High Performance Home Tour - Project Entry 8
Gemini Quadrat Aluclad Windows & Triple-Pane Lift-and-Slide Door System
Built by Newphire Building Corp., and designed by architect Arielle C. Schechter, AIA, this completed 2,907 sq ft, three-bedroom residence is one of the most technically ambitious entries on the High Performance Home Tour. From airtight construction to a robust solar energy array, every system in the home has been engineered to perform — and the fenestration package from Eurostar is no exception.
A Whole-Home Approach to Performance
Entry #8 sets a high bar for integrated high-performance design. The home achieves an exceptional airtightness rating of 1 ACH @ 50 pascals, supported by robust insulation values — R10 sealed crawl, R24 walls, and R49 roof. A 15.48 kW solar array with two Franklin batteries provides 30kW of energy storage, while a 21 SEER variable-speed heat pump and Renewaire EV200 Energy Recovery Ventilator ensure fresh, healthy indoor air year-round. Passive solar orientation and deep overhangs further reduce energy demand by design. The specifications make one thing clear: this home was built to perform at every level, and fenestration was central to achieving those goals.
The Fenestration Package: Gemini Quadrat Aluclad with Triple Pane
Eurostar supplied the home with the Gemini Quadrat wood-aluminum clad window system — a premium aluclad solution combining solid European pine interiors with a durable aluminum exterior. The result is a window that delivers warmth and character on the inside while standing up to long-term weather exposure on the outside, without compromise to thermal performance.
All units feature triple-pane glazing, which plays a direct role in the home's airtight envelope strategy. Triple-pane systems significantly reduce heat loss, minimize condensation risk, and contribute to acoustic comfort — qualities that align naturally with the home's energy recovery and passive solar design.
The window and door handles selected for the project carry through that precision: Alamaro hardware in brass was specified for the lift-and-slide door, while Ala handles were used on the windows — both chosen for their refined European detailing and durability.
The Centerpiece: A 24 ft Wide Lift-and-Slide Door
Perhaps the most striking element of the fenestration package is the Lift-and-Slide door system — a massive 24 ft wide by 8 ft tall unit that opens the living area directly to the woods beyond. A companion set of three windows positioned above the door brings even more light into the living space, creating a bright, view-centered interior that connects seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Lift-and-slide door systems are engineered for smooth, effortless operation at scale. Despite their size, they maintain the airtight seal required for a home targeting this level of energy performance. The system also features a 12 ft x 8 ft triple-pane unit positioned to face the woods, reinforcing the home's connection to its site while continuing to support the thermal envelope.
Fenestration as a Building Science Tool
In a home this tightly engineered, windows and doors are not afterthoughts — they are critical components of the building science strategy. The Gemini Quadrat aluclad systems and triple-pane glazing work in concert with the home's mechanical systems, insulation, and passive design to achieve the kind of performance that the High Performance Home Tour was created to celebrate.
Entry #8 is a compelling example of how thoughtful fenestration specification, paired with a committed builder and a performance-minded design team, can bring both beauty and building science together in a single home.
