Catch us at the Nelson Home Show
Our authorised reseller in Nelson, Richmond Glass, will be showcasing Ambiance windows and doors at the Nelson Home Show, on 18-20 September. Whether you’re renovating or building a new home, bring your questions and let’s talk windows and doors. 📅 18–20 September 📍 Stand 46 🏟️ Saxton Stadium For more info and tickets visit: https://homeandgardenshow.co.nz/event/nelson-home-garden-show/?
Whangaparāoa College Trades Academy: Building the Next Generation of Tradespeople
Whangaparāoa College launched their Trades Academy earlier this year, giving Year 13 students the chance to get real, hands-on experience before they even leave school. It’s the kind of practical learning that makes all the difference once these students step into the workforce, and it’s a programme we’re proud to be part of. Students involved […]
uPVC or PVC: What’s the difference?
Ken explains the difference that little ‘u’ actually makes. ‘Unplasticised’ means the heavy metals and harmful additives are stripped out, so what you get is a safer, more stable material for your home.
What are tilt and turn windows?
Resident Builder, Peter Wolfkamp, talks to Benjy from Ambiance by STÄRKE about uPVC Tilt and Turn windows. In this video, we show how one innovative window system gives you secure ventilation, full opening for access and maximum airflow, and excellent thermal and acoustic comfort, all with a simple one-handle operation.
Is it hard to install uPVC windows?
In this video Peter Woldkamp chats with Terry Bryers, builder and owner of Bruyère Passive Homes, to see how easy it really is. Terry has been building for years and has installed countless windows, but installing Ambiance uPVC windows at his latest build project was far easier and quicker than other systems he’s used before. […]
Visit us at the Auckland Home Show
We’ll be at the Auckland Home Show from 10-13 September, and this year Resident Builder Peter Wolfkamp is joining us. Whether you’re planning a new build or looking to replace your existing windows, bring your questions and let’s talk high performance windows and doors. Peters Q&A sessions: 12:30–1:30pm, Thursday 10th, Friday 11th 11am-12pm, Saturday 12th […]
The look of timber, none of the upkeep: Introducing woodec
We get it. There’s something about timber window frames that just feels good. The warmth, the grain, the character they bring to a home. It’s a look Kiwis have loved for generations. But real timber comes with a catch: the maintenance. The sanding, the repainting, the constant battle against sun, salt air, and rain that […]
Peter talks with builder, Terry, about the ease of installing & using Ambiance uPVC windows and doors
Peter Wolfkamp chats with Terry Bryers of Bruyère Passive Homes to talk all things Ambiance by STÄRKE windows and doors. Based in Auckland, Terry is a certified Passive House builder, who sees Passive House as a template for how homes should be built in the future. For previous builds, Terry was importing uPVC windows and […]
How do uPVC windows improve the warmth of New Zealand homes?
Ambiance by STÄRKE uPVC windows and doors are 48% more thermally efficient than thermally broken aluminium. In a New Zealand home that means fewer cold mornings, fewer temperature swings from room to room, and a house that holds its warmth through the seasons instead of leaking it outside. And it isn’t only about winter. The […]
Why did Platinum Homes Milldale use Ambiance uPVC windows in their show home?
In this video Sam, from Platinum Homes Milldale, discusses the advantages of using Ambiance by STÄRKE uPVC in their office and show home. One of the biggest benefits is the acoustic airtightness blocking out external noise, along with no condensation, they’re not cold to touch, and they help create a really comfortable inside environment.
Join us at BuildNZ
We’re heading to BuildNZ and we’d love to see you there. For those who haven’t been before, BuildNZ is New Zealand’s leading trade event for the building and construction sector, bringing together suppliers, builders, architects, and developers from across the country. Whether you’re a builder, architect, or homeowner curious about uPVC joinery, bring your questions […]
Why Ambiance uPVC windows are a “No-Brainer” choice for a high-performance home
Looking for the secret to a warmer, quieter, and more energy-efficient home? In this video, Anna, the owner of eHaus Manawatu, explains why Ambiance uPVC windows and doors by STÄRKE are a “no-brainer” for anyone building a high-performance home. While aluminum is the standard in New Zealand, Anna highlights that uPVC performs significantly better by […]
Peter Wolfkamp discusses Ambiance by STÄRKE uPVC SmartSlide Sliding Doors
In this video, we explain how SmartSlide technology delivers effortless, soft-close operation, exceptional airtight sealing for better warmth and noise reduction, and advanced multi-point locking for outstanding security. Unlike conventional sliding doors with a single lock point, SmartSlide doors seal tightly around the entire frame, creating a quieter, safer, and more energy-efficient home. See why […]
Modernising a 1910 villa: a uPVC retrofit story
Can you maintain the heritage charm of a 1910 villa while achieving modern thermal performance? In this video, Rohil shares why his family chose uPVC windows over aluminum or timber for their home renovation. Living on a busy main road, noise reduction was a top priority for their young daughter’s sleep, alongside eliminating the draughts […]
Why Tilt & Turn windows? Peter Wolfkamp discovers the most versatile window design
Join Peter Wolfkamp at the Ambiance Experience Centre as he gets hands-on with one of our most versatile innovations, the tilt and turn window. In this quick walkthrough, Peter and Ken explain how this European-style design offers secure ventilation, effortless cleaning, and sleek, modern function, all in one elegant frame. See why more Kiwi homeowners […]
See how a home can be assembled in only 6 days, including the uPVC frames and glazing
We are proud to support Flexi House, and it was great to be onsite at their latest project in Waikanae in May. The discerning homeowners of this high performance build chose Ambiance uPVC windows by STÄRKE after doing their due diligence, including a factory tour, and we can promise that soon they will be experiencing […]
Ambiance by STÄRKE’s window recycling story with Resident Builder Peter Wolfkamp
In under 60 seconds, Peter Wolfkamp breaks down how Ambiance is reducing waste and rethinking the lifecycle of windows. From offcut recovery to fully recyclable uPVC frames, discover how we’re building homes that are not only warmer and quieter, but also kinder to the planet. Ambiance by STÄRKE, it’s not just about performance. It’s about […]
Inside the Ambiance by STÄRKE factory: where windows and doors are created for comfort
Step behind the scenes with Peter Wolfkamp, Resident Builder, for an exclusive look inside the Ambiance by STÄRKE manufacturing facility in Auckland. It’s the engine room of New Zealand’s next generation of high-performance windows and doors! In this factory tour, Peter uncovers the cutting-edge machinery, smart processes, and passionate people behind Ambiance’s locally made uPVC […]
7 Durability Considerations for uPVC Windows in New Zealand for Better Buildings
New Zealand’s diverse climate, ranging from the sunny North to the icy deep South, presents a huge durability challenge for most construction materials. When it comes to window frames, surviving in the face of varying temperatures, high humidity, and exposure to intense sunlight is paramount. In this context, uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) emerges as a […]
Meet our brand ambassador: Peter Wolfkamp
We’re proud to introduce Peter Wolfkamp, New Zealand’s Resident Builder, as a brand ambassador for Ambiance by STÄRKE. Since early 2025, Peter has been part of the Ambiance family, and it’s a partnership that feels like a natural fit. Peter has spent decades championing better building practices and helping everyday New Zealanders understand what it […]
H1 Compliance Genius: R0.74 windows offer design freedom back!
When it comes to H1 Compliance, by far the greater energy savings are possible from the worst performing elements. This seems obvious, right? Ok, answer me this then; if you could increase either your roof or your windows by R0.01, would it make a difference which one you chose? Most people think the logical answer […]
The Bad, Better and Best of H1 Compliance: Schedule, Calculation, or Modelling method
This blog assumes you have a basic knowledge of how the code works; if you want a refresher, please read through our other blogs here. Also note that this blog covers H1/AS1 (Acceptable Solution). There are other methods of demonstrating H1 Compliance without using an acceptable solution, but these are rare. What are the three […]
The Game Is Changing; Will You Be Ready? How Building Code Changes To H1/AS1 Affect Windows And Doors
Updated 18th July 2022. Immediately after MBIE has published their outcome of the consultation to delay the proposed changes to H1/AS1 Version 5. Read their document HERE De-mystifying The Building Code Changes For Windows And Doors A direct, informal summary, using colloquial and easy to understand language, for everybody out there. For architects, builders, fabricators, the […]
Window installation in NZ; the one big mistake commonly made in New Zealand
Good quality windows and doors deserve a good quality window installation. And that means they should be installed recessed into your wall; not hung out over the cladding as is so commonly done! In other words, the warm barrier down the middle of the glass and down the middle of the frame needs to be […]
What is a good R-value for windows in New Zealand?
A good R-value for a window in New Zealand is R0.65 to R0.8. You can achieve this with: How do I know the R-value for my windows? The R-values of windows are made up of two important factors, both of which you can ask to change or specify. (Also note that you may come across […]
