Glazing the way for better homes

APL Window Solutions is New Zealand’s largest manufacturer of windows and doors. Their products are used in homes and businesses nationwide, delivering natural light, improved energy efficiency, and critical protection from the elements.

For years, APL has offered a well-structured product range to suit high-end, mid-range, and everyday homes. Nearly 20 years ago, they introduced their first thermal product at the mid-range level, which was considered premium at the time. An entry-level option followed, expanding access to energy-efficient joinery. But the top-end range remained unchanged, as thermal technology had primarily been developed for the mid-market.

As demand for higher-performing windows and doors grew, APL saw an opportunity to innovate – well before new H1 standards came into play.

“We’d never thermally enhanced our top-end range, and we knew that needed to change,” says David Burggraaf. “Even before the H1 updates were confirmed, we could see the industry shifting, so we took the opportunity to redesign the entire range.”

The result was a complete upgrade, bringing advanced thermal technology to every level and setting a new benchmark for performance. APL re-engineered each product line to create a seamless, high-performance system:

• APL Architectural Series ThermalHeart+ – designed for large-scale windows and doors in high-end homes and commercial spaces, offering maximum strength and durability for oversized openings and demanding environments.

• Metro Series ThermalHeart+– a premium option for modern homes, schools, and institutional buildings, balancing sleek design with enhanced thermal performance and weather resistance.
• Residential Series ThermalHeart+ – an energy-efficient choice for everyday homes, providing excellent insulation and durability while maintaining a refined, contemporary look.

A home’s windows and doors do more than let in light – they shape its style, comfort, and efficiency. APL’s three-tiered ThermalHeart+ range gives homeowners the flexibility to choose the right products for each space while still maintaining a cohesive design.

“We spent a lot of time making sure the sightlines remain uniform, even when mixing different product types,” says David. “That way, everything looks like it belongs together – no compromises.”

David explains it’s the first time in the history of aluminium joinery in New Zealand there’s been totally compatible range from top to bottom. 

“Because the ranges share a consistent design language, you can choose products based on function and performance, without worrying about them looking mismatched or out of place,” he says. 

This flexibility is especially valuable in modern home design, where large sliding doors and expansive glass panels are common. For example, extra-large sliding doors may require the added strength of Metro or Architectural Series joinery, while other areas of the home can use the Residential Series without sacrificing performance. The result is a fully customised solution that balances design with durability.

David likens the system to LEGO – a set of pieces that all fit together, allowing homeowners and architects to get creative while ensuring everything works as a cohesive whole. This balance is particularly important in New Zealand, where homes often feature large expanses of glass to capture views and create seamless indoor-outdoor flow. 

For an enhanced glazing solution, APL also offers The AGP System with Solux Ultra. This advanced double-glazed unit features high-performing LowE glass that delivers increased solar control while retaining exceptional clarity. Ideal for homes with a high window-to-wall ratio, Solux Ultra helps prevent overheating in summer, retains warmth during winter, and protects against fading—all without the need for tinted glass.

New Zealand’s climate can be tough on homes, and not all windows and doors are built to handle it. That’s why APL designs and tests its products right here in New Zealand, ensuring they’re made to perform in local conditions. 

At the heart of this process is APL’s award-winning Centre of Innovation in Hamilton – a state-of-the-art research, development, and testing facility where new technology is put through its paces. Every product is rigorously tested to not just meet but exceed the country’s strictest building standards.

“We’ve been designing windows and doors for New Zealand homes for over 50 years,” says David. “People often ask why we don’t just use European joinery, but the reality is that it’s not fit for purpose here. We have more windows, bigger doors, and we need products that can handle strong sun, salt spray, high wind, and heavy rain.”

David explains that while imported products might work well in their own climates, that doesn’t always translate well in New Zealand. “A window made for a German apartment or a factory in China might perform well there, but bring it here, and it’s a different story,” he says. 

“Our UV levels are some of the highest in the world, and coastal exposure can be brutal. That’s why we design for durability – making sure our joinery lasts, even in the harshest environments.”

At Landmark Homes, we create homes that are not only beautiful but built to last. Quality materials and expert craftsmanship are at the heart of every build, which is why we partner with industry leaders like APL. Their ThermalHeart+ range is the perfect fit – offering high-performance joinery that enhances both comfort and energy efficiency without compromising on design.

With APL’s locally designed, precision-engineered windows and doors, Landmark homeowners can enjoy warmer, drier, and more efficient homes, no matter the climate or location.

Whether you're planning your first family home or designing your forever dream home, Landmark Homes and APL provide the perfect balance of style, durability, and year-round comfort.

Contact your local Landmark Homes team to learn how we can incorporate premium products like ThermalHeart+ into your design.