Plastic with depth effect

Frame manufacturer Schipper Kozijnen and system supplier profine (the company behind the K-VISION Kozijnen brand) have been working together for years with sustainability and efficient working methods as starting points. These points come together in the THEMA-dreven renovation project in Utrecht.

In Utrecht's Overvecht neighborhood, many apartment buildings are being renovated step by step. This construction project provides material for future projects. The old window frames of 432 apartments will be used as raw material for the 100% circular K-VISION ReFrame window frames. Jappe Dekker, Head of Sales Business Market at Schipper Kozijnen: "In coordination with Profine, we are harvesting an awful lot of window frames here. At the CJ-dreven (Cleopatradreef and Jeanne d'Arcdreef) this involved 2,096 pieces totaling 141,320 kilos. At the THEMA drives, it was 2,500 pieces with about 170,000 kilograms of profiles."   

These old profiles are fully used for the circular ReFrame window frame made of 100% recycled plastic. Schipper Kozijnen was involved in the development of this unique product from the very beginning. K-VISION ReFrame has high-quality properties such as high insulation value and long lifespan. The lifespan of the recycled window frames is at least fifty years, assures Remco van Overdijk, Technical Manager of K-VISION Kozijnen | profine Nederland. "But even by then they can be completely reused again. You can recycle the material over and over again. So they will easily last a few hundred years."

Unique color

Different materials are used in the facades of the THEMA drives to create the depth effect desired by the Planning Commission. Van Overdijk: "The K-VISION Trend window frames were chosen here. The development of this profile with depth effect has revolutionized the plastic window frame industry. Nowadays, the straight corner connection is also indispensable. In 85% of cases this profile is chosen, and not without reason!" It is also possible to achieve excellent insulation values. "We have an innovative tinting system called proCoverTec©. Here the paint is applied with a vacuum technique. This gives the window frames a matte satin look and feel. In addition, proCoverTec offers several additional benefits, such as reduced heat absorption and a dirt-repellent layer. Thus, they are extra low-maintenance. Many architects prefer this method because it also allows for a wide range of special colors." Says Dekker, "Together with Profine, the architect and the aesthetics committee, we developed a new, unique project color that exactly matches the other colors and materials used." In addition, integrated solar screens were used. "These blend very nicely into the design and operate on solar energy."

Lean & mean working

Dekker: "We always agree with each other that the deliveries from Profine correspond with the various production and assembly phases, so that we can work as efficiently as possible. In addition, as with the CJ drives, we work with prefabricated elements in which the frames are placed. Then these elements are assembled in their entirety." The result is a working method that is "lean & mean. As a result, residents can enjoy their renovated homes as quickly as possible, which, thanks in part to the K-VISION window frames, receive an A+ energy label. After a lifespan of at least 50 years, the window frames can be recycled over and over again by Profine. A real sustainable choice.