When Anna Wilson, owner of eHaus Manawatu, set out to build an eHaus for her family, her goal was clear: to create a home using high-performance building principles. For Anna, a high-performing home is one that intentionally prioritises energy efficiency and comfort, and she knew that her choice of windows and doors would be critical in achieving that.
In 2025, Anna completed a three bedroom, two bathroom home in Palmerston North that meets the eHaus Pacific performance standard. She included the Ambiance uPVC fixed windows, tilt windows, along with the Smartslide and front entry doors.
In New Zealand, aluminum windows are the standard, but Anna notes that this makes our country an “outlier” compared to places like Europe, where uPVC is the most widely used joinery material.
Anna describes choosing Ambiance uPVC windows as a “no-brainer” because they act as a vital barrier in the building envelope, which is typically a home’s biggest thermal weakness. Unlike aluminum, uPVC does not transfer heat or cold from the outside into the home. After living in her house for five months, the results are clear. As Anna puts it:
“We’ve had some pretty cold nights and cold mornings and we’ve had zero condensation.”
Beyond the thermal benefits, the Ambiance uPVC units have also created an oasis for Anna and her family. Visitors often comment on how quiet and calm the indoor environment is, especially when compared to stepping out onto the deck and hearing the traffic over the back fence.
Anna also highlighted the security of the units, dispelling the misconception that uPVC is not as strong as metal. During construction, the home was subject to an attempted break-in.
“They attempted a break-in… with a crowbar on one of the sliding doors and they couldn’t get in… it is very secure.”
One of the key reasons Anna chose Ambiance uPVC for her home was the recessed flashing kit. This system allowed for straightforward installation where the windows and doors were perfectly lined up with the insulation in the walls, further increasing the thermal performance of the units.
While uPVC can be more costly upfront than standard aluminum, Anna views it as a vital long-term investment. By locking in the home’s comfortable temperature, she has reduced the need to run a heat pump constantly, leading to ongoing energy savings.
The difference in comfort is most noticeable when she leaves her home. “We notice a big difference when we’re out and about… at cafes or visiting friends,” Anna says. “The environment, the comfort level is just different. I can’t imagine living in a minimum code built home anymore.”
We’re proud to supply eHaus with Ambiance uPVC windows and doors for their high performing and Passive House projects, and even prouder that Anna, the eHaus Manawatu owner, chose our windows for her own home.
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Anna Wilson, Homeowner
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