught up with CEO Kevin McClure to discuss his decision to begin offering the new system and the benefits he believes it will deliver to R&V customers.

High energy performance requirements

Kevin states, “We decided to begin fabricating Zero|90 as soon as we could after launch, as we fully understand new buildings will need to be much more energy efficient once the Future Homes Standards become mandatory in 2025. We want both ourselves and our customers to be prepared for incoming tighter legislation well in advance.

“The Zero|90 system offers some of the best U-Value capabilities available and with our excellent reputation and established presence in the new-build sector, we’re well-placed to take it to market.”

R&V is due to start work on the Gloucester development within weeks at an expected pace of around 16 plots per quarter. Commenting on the customer’s performance specifications Kevin tells us, “A U-Value of 0.78 was required for the windows, which we couldn’t achieve efficiently using a 70mm profile as the customer also wants a decorative feature in the glazing which impacts whole-window thermal performance.

“We knew the 90mm Zero|90 system could easily deliver the energy efficiency we needed, while providing the additional benefits of superior acoustic performance and whole life carbon reductions. This led us to deciding casement windows from the Zero|90 range offered the best solution for the project.

Innovative design

Liniar has a reputation for excellent design innovation, as noted by Kevin when discussing R&V’s commitment to using Liniar products.

He tells us, “We’ve always been impressed by Liniar’s attention to detail and the clever design features on their profiles. For example, their Zero|90 casement window system features a double Eurogroove, enabling the use of heavy-duty hardware which improves the load bearing capabilities, necessary for the use of high-performance triple glazed units.

Independent testing 

R&V has garnered a reputation as a trusted supplier of premium quality products, an achievement Kevin is both proud of and keen to maintain.

He explains, “At R&V we pride ourselves on providing verifiable quality assurances and complete peace of mind to our customers. One of the ways we achieve this is to carry out rigorous, independent product testing in addition to that already carried out by our suppliers.

“As such, we’ve already put Zero|90 through its paces with weather, security and energy testing. The system passed everything with flying colours, achieving Secured by Design accreditation as well as the highest possible weather rating!”

Prospects on the horizon

With a substantial contract already secured, R&V sees big potential for offering Zero|90 to its customers.

Kevin states, “We’re already quoting the supply of Zero|90 for other jobs. The transition towards Net Zero societies is resulting in much more stringent energy performance requirements and means new-build developers will need to future-proof themselves against incoming regulations. Liniar have developed a system that’s well ahead of the game in that respect.

“For us it feels like a natural progression to begin offering a 90mm system to complement our existing range and ensure we have solutions that meet our customers’ diverse needs.

“In addition to Zero|90 Liniar has developed Zero|90R, which features a clever rebate allowing a 90mm window to sit where a 70mm window has been removed, without the need for difficult and disruptive plaster work. It’s unique in the market, and something we’ll be considering further down the line for the retrofit market.”

In conclusion Kevin tells us, “We’re excited to be expanding our range with such an innovative and high-performing product as Zero|90. The business we’ve already secured and the considerable interest we’re seeing gives us reassurance that we’ve made the right decision. Working closely with our distribution partner Europlas and their network of trade counters, we’re in a strong position to roll out this latest addition to our customers.