Residence 9 PVCu window system – Q&A

July 15, 2013

John Cowie, editor of trade magazine Windows Active interviews Dekko’s Sales Manager Kurt Greatrex on the features and benefits of Residence 9, Dekko’s latest product:

Hi Kurt. First, could you briefly explain what Residence 9 is?

Residence 9 is a luxury nine-chambered PVCu window system that is designed to replicate a 19th-century flush sash timber window. It’s a high-end product that’s particularly suited to jobs in the heritage market.

Why did Dekko decide to introduce Residence 9 to your product range?

There’s a real opportunity for growth in the high-end sector and we wanted to offer our customers a product that would enable them to compete in this market. While the poor economic climate has affected the middle to lower end in recent years, wealthy consumers are spending more than ever before and luxury brands are reaping the benefits. Residence 9 is genuinely one of the best products we’ve seen and we predict the system is going to be a huge seller for Dekko and our customers.

Can you tell us some more about the authentic features of Residence 9?

Residence 9 is mechanically jointed to replicate the joints used on traditional timber windows, and it can be supplied in a wide range of textures and colours that give the appearance of painted timber. With our R9 window, we use astragal bars that have the same depth as the bead, giving a more authentic look. Traditional hardware such as monkeytail handles can also be incorporated. It’s the most authentic system on the market and installers can use it to win business in a variety of markets.

What sort of properties do you see R9 going into?

Residence 9 looks just as great installed in a town house as it does in more traditional properties, and the authentic features will help installers appeal to consumers who want a high-end luxury window. The system is perfect for today’s busy homeowner as it has all the traditional charm of timber but because it’s made from a modern composite material it’s incredibly easy to maintain. This will help installers sell to homeowners who want the look of timber without the hassle – and the price!

Is there a Residence 9 door as well?

Yes, we offer a fully glazed door, a French door and a composite with the Solidor slab. By offering these alongside the window installers can then offer their customers a high-end door that will completely match their new Residence 9 PVCu windows.

Is there a triple glazing option?

Yes, the window can accommodate a 44mm triple glazed sealed unit.

What about the windows thermal performance?

R9 can achieve a U-value of just 0.8 W/m2K, meaning it is one of the most energy efficient windows on the market today. This will appeal to architects who are often striving to achieve the ‘greenest’ possible designs.

Do you think installer interest for Residence 9 is there?

There was a real buzz around R9 when it was displayed at the FIT Show and many of the installers we spoke to could see it selling into the heritage market. We’re embarking on a big marketing campaign to raise awareness of the product and have already received a staggering response from our recent R9 email campaign – with over 100 leads generated in just five days. So, yes, we believe the interest is definitely there.

Do you have any marketing support tools on offer for installers?

Yes, there is a high quality R9 brochure that is available to all our trade customers. We also offer point of sale stickers, a planning and conservation leaflet and we’ve developed a new website that’s generating retail leads for us to pass onto customers.

Are you prepared for future demand for the system?

We are currently manufacturing R9 from our 28,000 sq ft factory in Cheshire, where we have the capacity to fabricate several hundred windows and doors per week. Later in the year, we plan to open a new manufacturing facility to concentrate fully on R9 while our existing factory will cater for our Deceuninck windows and doors as before.

For more information about the Residence 9 PVCu window systems speak to Kurt by calling 0161 406 0055 or enquire here.