High-performance windows are a critical component of any energy-efficient building project. Last month we talked about smartwin™ by Advantage Architectural Woodwork. Advantage offers three smartwin™ window models. Those brands are designed to meet different performance requirements, aesthetic preferences, and budget considerations. In this article, we’ll explore the unique properties of smartwin COMPACT®, smartwin SOLAR®, and smartwin ARCTIC® to help you understand which option might be best for your project.
It is important to note that for all 3 brands: Made in USA!
- They have the same interior and exterior color and finish options. The finishes include stains and low VOC paint for the interior. The exterior has standard anodize Aluminum, or high performance Kynar paint. Other options include wood exteriors or cladding in HPL like Trespa or Richlite materials with extreme durability. Trespa and Richlite should be trademarked.
- The swing and lift/slide doors are the same for all 3 brands and are called smartwin “entrance” and “sliding”.
- All are designed so that they can be over-insulated from the exterior and there are some design considerations that are important to be mindful of. Triple glazing is the standard!
- Because they are designed to be over-insulated, the exterior look is very modern as the frames on the legs (jambs) and head appear to be essentially nonexistent from the exterior with very slim exterior lines at the head and legs. You can also case it in a traditional look, though, should you desire. High-quality wood and coatings make these not only functional, but beautiful too!
smartwin COMPACT®: The Foundation of Excellence
Smartwin COMPACT® (simply known as “Compact”) serves as the foundation of the smartwin® family, offering impressive thermal performance with a robust design. Smartwin COMPACT® is ideal for projects where budget considerations are paramount while still requiring exceptional thermal performance.
Key Features:
- Frame Performance: U-value of 0.125
- Overall Performance: Uw = 0.11 with Ug = 0.091
- Frame + Sash Profile: 86mm (3-3/8″)
- Aesthetic: Solid, traditional profile with consistent sightlines between fixed and operable units
- Glazing Options: High SHGC (0.54), Low SHGC (0.31), and custom options
Unique Properties: COMPACT® is the baseline for which we will compare SOLAR® and ARCTIC®
smartwin SOLAR®: Sleek Contemporary Design
smartwin SOLAR® elevates performance and aesthetics with a slimmer profile and enhanced features. smartwin SOLAR® is perfect for projects where a more contemporary look is desired with maximized glass area and daylight, all while maintaining exceptional thermal performance.
Key Features:
- Frame Performance: Improved U-value of 0.118
- Overall Performance: Uw = 0.11 with Ug = 0.091 (same excellent performance as COMPACT)
- Frame + Sash Width: Slimmer 77mm (3″) with narrower mullions
- Aesthetic: More contemporary look with consistent sightlines between fixed and operable units
- Pricing: Approximately 12% increase over COMPACT
Unique Properties:
- Industry-leading, slimmer mullions for more glass area
- Narrower frame/sash for enhanced aesthetics
- Narrow lower sill rain rail as standard
Smartwin ARCTIC®: North America’s Highest Performing Window
As the premium offering, smartwin ARCTIC® represents the pinnacle of window technology, boasting the highest thermal performance in North America. These windows are the ultimate choice for projects in extreme climates, where every fraction of thermal performance matters, or for those committed to the absolute best in sustainability and energy efficiency.
Key Features:
- Frame Performance: Superior U-value of 0.095
- Overall Performance: Uw = 0.10 with Ug = 0.091
- Frame + Sash Width: 77mm (3″) with narrow posts (same slim profile as SOLAR)
- Aesthetic: Contemporary look with consistent sightlines
- Pricing: Approximately 28% increase over COMPACT
- Innovation: World’s first Passiv Haus window specifically designed for cold climates
Unique Properties:
- Recycled PET foam used for exterior of frame
- North America’s highest-performing window (Made in USA)
- All the aesthetic benefits of SOLAR with even better thermal performance
Choosing the Right smartwin® Window for Your Project
When to Choose smartwin COMPACT®:
- When working with tighter budgets while still requiring excellent performance
- For projects where a more substantial frame aesthetic is acceptable or preferred
When to Choose smartwin SOLAR®:
- For contemporary designs prioritizing slim profiles and maximized glass area
- When increased solar gains from additional daylight are desired
- Where the narrow mullions and posts would enhance architectural aesthetics
- For projects with moderate budget flexibility (12% premium over COMPACT)
- Climate zones 6 and higher
When to Choose smartwin ARCTIC®:
- For projects in extreme cold climates
- When pursuing the absolute highest performance standards
- Where sustainability is paramount (featuring recycled PET foam)
- For showcase projects highlighting cutting-edge building technology
- When budget allows for premium performance (approximately 28% premium over COMPACT)
- Climate zones 6 and higher
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our team is ready to help you evaluate which smartwin option best meets your specific needs for thermal performance, aesthetics, and budget. We can walk you through your options for smartwin and other energy-efficient choices. Contact our team to discuss your project requirements or for any other Passiv Haus topic to increase the efficiency of your upcoming project! aesthetics, and budget. We can walk you through your options for smartwin and other energy-efficient choices. Contact our team to discuss your project requirements or for any other Passiv Haus topic to increase the efficiency of your upcoming project!